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Welcome to Physics in the Sixth Form at CHS
Welcome to Physics in the Sixth Form at CHS
Hello and welcome to Physics, I'm Dr Jade Johnstone, Head of Physics at CHS. In the Sixth Form we study the 7408 Physics syllabus of the AQA exam board.
Lower Sixth
Lower Sixth
There are 9 periods a fortnight split 5/4 between two teachers. Teacher one (5 periods) covers the following topics:
Progressive & stationary waves
Refraction, diffraction, interference and superposition
Force, energy & momentum
Newton's laws & projectile motion
Conservation laws including energy & momentum
Bulk properties of solids
The young's modulus
Whilst teacher two (4 periods) covers the following:
Particle interactions & application of conservation laws
Four fundamental interactions: gravity, electromagnetic,weak nuclear, strong nuclear forces
Quarks, leptons, hadrons and photons
Advanced electricity
The Photoelectric effect
There is no coursework but students do have to keep a lab book to record experiments that cover the required practicals and the overall practical competencies.
Upper Sixth
Upper Sixth
In the Upper Sixth there are 10 periods per fortnight, 5 for each teacher. Your teachers will combine to teach you the following topics:
Circular motion
Simple harmonic motion
Gravitational fields & advanced mechanics
Coulomb's law and electric fields
Magnetic fields and their effects
Electromagnetic induction
Thermal physics & molecular kinetic theory
Nuclear physics; Rutherford scattering, nuclear instability and mathematical models of radioactive decay
A final Physics option from these choices:
Astrophysics
Engineering
Medical physics
Turning points
More practical work is completed and competencies are recorded and ticked off as understood so that a student can be awarded a practical "pass".
Physics beyond A-level
Physics beyond A-level
If you're interested in delving further into the world of Physics and are considering studying the subject at university, here's a list of Recommended Reads which could help to bridge the gap between A Level and degree; simply to provide some inspiration and a general overview of worthy titles.
FAQs
FAQs
Do I have to be really good at Maths to study Physics?
Do I have to be really good at Maths to study Physics?
Maths is the language of physics and you need to enjoy solving problems mathematically.
Initially, you will need to be good at using and rearranging formulas with powers and roots, be good at graph plotting and able to use standard form. If you have a good maths GCSE grade and continue to enjoy maths you should be able to cope with this aspect of the course.
What are the GCSE requirements for entry to the Physics course?
What are the GCSE requirements for entry to the Physics course?
For Single Physics GCSE students a grade 8 or higher is ideal. Physics A-Level is a very challenging course so if a student achieves a grade 7 then there would be a consultation involving the student's teacher to allow a judgement to be made on the suitability of the student for the course.
For Dual Science Physics students an 8,8 grade is ideal with the Physics part of that also being a grade 8. Likewise for Single GCSE students, if the grade is 8,7 or 7,7 then once again there would be a consultation about the suitability of the student for the course.
How is A' Level different from GCSE?
How is A' Level different from GCSE?
A-Level physics is really challenging and this is part of the enjoyment!
You should be enthusiastic about problem solving and analysing information while also having the resilience to stick with a problem as you often have to work in multiple stages where you may well make mistakes initially, on the way to finding a solution.
Is there any Coursework?
Is there any Coursework?
No.
What other A Level subjects are recommended for Physics?
What other A Level subjects are recommended for Physics?
We recommend that Physics should be taken in conjunction with Maths as if you want to carry on with Physics beyond A-Level then most courses will also require A-Level Maths.
However if you are thinking of doing Physics without Maths then that is also possible but please just come and speak to us so we can ensure your choices are right for you.
The Physics Team
The Physics Team
Dr Jade Johnstone | Head of Department - jadejohnstone@chschool.co.uk
Elizabeth Byrne | also teaches Chemistry
Simon Fletcher
Dr Helen Moylan | also teaches Chemistry
Lisa Bradshaw
Rowena Buckley
Lisa Cartlitch | Technician
Kirsty Kambites | Technician
Please contact our Head of Department if you have any further questions.
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