GCSE Physics
Exam Board: Year 10 AQA Physics Year 11 OCR Specification A 21st Century Science
Why study GCSE Physics?
Physics is the most basic and fundamental science. It is crucial crucial to understanding the world around us, the world inside us, and the world beyond us. This understanding can then challenge our imaginations which eventually leads to great discoveries and technologies that can change the lives of us all. A study of physics provides a basis to many of the other sciences, including chemistry, oceanography, seismology, and astronomy (and can be applied to biology or medical science). Studying physics encompasses the whole of the Universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest of subatomic particles.
Physics at UTC Cambridge
At UTC Cambridge we believe that science is a practical subject and we strive to make lessons as interactive and practical as possible. You will receive three hours of Physics lessons per week, these are often supported by the work that you will complete in Challenge Projects.
Where can GCSE Physics take you?
Physics opens the doors to many careers and courses. In the short term it allows you to go on to study for A Level Physics or BTECs in the sciences. Qualifications in Physics also lead onto a very wide range of university courses, apprenticeships and careers.
Specification
Year 10
The full specification can be found by clicking here, or for a summary of the course here and please see below.
In brief the course consists of eight taught units:
1. Energy
2. Electricity
3. Particle model of matter
4. Atomic structure
5. Forces
6. Waves
7. Magnetism and electromagnetism
8. Space physics
Year 11
The full specification can be found by clicking here, or for a summary of the course content here.
In brief the course consists of seven taught units:
P1: The Earth in the universe
P2: Radiation and life
P3: Sustainable energy
P4: Explaining motion
P5: Electric circuits
P6: Radioactive materials
P7: Further physics
Assessment
Year 10
Two x 1 hour 45min exams (paper 1 units 1, 2, 3 & 4, paper 2 units 5, 6 &7)
Each of the two papers contributes 50% of the overall grade for Physics
Both papers contain a mixture of multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response questions
In addition to the exams each students has to complete 10 required practical activities, whilst, although not assessed, are a compulsory component of the course.
Year 11
Three x 1 hour exams (paper 1 units P1, 2 & 3, paper 2 units P4, 5 & 6, paper 3 unit P7)
1 piece of Controlled Assessment completed in college
Each of the three papers and the controlled assessment contribute 25% towards the overall grade for Physics
Each of the papers contains a mixture of structured, closed short answer and open response questions
Where can I get extra help?
Year 10
This is a new course and we will add information as it becomes available
Year 11
Suggested texts:
Twenty First Century Science: GCSE Physics Student Book 2
(an electronic version of this book is available on college computers)
Revision guides for this course can be purchased at a discounted price trough the college.
Websites:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/21c/
