Lower 6th Form Curriculum| Syllabus Followed: | AQA - 2450 |
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| Entry Requirements: | Grade B in GCSE Physics, or BB in Core Science and Additional Science. If taking Additional Science, your mark in the Physics component must also be of at least B grade standard. In addition, a minimum B grade in GCSE Mathematics is expected. |
Physics is best studied by those who, enjoy both experimenting - investigating, understanding, and predicting events in the material world - and theorising - precise logical reasoning and problem-solving of an abstract kind, similar to that met in mathematics. The demand for physicists and engineers exceeds supply, so a qualification in physics is valued by universities and employers.
The 2 AS theory units provide alternative starting points for the AS course. Unit 1 invites students to start AS physics by venturing into the field of Particle Physics and providing a new interest and dimension to their knowledge of the subject. Unit 2 allows a progression from GCSE to develop topics already familiar to students with the mechanics and waves.
Unit 3 looks at investigative and practical skills. During the course of the year students will carry out experimental investigations, testing student’s abilities to work methodically using suitable laboratory equipment with some precision and skill and be set internal assessments based upon their results. These are carried out during class time under supervision and are then externally assessed.
The style of teaching remains similar to that for GCSE. Topics are always demonstrated where possible, and experimenting by pupils is regular. We update our equipment regularly. Data-logging, CD-ROMs, applets, and videos, all have a valued place in lessons.
At A2, the two A2 theory units present a generally context-free approach to GCE level physics, as at AS level, leaving the teachers to select the contexts and applications which bring the subject alive. Unit 4 develops further the knowledge, understanding and applications of mechanics and fields and unit 5 covers nuclear and thermal physics. There is also then a choice of optional topics in unit 5 which are astrophysics, medical physics, applied physics and turning points in physics which looks at modern day discoveries and expands the theory of wave particle duality and relativity.
The practical assessment at A2 is based upon AS but will be more complex and students will use a wider variety of laboratory equipment.
In most years some pupils apply to Oxford or Cambridge for physics or a physics-related subject; special extra lessons are provided informally to prepare for the tests and interviews.
