Head of Department
Mr C Moore, BSc (Hons), MSc, PGCE
Statement of Intent
The science curriculum at DHSG is designed to support our learners in their development to become scientifically literate citizens of the 21st century. We aim to engage their curiosity; to help them learn how to ask the right questions about the world around them and the society we live in. We will support them in developing the skills and knowledge required to investigate their questions and then to interpret and critically evaluated the answers they find. We achieve this through the study of the three traditional scientific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, all of which are underpinned by practical principles and investigation and will include learning about how scientists work.
We ensure that students have a firm scientific knowledge and skill base to progress with confidence through the Key Stages and finally progress into the wider world with the scientific tools required to pursue their individually chosen further study and future career pathways. We will teach our students how to use mathematics in science and not assume the transference of maths skills whilst ensuring our curriculum is assessable to all.
Physics is the study of the universe and all things in it from the unimaginably small to the unfathomably large. We aim to inspire students with the wonder of Physics through the teaching of five key areas, Waves, Energy, Electricity, Matter and Forces, all of which are revisited throughout key stages 3 to 5.
Practical Science:
We have designed our practical science curriculum with eight fundamental principles on mind:
- to develop scientific enquiry;
- to develop knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts;
- to develop practical competencies;
- to prepare students to answer examination questions related to practical work with confidence;
- to develop teamwork and collaborative skills;
- to excite, inspire and develop student curiosity and ideas, so that they will rationalise and question further the world in which they live;
- to prepare students for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world;
- to raise awareness of STEM careers, provide visible role models and engage with external agencies where possible to create/be involved in STEM enrichment activities, e.g. links with Plymouth University etc.
A Level Course Outline
To develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the principles of Physics, gain hands-on practical skills and data analysis skills and appreciate how science works and its relevance beyond the laboratory.
Higher Education and Career Opportunities
A Level Physics enables students to continue with the subject at University, or to study Physics related courses such as Engineering, Astronomy, Computing, Medicine or Architecture. The transferable skills developed are problem solving, logical thinking and the ability to communicate complex ideas.
Course Content
Examination Board |
AQA |
Full details of the specification and assessment criteria can be found on the AQA Website AS and A Level Physics (7407 - 7408) The AS content is also covered in the A Level content and allows for co-teaching. |
---|---|---|
AS Level |
Unit 1 |
Measurement and their errors, Particles and Radiation, Waves, Particles, Mechanics and Materials, Electricity (core content) 50% |
|
Unit 2 |
Assessment as above as a synoptic paper and assessment of practical and data handling skills. 50% |
A Level |
Unit 1 |
Measurements and their errors, Particles and Radiation, Waves, Mechanics, Electricity, Periodic Motion 34% |
|
Unit 2 |
Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics, Fields and their Consequences, Nuclear Physics. 34 % A level to include assumed knowledge from Unit 1 A level |
|
Unit 3 |
Assessment of Practical skills and data analysis and the optional topic. 32% A level. Optional topics are one of: - Astrophysics, Medical Physics, Engineering Physics, Turning points in Physics, Electronics. |
Curriculum Programmes of Study
Year |
Cycle | Content | |
---|---|---|---|
Year 12 |
Cycle 1 |
Constituents of the Atom |
Introduction to A Level Skills and Measurements CPAC 1 |
Cycle 2 |
Basics of electricity |
Scalars and Vectors |
|
Cycle 3 |
The Bulk properties of materials |
Projectile Motion |
|
Year 13
|
Cycle 1 |
Circular Motion |
Fields |
Cycle 2 |
Nuclear Radius |
Magnetic flux density |
|
Cycle 3 |
Option Topic
|
Option Topic |