Physics

Intent

Physics is the science that asks fundamental questions and tries to answer them through observing and experimenting. It is the study of forces, energy and of matter, its motion and behaviour through space and time. Students develop their knowledge and understanding of the key aspects of physics through performing experiments, carrying out research and doing calculations, all of which are supported by high quality teaching which enables students to become confident, independent learners. The solid foundation of knowledge developed in Key Stage 3 provides a strong base for the skills and understanding of physics required at GCSE level. The study of physics is essential for supporting students’ understanding of the physical laws that govern the universe and provides many exciting future opportunities in the world of science and engineering.

KS3

Students have 6 lessons of science per fortnight. In Years 7 and 8, we follow a bespoke curriculum that covers the whole Key Stage 3 requirement whilst building essential knowledge, vocabulary, skills and understanding for the GCSE courses ahead. Our course prepares students for the rigours of GCSE study by introducing more complex scientific ideas at a much earlier stage than before. Separate units of biology, chemistry and physics are covered over the course of each academic year. Regular assessment throughout the course followed by a detailed review of answers allows students to reflect on their learning and improve their examination answers and technique. The Year 9 curriculum builds upon the knowledge and skills developed in Years 7 and 8 as students begin building the foundation knowledge for their Science GCSEs.

The units are taught on a rota examples of which are shown below.

KS3 Resources

Bitesize KS3 Science

Seneca KS3 Science

KS3 Science Education Quizzes

KS4 (GCSE) Physics

The information below is for the GCSE in Physics. For information on GCSE Biology and Chemistry visit their subject pages. For the Combined Science Pathway, please visit the Combined Science page.

Students studying for a separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSE cover more course content than those taking the Combined Science GCSEs. The pathway each student follows is carefully selected to suit the academic interests of the individual to give them the best chance of fulfilling their potential in the GCSE examinations. The separate sciences are an excellent preparation for studying one or more A Level science course in the Sixth Form.

Exam Specification	Past Papers	Knowledge Organisers
Lesson Resources	Extra Curricular Clubs	Contact HoD
Seneca GCSE Chemistry	Bitesize GCSE Physics	Physics Revision
GCSE Chemistry Revision Videos		Khan Academy Physics

Specification: AQA GCSE Physics 8463	Assessment Weighting
	100% Exam	0% Coursework
	Exam 1: Units 1 – 4 – 50% Exam 2: Units 5 – 8 – 50%
SoW and Sequence Autumn 1 Autumn 2 Spring 1 Spring 2 Summer 1 Summer 2 Year 10 Atomic Structure Forces Waves Year 11 Magnetism and Electromagnetism Space Physics Revision
Further Education/Job Destinations: The list of science related careers is endless but includes possible careers in; Attleborough Academy offers A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Physics as well as a BTEC in Forensic Investigation. Other post-16 courses for which a Physics GCSE is helpful include vocational qualifications (such as BTECs, NVQ/SVQs and Diplomas) in construction and built environment, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, applied science and computer science Job prospects include, but are not limited to: Medicine, dentistry, prosthetic design, medical physicist, radiographer Aeronautics, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, architecture The energy industry, nuclear engineer, quantity surveyor Education, journalism, forensics and many more
Homework Homework is set regularly via Class Charts. Each science teacher will set 30 – 60 minutes of homework per fortnight in order to reinforce and extend learning and prepare students for their GCSE examinations.
Revision Resources/Textbooks The Science department recommends the purchase of the following revision resources and textbooks to help support learning at home. These are not compulsory, but highly recommended AQA GCSE 9-1 Physics Revision and Practice Collins Collins ISBN: 978-0008160739

KS5 (A-Level)

We offer A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Physics as well as a BTEC in Forensic Investigation at our Sixth Form. For more information, visit our Sixth Form Site