Physics Y11 at WGHS

( Physics GCSE AQA syllabus 4451)

Aims

In this year students complete the GCSE Physics course Module 2 studies are completed early in the year with students sitting the Module 2 examination shortly after Christmas. Once they have completed Module 2 studies, they will commence study of Module 3.

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. They will also be tested on their graph plotting skills and ability to interpret data.

In November or early December they will sit a mock examination. This provides a good indicator of what a student will achieve in the January Module 2 examination, while highlighting areas for improvement.

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 2: Completion of work on Forces and Motion
• Module 2: Momentum: conservation in collisions.
• Module 2: Nuclear physics: nuclear fission and fusion
• Module 3: The life cycle of a star
• Module 3: Turning Effects: moments and circular motion, satellites.

Spring term

• Module 3: Completion of work on circular motion and satellites.
• Module 3: Light: reflection off curved mirrors, refraction through diverging and converging lenses.
• Module 3: Electromagnetism: the motor effect, electromagnetic induction and the transformer.

Summer Term

• Module 3: Completion of Module 3 studies, revision and preparation for the final examination.

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