A Level Head of Department: Mr J Kynes Email: [email protected] Exam Board: Edexcel

What is physics and what do physicists do? Physics is the scientific study of matter and energy and how they interact with each other. This energy can take the form of motion, light, electricity, radiation, gravity . . . just about anything, honestly. Physics deals with matter on scales ranging from sub-atomic particles to stars and even entire galaxies. The work of physicists is broad and far- reaching. Some of the problems physicists strive to solve are as follows:  How can we solve the world energy crisis?  How can we develop new technologies to drive efficiencies in industry and commerce?  How can we engineer new, improved materials?  How can we better utilise resources on Earth and access extra-terrestrial resources?

Overview of the course At Grey Court School you will study Edexcel A level Physics. In completing this course you will:  Understand how Physics is linked to the world around us  Understand the array of Higher Education opportunities linked to Physics  Appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the economy  Develop a deeper understanding of How Physicists Work  Develop an essential knowledge of the different areas of Physics and how they are linked

Over the two years of the course you will study Topic 1: Working as a physicist Topic 2: Mechanics Topic 3: Electric circuits Topic 4: Materials Topic 5: Waves and the particle nature of light Topic 6: Further mechanics Topic 7: Electric and magnetic fields Topic 8: Nuclear and particle physics Topic 9: Thermodynamics Topic 10: Space Topic 11: Nuclear radiation Topic 12: Gravitational fields Topic 13: Oscillations How is the course assessed? You will complete regular in-class assessments to monitor your progress, in the same way as you do at GCSE. All assessments will be comprised of A Level standard exam questions. You will be expected to perform at your target level in each test. Your homework tasks will vary from the completion of questions, to experimental analysis, reading of key material and revision. For every hour of lesson time, you are expected to complete an hour of independent study. Where no official homework is set for that time, you should complete your own reading-around the subject.

Examinations in May/June of the AS year:

Core Physics I (1hr 30mins) Core Physics II (1hr 30mins) which cover the 1st 5 topics

Examinations in May/June at the end of 2 years:

Advanced Physics I (1hr 45mins) Advanced Physics II (1hr 45mins) General and Practical Principles in Physics (2hr 30mins). All topics are tested in these 3 exams.

What is the difference between A-Level and GCSE? As with GCSE, there will be both theory and practical lessons. You will have 2 teachers throughout A Level Physics.

Subject combinations You may choose to combine A Level Physics with any or all of the other sciences. Maths is also often counted as a science and combines well with any of the 3 traditional sciences and is highly recommended if you choose to study Physics. If you want to study Physics at university you will be required to study A Level Physics and one other science A Level (in this situation, Maths is counted as a science).

Future careers Examples of the careers or higher education courses are: physicist, medicine, astrophysicist, astronomer, space exploration, aeronautics, engineering, radiography, research and meteorologist (this is just a few).

Entry Requirements:

 If you have taken GCSE Core and Additional Science you must have an B grade in each Physics unit (from the Higher paper only)  If you have taken Core, Additional and Further Additional Science you must have a B grade in each Physics unit (from the Higher paper only)  If you have taken GCSE Separate/Triple Science you must have a B in all three Physics units and a B in Chemistry and Biology  As well as these science GCSEs you must have a grade A in Maths and it is recommended you have taken Additional Maths GCSE.  It is highly recommended that you study A level Maths.  Please note that ISA grades will not be taken in consideration for entry. Extra support and enrichment opportunities A bi-weekly afterschool maths for physicist session is held in the science faculty which is aimed at students who are not taking A level Maths – anyone can drop in if they feel they need the support.

There will be a trip to CERN laboratories in Geneva as well as external talks and visits.