Aims

The aims describe the purposes of a course based on this syllabus.

You can deliver some of the aims using suitable local, international or historical examples and applications, or through collaborative practical work.

The aims are to enable students to:

• acquire scientific knowledge and understanding of scientific theories and practice

• develop a range of experimental skills, including handling variables and working safely

• use scientific data and evidence to solve problems and discuss the limitations of scientific methods

• communicate effectively and clearly, using scientific terminology, notation and conventions

• understand that the application of scientific knowledge can benefit people and the environment

• enjoy science and develop an informed interest in scientific matters which support further study.

Candidates study the following topics:

1 Motion, forces and energy

2 Thermal physics

3 Waves

4 Electricity and magnetism

5 Nuclear physics

6 Space physics

All candidates take three papers.

Candidates who have studied the Core syllabus content, or who are expected to achieve a grade D or below, should be entered for Paper 1, Paper 3 and either Paper 5 or Paper 6. These candidates will be eligible for grades C to G.

Candidates who have studied the Extended syllabus content (Core and Supplement), and who are expected to achieve a grade C or above, should be entered for Paper 2, Paper 4 and either Paper 5 or Paper 6. These candidates will be eligible for grades A* to G.

The assessment objectives (AOs) are:

AO1 Knowledge with understanding

AO2 Handling information and problem-solving

AO3 Experimental skills and investigations

Weighting for assessment objectives

The approximate weightings allocated to each of the assessment objectives (AOs) are summarised below.

All candidates take three papers.

Candidates who have studied the Core subject content, or who are expected to achieve a grade D or below should be entered for Paper 1, Paper 3 and either Paper 5 or Paper 6. These candidates will be eligible for grades C to G.

Candidates who have studied the Extended subject content (Core and Supplement), and who are expected to achieve a grade C or above should be entered for Paper 2, Paper 4 and either Paper 5 or Paper 6. These candidates will be eligible for grades A* to G.

Specimen Papers