Standard or Higher Level?

At Higher Level topics are studied in significantly more detail and depth. There is also a much greater emphasis on calculations. Confidence in maths is an advantage for students taking HL Physics.

16. Astrophysics (Option D) – The IB offer four different optional topics to study. At Dane Court we have decided that all students will be taught Option D – Astrophysics and nothing else. The reason for this is because it is the most interesting topic and the content is well taught by the teachers. There are standard and higher level parts to this topic.

Assessment

Standard Level (SL):

Internal Assessment (IA)

At both SL and HL the Internal Assessment (IA) is worth 20% of the final grade and has the same assessment criteria. Students are supported in lessons to research, plan and discuss their chosen research project. They then have a whole day to collect all their data, followed by a number of lessons to write up their analysis and evaluation sections. Comprehensive guidance is given throughout, both in terms of a written IA guide and through discussion with teachers. The IA is marked out of 24 by the teachers and externally moderated.

Teaching

Students studying SL Physics will have one teacher for 5 hours per fortnight.
Students studying HL will be taught by two teachers for 4 hours each per fortnight.

Each teacher will deliver separate topics. There will be intermittent tests throughout the year on the content that has been taught.

Students

To gain the most from the course students are expected to do the following:

• • Take Notes – students should ensure they take clear, well presented notes during lessons. Often students will add additional information on the relevant page of the IB Physics Revision Guide. Organisation skills are very important.

  • Attendance – this will be monitored throughout the year. If a student misses a lesson they should ensure they catch up on the work missed.

  • Self-Study – the course content can be very demanding so it is important that students review the lesson in their own time. This will often be via homework but when homework is not set students should still look to reaffirm their knowledge.

Finally, the teachers at this school teach Physics because they love the subject. There will be opportunities and resources available to widen your understanding of Physics beyond the IB and this is very much encouraged.