Physics
Why study Physics?
Physics is the science of the everyday world around you. It will help you to understand why things work the way they do; having a good understanding of Physics might even make your life easier!
Whether you opt for the Dual Award or the Triple Award, all students will study Physics. The Triple Award includes all of the content of the Dual Award Science course; some of the content will be studied to a greater depth, while other aspects of the course are specific to the Triple Award.
What will I study in Year 10?
You will study theory and practical aspects relating to the following topics:
Forces & Motion - How and why objects move, fall and extend.
Electricity - This topic covers current and domestic electricity.
Waves - The study of light and sound, and their behaviour.
Energy - What can energy do and where do we get it from?
Solids, Liquids & Gases - How do particle arrangements affect the behaviour of substances?
What will I study in Year 11?
Magnetism - How do magnets behave and how do we use them to make motors and generate electricity?
Radioactivity - Why some materials are radioactive, how we use them and the differences between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.
Astrophysics - The study of space and the universe. (This topic is taught in Year 9).
How will I be assessed?
IGCSE Physics is assessed by means of:
One two-hour examination paper (identical to the Dual Award)
One examination paper (1 hour 15 minutes)
Both papers allow the use of calculators.
There is currently only one tier of entry.
The examination is the International GCSE in Physics.
The examination board is Pearson Edexcel and the specification number is 4PH1. You can see the full specification here.
What else should I know?
The additional Triple Award content is not harder, it just means you study more concepts and so is slightly better preparation for A-Level. It is not, however, a prerequisite for A-Level study.
Physics complements most other subjects and will help you develop many different skills, including logical reasoning and how to problem solve.
If you have any queries about this curriculum, please contact: Mrs Amy Emery, Head of Physics, on ae@farlingtonschool.com