Core subject - Examination Board used AQA ~ Tiers available: Higher and Foundation
What is GCSE Physics all about?
GCSE Physics involves the study of:
Physical Laws,
Natural Phenomena,
Technological Applications,
Economic, Environmental & Philosophical Ideas
Examples of areas you will study: Forces and motion, Electricity, Waves and radiation, Energy resources and energy transfer, Magnetism and electromagnetism, Radioactivity and particles, Light and optics, Stars
In Physics lessons you will carry out experiments and investigations, discuss demonstrations and study theory. Preparations that are set frequently include practice questions and calculations.
How does it follow on from what I have learnt before?
Your GCSE course builds on the work that you have completed in the first three Forms. There are some new topics introduced; these usually develop from the ideas that you have studied at Key Stage 3.
Why do I study GCSE Physics?
Physics is a fascinating subject. It encompasses the study of the tiniest known particles of matter right out to the behaviour of the entire known Universe. It has many exciting frontiers – where we are at the limits of human understanding – and yet it has many reassuringly dependable ‘laws’ that govern our everyday existence. The application of these ‘laws’ has allowed us to develop new technologies; everything from the microwave oven to the Apollo Moon Lander. Physics provides the tools for you to make sense of all of these. Physics will help you to understand some of the big issues such as Global Warming, the politics of Nuclear Power and how to deal with future threats to life on Earth. Physics is about how the Universe ‘works’ – in all its magnificent variety. Studying Physics will help you to sharpen your mind and prepare you for certain careers.
What about examinations?
At the end of the course you will sit the AQA examination in Physics. You may have already taken the unit P1 as part of your studies in the Third Form at St. Bees. If so, you will have the opportunity to re-sit this in the Fifth Form. Your best mark will count. This paper is a 1 hour “Objective Test” – that is it consists of multiple-choice questions. You will also sit theory papers P2 and P3. These are each 45 minutes long and consist of structured written questions. Each of these units contribute 25% towards your final grade. Each can be taken at Foundation Tier or Higher Tier level. You will be prepared for the Higher Tier, although some candidates may sit the Foundation Tier where this is desirable. The Tier that is chosen will be agreed between parents, staff and students at the time when entries are submitted in the Fifth Form.
Is there any coursework?
There is a compulsory Centre-Assessed Unit. This consists mainly of an ISA (Investigative Skills Assignment), which involves some investigative practical work in the laboratory followed by a 45 minute written test. These are administered during normal lessons and students are likely to have the chance to do more than one. The best score achieved counts. During the course, your teacher will also be assessing your practical skills on an ongoing basis, to give a PSA (Practical Skills Assessment) score. The ISA and PSA together contribute 25% to your final grade.
(There is no requirement to complete a large investigation with a substantial report.)
What other skills might I develop?
You will have the chance to become better at using numbers, using ICT, written and oral communications, problem solving and working with others. There is lots of practical work on the course and you will learn to use a wide range of equipment.
You may wish to study Physics further, to AS and A2 Level, in the Sixth Form. There are many jobs and careers that either rely upon or benefit from an education in Physics. Just some of these are:
- Engineering
- Industry
- Medicine
- Astronomy and Space Physics
- Flying
- Teaching and Lecturing
- Computing, Programming and Systems Design
- Geological Surveying
- Archaeology
- Management
- Finance, Economics and Business