Key Stage 4 Physics
Curriculum overview
| | Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 |
|---|
| Year 10 | Energy | Electricity | Particle model of matter | Atomic structure | Forces – motion and newtons laws | Forces – pressure, moments and springs |
| Year 11 | Waves – principles and properties of waves | Waves – electromagnetic spectrum and properties of light | Electricity and magnetism | Space | Revision | |
Year 10
Students start by learning that nothing can happen without the transfer of energy, leading to an enhanced understanding of the universe. They are introduced to the idea that energy can be determined by measurements and that an appreciation of energy can help us make informed decisions about our uses of energy and their consequences. In the next topic we look at static and current electricity, using practical activities to investigate different types of circuit, including factors affecting resistance. They discover how electricity is transmitted to homes and about the energy and power transfers involved. Particle models are explored, including ideas about internal energy and specific heat capacity, along with their role when thinking about density. Students are introduced to some of the ideal gas laws. In “atomic structure”, students learn more about the current model of the atom and how this has been developed. They are introduced to ionising radiation and consider hazards relating to using them. The Forces topic teaches what forces are and what they do, including how motion can be calculated, Newton’s laws, turning effects and pressure. Throughout the course, students are given opportunities to carry out investigations and develop their practical skills.
Year 11
Students learn about light and sound as waves, as well as how other electromagnetic waves behave. They investigate the behaviour of waves and learn about some of their uses, including in medicine. Students learn the key terms used to describe waves and how to accurately draw ray diagrams for lenses. Following this, we look at the basics of magnetism and the links between electricity and magnetism. This includes the studying of motors, generators, speakers, microphones and transformers. Students are given opportunities to practise maths skills, including rearranging equations and interpretation of graphs. The course concludes with the unit “Space” where we look at the origin and life cycle of the stars, including the role of gravity. We learn how we are able to state that the Universe is expanding and investigate phenomena such as red-shift and the big bang. Throughout the course, students are given opportunities to carry out investigations and develop their practical skills.
Assessment
Throughout the course, students receive informal assessment via a mixture of verbal and written feedback, and using self and peer assessment. Students also experience formal mock examinations to familiarise with the examination protocol.
At the end of year 11 students are externally assessed in two written examinations:
| Paper 1: | Paper 2: |
|---|
| What’s assessed Topics 1-4: Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter; and Atomic structure. | What’s assessed Topics 5-8: Forces; Waves; Magnetism and electromagnetism; and Space physics. |
| How it’s assessed - Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Foundation and Higher Tier
- 100 marks
- 50% of GCSE
| How it’s assessed - Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Foundation and Higher Tier
- 100 marks
- 50% of GCSE
|
| Questions • Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response. | Questions • Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response. |
In addition, students complete “required practicals” at appropriate points in the scheme of work. Knowledge on these practicals is assessed in the written papers.
Further Reading/Resources
Books:
- The Elegant Universe – Brian Greene
- How to Teach Relativity to Your Dog – Chad Orzel
- The First Three Minutes– Steven Weinberg
Websites:
- Khan academy
- Seneca Learning
- Institute of Physics – a large range of free resources for each age group
