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Physics

Physics is a challenging and stimulating subject. It plays a major role in engineering  As a subject, physics invites students to think creatively about solutions to problems. At The Misbourne, our aim is to provide our students with a union of hands-on experience of physics practical and theory which will underpin their ability to apply existing knowledge in new situations. 

So, if you like Physics and it's The Right Fit for you - why don't you click here to see where it can take you?  

Key Stage 3

Students study physics in each year of this Key Stage. They will be regularly assessed on their knowledge and understanding using end of topic tests and on-going teacher assessment. Skills learned in lessons can include practical and observational skills, discussion, invention and working together.

Topics studies in Years 7 and 8 are:

  • Forces
  • Sound
  • Light
  • Space
  • Electricity and magnetism
  • Energy
  • Motion and pressure

Key Stage 4

​We enter students for GCSE exams with AQA.  Most students study GCSE Combined Science (Trilogy 8465) – this course leads to two GCSEs.  Higher ability students will study for triple science and gain GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics.  All courses are linear with all exams taken at the end of year 11.  During the course there are required practical’s, which are examined during the written papers.  There is no longer a coursework element of the GCSE course.  Students taking triple science will have three teachers – and be taught each science separately.  Students taking Combined Science will have Physics modules taught as separate units by their science teachers.

Combined Science (Trilogy 8464)

  • Conservation and Dissipation of Energy
  • Energy Transfer by Heating
  • Energy Resources
  • Electric Circuits
  • Electricity In The Home
  • Molecules and Matter
  • Radioactivity
  • Forces In Balance
  • Motion
  • Forces and Motion
  • Wave Properties
  • Electromagnetic Spectrum
  • Electromagnetism

GCSE Physics

Students will study all of the topics above – and in addition they will study:

  • Force and Pressure
  • Light
  • Space

Key Stage 5

A level Physics H556 (Exam Board: OCR)

A physics qualification at A Level provides the necessary skills to follow any science-related degree course or profession. It is also accepted for non-science careers such as accountancy and law. 

Subject specific entrance requirements

  • Grade B minimum for GCSE Core and Additional Science (including a grade B on all physics modules), or a B at GCSE Physics.
  • GCSE Maths and English at grade 6 is recommended.
  • Students must also study A level mathematics.

Teaching and learning styles

Lessons involve a wide and varied range of activities including experimental work, formal presentation of new ideas and concepts, discussion and student presentations. The course is designed to ensure:

  • Learning is enjoyable, and enhances students' enthusiasm for physics and science.
  • Relevance to contemporary issues by building on previously studied concepts.
  • Coursework has been replaced by practical tasks – which are examined as part of the written papers.

Modules

1.     Development of practical skills in physics

2.     Foundations in physics

3.     Forces and motion

4.     Electrons, waves and photons

5.     Newtonian world and astrophysics

6.     Particles and medical physics

Paper

Module tested

Duration

Weighting

1 – 100 marks

1, 2, 3 and 5

2 hours 15 mins

37%

2 – 100 marks

1, 2, 4 and 6

2 hours 15 mins

37%

3 - 70 marks

All 6 modules

1 hour 30 mins

26%

Subject Documents Date  
Science Curriculum Map 16th Aug 2023 Download