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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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Energy & Matter

 

Circuits

 

Waves

 

Forces and space

 

P1 Energy

 Year 9 EXAM

 

P3 Energy Resources

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

End-Of-Topic Tests on:-

 

  • Energy and Particles
  • Extended answer Questions
  • Full Circle

 

End-Of-Topic Tests on:-

  • Electrical Circuits
  • Extended Answer Questions
  • Full circle

 

End-Of-Topic Tests on:-

 

  • Waves
  • Extended answer Questions
  • Full circle

 

 

End-Of-Topic Tests on:-

 

  • Forces
  • Extended answer Questions
  • Test Evaluation

 

P1 Formative Assessment

 

Formal Exam based on all work covered in Year 9 from terms 1 to 4

 

P3 Formative Assessment

 

 

The Windsor Boys’ School Physics Curriculum Map Year 10

 

Autumn 1

 

Autumn 2

 

Spring 1

 

Spring 2

 

Summer 1

 

Summer 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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)

 

 

 

Topic test P4 and P5

Test evaluation

longer answer questions on P4 and P5

 

 

Year 10 exam

 

Required practical on Hooke’s law questions

 

 

The Windsor Boys’ School Physics Curriculum Map Year 11 2024

 

Autumn 1

 

Autumn 2

 

Spring 1

 

Spring 2

 

Summer 1

 

Summer 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P12/14 Waves

 

 

P13 E.M waves

P15 Magnetism

 

P9 Motion/P10 Forces/revision

 

P10 Forces

P16 Space

 

Revision and exam prep

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

 

Revision and mock exam

 

P9 Motion

Distance time graphs

Velocity & acceleration

Velocity time graphs

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Assessments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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.