Physics Y10 at WGHS

( Physics GCSE AQA syllabus 4451)

Aims

In this year students continue the GCSE course begun in year 9. Module 1 studies are completed by Christmas with students sitting the Module 1 examination in the June of year 10. Once they have completed Module 1 studies, they will commence study of Module 2. This second Module is unlikely to be completed until early in year 11.

In order to complete their Investigative Skills Assignments (ISAs) successfully students will continually use specialised scientific terms and units. They will learn how to measure precisely, minimise errors, use laboratory equipment with confidence, manipulate equations to calculate values, interpret simple graphs and draw scientific diagrams.

They will have an opportunity to display data in tables, draw bar charts, pie charts and graphs and look for patterns and trends in data. They will be expected to use the correct scientific vocabulary to describe their findings.

Assessment

At the end of each topic there is a test to make sure that the work has been understood and to show the type of questions on each topic they are likely to be asked in the AQA GCSE examination. At the end of the year they will undertake a 45 minute examination paper composed of GCSE standard questions. They will also be tested on their graph plotting skills and ability to interpret data.

At some point in either year 10 or year 11 students will take part in a practical activity which enables them to soon after sit their ISA examination. This is an important part of the GCSE and counts towards 25% of the final grade.

Content

Autumn term

• Module 1: Completion of work on Radiation and the Universe
• Module 1:Radioactivity: types of ionising radiation, their danger and uses.

Spring term

• Module 2 : Static Electricity: uses and dangers of charged particles and objects.
• Module 2 : Current Electricity: current and charge, series and parallel circuits, voltage, Ohm’s law, electrical energy, electrical power and electricity in the home.

Summer Term

• Module 2: Current Electricity continued
• Module 2: Forces and Motion: speed, velocity, acceleration, kinetic energy, work done.

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