PHYSICS

Head of Science: Mrs A Bushill

This is a dynamic, ancient and modern subject, which focuses on our environment.  The greatest attraction of studying Physics is that it brings you into a closer relationship with nature.  The subject requires knowledge and understanding.  Students will get more justification and explanation of concept than at GCSE.  It is an excellent problem solving subject.

Which syllabus do we study?
 We follow the Edexcel Syllabus 8540 (AS) 9540 (A2)

Course Content as from September 2008

AS level (1st year) A2 level (2nd year)

Unit 1 (PHYA1): Particles, Quantum Phenomena and Electricity

1 ¼ hours written  examination 

40% total AS Marks

20% of total A Level marks

Unit 4 (PHYA4): Fields and Further Mechanics

1 ¾  hours written  examination 

Section A is multiple choice questions

Section B is structured questions

20% of total A Level marks

Unit 2 (PHYA2): Mechanics, Materials and Waves

1 ¼ hours written  examination 

40% of total AS Marks

 20% of total A Level marks

Unit 5 (PHYA5):
One of the topics: Astrophysics, Medical Physics, Applied Physics or Turning Point in Physics

1 ¾  hours written examination 

20% of total A Level marks

Unit 3 (PHYA3): Investigative and Practical Skills in AS Physics

Centre assessed unit

20% total AS Marks

10% of total A Level marks

Unit 6 (PHYA6): Investigative and Practical Skills in A2 Physics

Centre assessed unit

10% of total A Level marks

 

REQUIREMENTS

 Students undertaking either course are expected to have gained at least a grade B in GCSE Dual Award Science and a similar grade in GCSE Mathematics on the higher paper. 

 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

 All the Key Skills are delivered and assessed through the study of Physics.  They are: Communication, Information Technology;  Application of Numbers;  Working with Others; Improving own Learning and Performance and Problem Solving.

 The course is a sound preparation for studies  on degree-level courses in Physics and related sciences, engineering, medicine and biotechnology, as well as chemical engineering, social sciences and related subjects.

 The pupils’ studies will lead them to consider ethical issues relating to the use of Physics knowledge and its applications  and the potential for affecting the environment from a local to global level.

Science Home Page

USEFUL WEBSITES FOR SCIENCE

http://www.nhm.ac.uk (The Natural History Museum)

http://www.nmsi.ac.uk/welcome.html (The Science Museum)

http://www.nasa.gov

http://www.newscientist.com

http://www.vega.org.uk

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St George's School, Wells Lane, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7DZ  Telephone: 01344 629900
E-mail: office@stgeorges-ascot.org.uk