GCSE Physics Years 9, 10 and 11
Specification
AQA GCSE Physics: The specification and assessment structure can be found at the link: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/physics-8463
What will I study?
The GCSE course consists of 8 general areas of study which are taught as 8 topics over Yr9 to Yr11. You will learn about the world around you and how simple theories help to improve the world around you.
What Skills and Qualities are required?
To be successful at GCSE you need to be hardworking, analytical and resilient. You may not get the answer correct first time of trying but those who persevere will make good progress. You will require imaginative, logical and critical thinking to be able to complete investigative approaches. You will be expected to develop your questioning technique so that you can ask focussed questions to aid the teaching you receive.
How will I learn?
The courses emphasise explanations, theories and modelling in Science along with the implications of Science for society. Strong emphasis is placed on the active involvement of students in the learning process and the specifications encourage a wide range of teaching and learning activities, with particular focus on practical and mathematical skills. You will be provided with home access to an e-book specifically designed with the new examination format in mind as well as having access to traditional textbooks in the classroom.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed via a range of means throughout the course. CAT’s will be completed as per the school’s assessment calendar but you will also have weekly homework, quizzes and presentations to complete. You will be expected to actively and sensibly participate in 10 required practical tasks throughout the course.
At the end of the course there will be 2 written examinations worth 100 marks each. These examinations will be made up of a mixture of multiple choice, short answer, extended response, mathematical and practical base.
Where could it lead?
GCSE physics naturally leads to A level Physics, which is the core A level for Degrees in Physics, all Engineering courses and Medicine. However, it is also a good supporting GCSE for other A levels such as maths and the other sciences.
Additional requirements/information
Year 09
| Topic | Further details about the topic | Skills | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | |||
| 1 | Matter |
Density of materials Changes of state Internal energy |
Practical work Literacy – key terms Equations and calculations |
| 2 | Matter |
Temperature changes in a system and specific heat capacity Changes of state and specific latent heat Particle motion in gases Pressure in gases Increasing the pressure of a gas |
Practical work Literacy – key terms Equations and calculations |
| Spring Term | |||
| 1 | Atomic Structure |
The structure of an atom Mass number, atomic number and isotopes The development of the model of the atom |
Literacy – key terms Equations and calculations |
| 2 | Atomic Structure |
Radioactive decay and nuclear radiation Nuclear equations Half-lives and the random nature of radioactive decay Radioactive contamination Background radiation Different half-lives of radioactive isotopes Uses of nuclear radiation Nuclear fission Nuclear fusion |
Literacy – key terms Equations and calculations |
| Summer Term | |||
| 1 | Energy |
Energy stores and systems Changes in energy Energy changes in systems |
Practical work Literacy – key terms Equations and calculations |
| 2 | Energy |
Power Energy transfers in a system Efficiency National and global energy resources |
Practical work Literacy – key terms Equations and calculations |
Year 10
| Topic | Further details about the topic | Skills | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | |||
| 1 | Electricity |
Static charge Electric fields Standard circuit diagram symbols Electrical charge and current Current, resistance and potential difference Resistors Series and parallel circuits Direct and alternating potential difference |
Practical work Literacy – key terms Equations and calculations |
| 2 | Magnetism and Electromagnetism |
Mains electricity Power Energy transfers in everyday appliances The National Grid Poles of a magnet Magnetic fields Electromagnetism Fleming's left-hand rule Induced potential Uses of the generator effect |
Practical work Literacy – key terms Equations and calculations |
| Spring Term | |||
| 1 | Waves |
Transverse and longitudinal waves Properties of waves Reflection of waves Sound waves Waves for detection and exploration |
Practical work Literacy – key terms Equations and calculations |
| 2 | Waves |
Types of electromagnetic waves Properties of electromagnetic waves Uses and applications of electromagnetic waves Lenses Visible light Emission and absorption of infrared radiation |
Practical work Literacy – key terms Equations and calculations |
| Summer Term | |||
| 1 | Space Physics |
Our solar system The life cycle of a star Orbital motion, natural and artificial satellites Red-shift |
Practical work Literacy – key terms Equations and calculations |
| 2 |
Motion |
Distance and displacement Speed, Velocity, Acceleration Scalar and vector quantities Contact and non-contact forces Gravity Resultant forces |
Practical work Literacy – key terms Equations and calculations |
Year 11
| Topic | Further details about the topic | Skills | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | |||
| 1 | Forces |
Stopping distance Braking distance Reaction time Newton's First Law Newton's Second Law Newton's Third Law Momentum is a property of moving objects Conservation of momentum Changes in momentum |
Practical work Literacy – key terms Equations and calculations |
| 2 | Forces |
Work done and energy transfer Forces and elasticity Moments, levers and gears |
Practical work Literacy – key terms Equations and calculations |
| Spring Term | |||
| 1 | Forces |
Pressure in a fluid Atmospheric pressure |
Practical work Literacy – key terms Equations and calculations |
| 2 | Revision |
|
Practical work Literacy – key terms Equations and calculations |
| Summer Term | |||
| 1 | Revision |
|
Exam skills |
Assessments
| Resources | Topic | Type of assessment |
|---|---|---|
| CAT 1 |
Matter |
Written Test |
| CAT 2 |
Matter, Atomic Structure and Energy |
End of year examination |
| CAT 3 |
Energy, Matter, Atomic Structure, Electricity |
Written Test |
| CAT 4 | Energy, Matter, Atomic Structure, Electricity, Electromagnetism | Written Test |
| CAT 5 | Energy, Matter, Atomic Structure, Electricity, Magnetism, Waves |
End of year examination |
| CAT 6 |
Energy, Matter, Atomic Structure, Electricity, Magnetism, Waves, Space Physics |
Written Test |
| CAT 7 | All Paper 1 topics - Energy, Matter, Atomic Structure, Electricity | Mock examination |
| CAT 8 | All Paper 2 topics - Magnetism, Waves, Space Physics, Forces and Motion | Mock examination |
Main Resources
| Resource | Details | Term |
|---|---|---|
| Text books |
AQA Science Physics new GCSE (Oxford University Press) |
All |
| Recommended reading |
GCSE Physics AQA revision guide (Oxford University Press) |
All |
| Recommended websites |
www.kerboodle.com (all pupils will have a login to this resource) gcsephysicsonline (login needed ask your Physics teacher) |
All |
Enrichment opportunities
| Activity | Day and time or term |
|---|---|
| Year 11 Revision sessions | From April |
| Ogden Trust Physics competition | Spring Term of Year 9 |
| IoP Physics competition | Summer term of Year 9 |
