Physics

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 Stable and Unstable Nuclei Particles, antiparticles and photons Particle Interactions Classification of Particles Quarks and antiquarks Application of Conservation Laws The Photoelectric effect Collisions of Electrons with Atoms Energy levels and Photon Emission Wave-Particle Duality	Introduction to A Level Skills and Measurements Progressive Waves Longitudinal and Transverse Waves Principle of superposition and formation of stationary waves CPAC 1 Interference CPAC 2 Diffraction Refraction at a plane surface
	Cycle 2	Basics of electricity Current-Voltage Characteristics Resistivity CPAC 5 Circuits Potential Dividers EMF and Internal Resistance CPAC 6	Scalars and Vectors Moments Motion along a straight line CPAC 3
	Cycle 3	The Bulk properties of materials The Young Modulus CPAC 4 Work Energy Power Conservation of Energy	Projectile Motion Newton's Laws of Motion Momentum
Year 13	Cycle 1	Circular Motion Simple Harmonic Motion Simple Harmonic Systems CPAC 7 Forces Vibrations and Resonance Thermal energy Transfer Ideal Gases CPAC 8 Molecular Kinetic Theory Rutherford Scattering Alpha, Beta and Gamma Radiation Radioactive Decay Nuclear Instability	Fields Newton’s Law of Gravitational Attraction Gravitational Field Strength Gravitational Potential Orbits of planets and satellites Coulomb’s Law Electric Field Strength Electric Potential Capacitance Parallel plate capacitor Energy stored in a capacitor Capacitor Charge and Discharge CPAC 9
	Cycle 2	Nuclear Radius Mass and Energy Induced Fission Safety Aspects CPAC 12 Option Topic	Magnetic flux density CPAC 10 Moving charges in a magnetic field Magnetic flux and flux linkage CPAC 11 EM Induction Alternating Currents The operation of a transformer Option Topic
	Cycle 3	Option Topic Structured revision programme	Option Topic Structured revision programme

Devonport High School For Girls