Physics
Subject Leader: Mr Mellitt - jmellitt@tqacademy.co.uk
AIMS OF THE PHYSICS DEPARTMENT
Students gain a broad understanding of the fundamentals of the universe which is essential for a general scientific education and forms an excellent basis for A level physics.
PHYSICS CURRICULUM
OVERVIEW OF KEY STAGE 3 CURRICULUM
The KS3 science curriculum introduces students to the fundamentals of physics which is then expanded upon in key stage 4 and 5.
OVERVIEW OF KEY STAGE 4 CURRICULUM
Course Title: Trilogy Combined Science
Examining Body: AQA
Course Lead: Mr Mellitt
What will I study?
The course has eight modules which seek to explain observable phenomena through physics theories and models.
- Forces and interactions
- Forces and motion
- Energy
- Waves
- Nuclear physics
- The particle model of matter
- Electricity
- Magnetism and electromagnetism
How and when will I be assessed?
This subject has two terminal exams at the end of year 11 which form part of the suite of 6 combined science exams overall.
Paper 1 is sat in May and paper 2 in June. Each exam is 75 minutes and carries 70 marks (one sixth of the total GCSE marks).
Paper 1 covers energy, electricity, nuclear physics and the particle model of matter.
Paper 2 covers forces, motion, waves and electromagnetism.
Further study
We have a very successful A level physics course which fits very well with maths A level.
OVERVIEW OF KEY STAGE 5 CURRICULUM
Course Title: A Level Physics
Examining Body: AQA
Course Lead: Mr Mellitt
Course description
A level physics is a fascinating extension of GCSE study which explores new topics as well as more familiar ones. At A level you learn about fundamental particles such as quarks and begin to explore the mysteries of quantum mechanics. You also learn about the great defining “turning points” of modern physics.
What will I learn?
The course has a number of modules:
- Measurement & errors (Y12)
- Particles & radiation (Y12)
- Waves & Optics (Y12)
- Electricity (Y12)
- Mechanics & materials (Y12)
- Further mechanics and thermal physics (Y12)
- Nuclear physics (Y13)
- Electric fields (Y13)
- Gravitational fields (Y13)
- Magnetic fields (Y13)
- Turning points in physics (Y13)
Course structure
The course structure follows the modules list above. The course is taught from bespoke workbooks with consolidation homework set weekly. There is an assessment at the end of each topic.
The exams are all sat in May & June of year 13 and are as follows:
Paper 1 lasts 2 hours and has 85 marks (34% of the overall A level). It covers:
- Measurement & errors
- Particles & radiation
- Waves & Optics
- Electricity
- Mechanics & materials plus periodic motion
Paper 2 lasts 2 hours and has 85 marks (34% of the overall A level). It covers:
- Further mechanics and thermal physics
- Nuclear physics
- Electric fields
- Gravitational fields
- Magnetic fields
Paper 3 lasts 2 hours and has 80 marks (32& of the overall A level). It covers:
- Practical skills
- Turning points in physics
There is also an ongoing practical skills endorsement which is assessed by your teachers. This is a pass or fail element.
Where could it lead?
A Level physics leads to careers in maths, engineering, pure science, applied science, astronomy, philosophy, banking, computing as well as the myriad of jobs in physics itself. Archaeologists to zoologists all use physics at times.
CLIMBING THE MOUNTAIN TO UNIVERSITY
Every British university offers degrees in physics or related subjects.
The universities of Cambridge, Oxford and Durham are the most highly regarded physics universities closely followed by Manchester, Birmingham and Imperial College.
CAREERS INFORMATION
Physics is required for all engineering careers as it forms the basis of our understanding of the forces of nature which engineers seek to tame for the good of humanity.
Medical physics is a wide and exciting field open to physics students. It is well paid and particularly appealing to people who want to work in healthcare but who do not wish to undertake patient-facing clinical roles.
Physics is also highly respected as an entry qualification into a wide range of professional careers ranging from accountancy through to business leadership, law and academia.
EXTRACURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES
