Physics
Physics is the natural science that studies matter, its motion and behaviour through space and time, and the related entities of energy and force. Physics is one of the most fundamental scientific disciplines, and its main goal is to understand how the universe behaves.
The KS3 science curriculum embeds a core understanding of the principles of physics in year 7 and 8. This provides a strong foundation to begin GCSE physics in year 9, taught by a specialist physics teacher.
GCSE physics is taught as a separate science following the AQA physics specification. This specification contains a broad range of topics that are designed to engage and stimulate students’ interest in physics whilst providing the knowledge and understanding required for progression to A Level. The specification emphasises scientific knowledge, the application of science and the scientific process. Physics is an enquiry-based discipline involving practical and investigational skills with an emphasis on hands-on experimental work. The curriculum includes 10 required practicals that students must be able to describe and explain.
Topics include:
- Forces, Energy and their Effects
- Waves (Electromagnetic Spectrum including Light and Sound)
- Heating Processes
- Electricity
- Motors, Generators and Transformers
- Nuclear Physics
Students at The Cedars are provided with opportunities to take part in a wide range of extra-curricular STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities, trips and events organised at school, in London and beyond.
The physics GCSE Specification can be found linked below. The physics A-Level is also a popular choice among sixth form students. The objective of A-Level physics is to further enhance and interest pupils who enjoyed the subject at GCSE and wish to take the subject to a deeper and more scientific level.
A Level physics is an excellent preparation for further study in Higher Education and physicists are in demand for many types of careers. Physicists have gone on to work in medicine, computing, telecommunications, electronics, engineering, research and any disciplines requiring a high degree of numeracy and/or problem solving such as finance or consultancy.
The AQA specification for A-Level physics is also linked below.
GCSE AQA Physics Specification
AQA A Level Physics Specification
Thomas Part
Head of Science
