Physics
Curriculum Statement: Physics
We do not know why we are born into the world, but we can try to find out what sort of a world it is - at least in its physical aspects
Edwin Powell Hubble
The knowledge and skills that pupils will gain
The knowledge and skills that a pupil will gain in Science are based on the ability to analyse a problem and suggest solutions through investigation. Students have opportunities to deepen scientific knowledge and instil curiosity throughout their time at school enabling them to contribute to the changing world around them. Working scientifically is embedded in all three science strands so that students can develop scientific thinking, experimental skills, analyse, evaluate and use the correct terminology to express their ideas.
Curriculum features: continuity, progression and sequencing
The year 9 curriculum is designed to ensure students have a secure understanding of the KS3 concepts of Energy, Circuits, Waves and Forces. There is an emphasis on developing their skills with practical equipment to be able to work independently at KS4.
The GCSE scheme of work is designed to ensure progression, developing the fundamental knowledge from KS3 with steadily increasing demand. Mathematical skills are integral to the course and the scheme aims to coordinate with the teaching of Maths to enable all students to tackle calculation problems with confidence. Development of literacy is integral with exam questions and mark schemes regularly analysed. Practical work is planned wherever it enhances the learning effectively
The aim at A level is to engender enthusiasm for careers and degrees linked to Physics by ensuring competence with the exam topics and encouraging students to question and discuss ideas. As at GCSE the scheme of work is designed to allow progression in understanding of topics and increasing opportunities to work independently. Students are encouraged to assess their own work and topic tests are set regularly to ensure progress.
Tradition, Excellence, Character: Co-Curriculum enrichment
The science department prides itself in the tradition of having student led societies where pupils are encouraged to pursue their passion in the world of science. Debate is encouraged, furthering their ability to communicate their ideas with others, enhancing character through discussion and respect for conflicting opinions. Students have the opportunity to demonstrate excellence by entering a range of National Competitions including biology Olympiad and Cambridge chemistry challenge and taking in part in relevant trips and visits.
TWBS Learning Journey for Physics
The Windsor Boys’ School Physics Curriculum Map Year 9
Autumn 1 |
| Autumn 2 |
| Spring 1 |
| Spring 2 |
| Summer 1 |
| Summer 2 |
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Energy & Matter |
| Circuits |
| Waves |
| Forces and space |
| P1 Energy Year 9 EXAM |
| P3 Energy Resources |
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Energy: Investigating temperature changes, conduction and insulation.
Particles: Particle theory, five key energy stores and transferring energy
HSW This term we will do a lot of practical to learn HSW skills and terms.
Not in target science |
| Circuits: Set up basic series and parallel circuits to measure potential difference and current Describe what potential difference, current and resistance are through practical investigations
Target science pages 20 to 25 and 32-33 |
| Waves: Define different types of waves using key terms. Properties of light and sound waves including reflection and refraction
Target Science 92-97 and 104-109
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| Forces:
Forces: Know that forces change the speed, shape and direction of objects. Name key forces and use the appropriate equations to calculate speed and pressure Name the key objects in space and how they relate to each other. Understand the central role of gravity in the universe.
Target science p60-67 and 128-139 |
| P1 Conservation and Dissipation of Energy
Start of GCSE Course - AQA
Define work, gravitational potential energy, power and efficiency with equations. Describe energy transfers from one store to another. Understand law of conservation of energy Target science p148-153, 158-159
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| P3 Energy Resources
How to compare different renewable and non-renewable energy resources
How the environment is affected by the use of different energy resources.
Target science pages 160-167 |
Assessments |
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End-Of-Topic Tests on:-
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| End-Of-Topic Tests on:-
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| End-Of-Topic Tests on:-
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| End-Of-Topic Tests on:-
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| P1 Formative Assessment
Formal Exam based on all work covered in Year 9 from terms 1 to 4 |
| P3 Formative Assessment
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The Windsor Boys’ School Physics Curriculum Map Year 10
Autumn 1 |
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| Spring 1 |
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P7 Radioactivity |
| P2 Heating and required practicals |
| P6 Particles (separates also P11 ) |
| P4 and P5 circuits and mains electricity |
| P8 Forces (amended from kerboodle scheme) |
| Exam and consolidation |
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Atomic structure Discovery of nucleus (Rutherford) Alpha, beta and gamma radiation Activity and half life
Target science p202-211 |
| Energy transfer by conduction Insulation and thermal conductivity Specific heat capacity and specific latent heat
Required practicals on specific heat capacity and density and insulation
Separates will also finish P7 – fission and fusion
Not in target science |
| Changes of state Internal energy Particle model of materials Behaviour of gases
Separate will also study Pressure including Gas pressure and P11 – Pressure in solids and liquids, upthrust and flotation
Not in target science |
| Circuit diagrams, Current, charge, potential difference and resistance. Pd-current characteristics for different components Series and parallel components
Separate will also cover static electricity
Target science p18 to 37 |
| Definition of forces Contact and non-contact forces Scalar and vector quantities, Revision of mass/weight Newton’s 3 laws Balanced and unbalanced forces Hooke’s law required practical Centre of mass including practical Separate will also include Moments Target sci p60-67 and 76-77
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| Complete P8 Exam review Topic consolidation based on exam review
This time can be used to revise anything from year 9 or 10 if in IE |
Assessments |
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Topic test P7
Extended answer questions on P7
Full Circle |
| Topic test P2 Test evaluation Longer answer question on required practicals
Topic test P7 Test evaluation longer answer questions on P7 |
| Calculations practice and longer answer questions for P6 (and P11 for separate)
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| Topic test P4 and P5 Test evaluation longer answer questions on P4 and P5
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| Year 10 exam
Required practical on Hooke’s law questions |
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The Windsor Boys’ School Physics Curriculum Map Year 11 2024
Autumn 1 |
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| Spring 2 |
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P12/14 Waves
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| P13 E.M waves P15 Magnetism |
| P9 Motion/P10 Forces/revision |
| P10 Forces P16 Space |
| Revision and exam prep |
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P12 Wave properties and key terms Investigating sound waves Using a ripple tank Waves on a string HT only reflection and refraction
Separate science also cover Sound and ultrasound Seismic waves P14 Investigating light properties Lenses
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| P13 Electromagnetic waves Wave names and order of wavelength Waves for communication Dangers and uses of waves, esp Xrays Reflection/ absorption required practical
P15 electromagnetism Magnetic fields and electromagnets HT only motor effect
Separate science also cover Generator effect Transformer Uses of electromagnets
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| Revision and mock exam
P9 Motion Distance time graphs Velocity & acceleration Velocity time graphs
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| P10 Investigate F=ma Terminal velocity Car stopping distances HT only momentum Resolving and resultant forces
Separate also cover Conservation of momentum Impact forces Car safety
Revision and mock preparation
P16 space Stellar and solar system evolution Forces and circular motion Big Bang and red shift |
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Assessments |
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6 mark and graph analysis question
Measuring waves required practical 8
Separate only Investigate reflection and refraction required practical 9 |
| 6 Mark question
Investigate infrared radiation required practical 10
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| Mock Mostly drawn from P8 to P16, resembling paper 2
F=ma required practical 7 – this may be after mock depending on exact dates |
| Exam questions on sections not covered by the mock.
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