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Physics

STATEMENT OF INTENT FOR PHYSICS

Physics students at Charters School will develop understanding and awareness of the Physics that surrounds them. They will learn to evaluate critically how science and technology changes society. With varied opportunities to learn through research, discovery and developing their practical skills, students will be engaged in and enjoy their learning. Students will develop teamwork skills, apply numeracy, and learn to effectively communicate their knowledge. These transferable skills will prepare them for their future in society and any career path they choose, alongside providing strong foundations for specialised Physics and Engineering Careers.

This means:

• They will hold their own point of view about developments in the world of Physics and articulate advantages and disadvantages, broadening their awareness through research, debate and discussion.

• They will learn how Physics has developed over time, building on the understanding and research of others, and the importance of scientists working as a community.

• Through scientific enquiry they will learn to ask scientific questions and use the laboratory resources and equipment to provide data to come to conclusions.

• They will make connections between the scientific principles and theory they learn and the applications in everyday life.

• They will make connections between technology and the world around us and how Physics has forwarded our understanding of the Universe.

• They will be aware of how scientific theory links to the varied occupations that use Physics, and specific Physics and Engineering careers.

SUMMARY OF CURRICULUM

OCR’s A Level in Physics A specification aims to encourage learners to:

• Develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other
• Develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods
• Develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills
• Develop their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject
• Understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society (as exemplified in ‘How Science Works’ (HSW).

COURSE DETAILS

Content is split into six teaching modules

Module 1 – Development of practical skills in physics
Module 2 – Foundations of physics
Module 3 – Forces and motion
Module 4 – Electrons, waves and photons
Module 5 – Newtonian world and astrophysics
Module 6 – Particles and medical physics

KEY STAGE 5 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The minimum entry requirements for Charters Sixth Form can be viewed here

EXAM BOARD: OCR

BE INSPIRED

Take a look around the links below to find our where this exciting subject could lead.

Complementary Subjects

Physics A Level has a strong emphasis on developing a wide variety of skills, meaning it could complement any other subject. The following subjects are those with an amount of cross over in both skills and content, so would be ideal candidates to study alongside Physics: Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry, Biology

Future Opportunities

Due to the skills focus, an A Level Physicist will be able to demonstrate competency in a wide range of areas, including mathematical problems, analysis and evaluation skills and use of language to convey complex subject matter in a clear and concise way.

It is therefore considered a desirable option for numerous courses and future careers including engineering, architecture and research. In particular, Physics would be highly desirable for any STEM field.

Be Inspired by Exploring Further

BOOKS

A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson

A Short History of Nearly Everything is his quest to find out everything that has happened from the Big Bang to the rise of civilization - how we got from there, being nothing at all, to here, being us.

Surely You're Joking Mr Feynman: Adventures of a Curious Character by Richard P Feynman

In this warm, insightful portrait of the Winner of the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1965, we see the wisdom, humour and curiosity of Richard Feynman through a series of conversations with his friend Ralph Leighton.