Physics FAQs

· You really enjoy learning and thinking about Physics concepts

· You would like to develop investigation and analytical skills

· You may need Physics for your university degree/career

Yes. Double award science provides you with the knowledge, understanding and skills that are required to access the IB physics course at standard or higher level. There will be some topics which come up which students who took triple science will have covered in their IGCSE course already, so may feel more familiar with. However, the lessons are designed so that all students are taught this content to ensure all students are able to access the work and make progress.

SL

· Measurement and Uncertainties

· Mechanics

· Thermal Physics

· Waves

· Electricity & Magnetism

· Circular Motion & Gravitation

· Atomic, Nuclear & Particle Physics

· Energy production

HL

· Waves

· Fields

· Electromagnetic Induction

· Quantum & Nuclear Physics

There is a option topic as well which will be decided closer to the time in Y13

There is more material to study, the final exams are longer and the concepts are more academically challenging

The jump from iGCSE to HL Physics is massive. It is a very demanding course, which requires advanced levels of problem solving and the ability to think theoretically and conceptually. The course may be challenging, but it is hugely rewarding.

Continual formative assessment over the 2 years and regular topic tests. In Y13 the students will research and carry out the Internal Assessment (IA).

The predicted grade is calculated using all assessments during the course.

The final grade is calculated from the IA (20%) and three written examinations (80%).

No, but many students do. You need to be comfortable in maths and have confidence using your calculator. We mostly deal with standard form, analysing graphs and trigonometry.