Home > Bedales > Subject Areas > Physics

Physics

Year 9 (Block 3)

Essentially an extension of work at Key Stage 3, the programme forms an integral part of the work required for IGCSE.  In combinatgion with Biology and Chemistry the emphasis is on developing scientific thinking and analytical skills to select, organise and present information clearly and logically, using appropriate scientific terms and conventions. There is a reduced mathematical demand at this stage and an emphasis upon good scientific practice and developing the fundamental concepts.

The topics studied cover:

• Astronomy
• Density and Pressure
• Domestic Electricity
• Waves
• Sound
• The Electromagnetic Spectrum
• Heat transfer mechanisms
• Energy resources

Students' work is reinforced by regular weekly prep, assignments and topic tests.  There will also be a formal presentation of individual research on the final topic and a synoptic examination at the end of the course.

Years 10 & 11 (Blocks 4 & 5)

All Block 4 and 5 students study towards a Dual Award IGCSE with the opportunity of extending this with additional material in Block 5 to sit the separate Physics IGCSE papers. The aim of this course is to provide a good grounding in the sciences for anyone who is a citizen of the twenty-first century, and also to build a firm platform for those who wish to continue with the sciences to AS level and beyond. The students are set according to their performance in Block 3 tests and exams, though these sets remain flexible.

The IGCSE course develops the scientific skills and knowledge of students and covers topics including Motion, Forces, Moments, Deformation, Work, Energy and Power, Electricity Density and Pressure, Kinetic Theory, Astronomy, Optics, Electromatgnetism, Radioactivity and Nuclear Power.

Examining Board: Edexcel "Double Award" IGCSE 4SCO and Edexcel Physics 4PH0

Sixth Form

This course provides continuity with the new IGCSE syllabus and forms a sound foundation for further study. The AQA is a traditional course with an emphasis on understanding the underlying concepts of Physics. It includes an optional unit in Astrophysics, Medical Physics, Applied Physics or Turning Points in Physics which can be selected in agreement with the group in the second year.

It is our aim to include as much practical work as possible in order to enhance the theory lessons and give the students a hands-on experience of the subject. The course will develop many of the concepts met at IGCSE and also introduce a number of new areas of Physics. The AS examination comprises two written papers and also a practical component that can be carried out at any time during the year. The A2 is examined in a similar way.

AS units

• Unit 1 Particle Physics, Quantum Phenomena and Electricity
• Unit 2 Mechanics, Materials and Waves
• Unit 3 Practical skills ISA

A2 units

• Unit 4 Fields and Further Mechanics
• Unit 5 Nuclear Physics, Thermal Physics and Option topic
• Unit 6 Practical skills ISA

We would expect at least BB at GCSE science in order to access the demands of the course and students taking the two-year course are strongly advised to take Mathematics at least to AS Level. Many students naturally combine Physics with a full A Level Mathematics course; however, those students not taking Mathematics will have the opportunity to develop their mathematical skills with additional support as required.

Examining Board: AQA Specification A

Head of Department: Tobias Hardy

See the Publications section for the range of student publications including B-Sci, the Bedales science magazine.

Download a guide to the Sixth Form Curriculum.

© Bedales Schools   Digital Marketing Agency - Wickedweb