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Physics

Physics is the study of everything, from the very large to the very small. At St. Mary’s College, we investigate the forces that bind atoms, keep the earth in orbit around the Sun and make your hair stand on end. If you’ve ever wondered why satellites don’t fall out of the sky, or how heavy a dinosaur can get, then Physics probably has the answer. Our philosophy is to develop the curiosity about our universe that all children have and to help them develop ways of expressing it, initially in words but increasingly using mathematics – and without ever losing that sense of wonder.

The aim of the Physics Department is to ensure that every pupil has the chance to explore a range of Physics topics and techniques, delivered in a way that suits the learner and challenges them to move forward. This is achieved through a mixture of teaching and learning activities, including (but not limited to) research and presentations, problem-solving using up-to-the-minute case-studies, extensive practical work and demonstrations and, of course, traditional teaching and learning. Regular assessment and feedback ensures pupils know how they are progressing at all times and what they can do to improve.

Lower School

We will study Energy, Electricity, Speed, Gravity, Sound and Light in Year 7. In Year 8, we explore Forces and Fields, Energy, properties of waves and Pressure. Key topics in Year 9 are Energy, Atomic Structure, Particle Model and Electricity.

GCSE

All pupils follow the AQA GCSE course from Year 9. The majority go on to opt for Separate GCSE Physics but we also offer GCSE Combined Science (Trilogy) for those who would prefer to keep their options open for a little longer. The GCSE builds on the topics covered at Key Stage 3 and revisits them in greater depth. We also begin the study of radioactivity, exploring why some atoms decay, the dangers to humans and the environment and how nuclear power can be harnessed for safe energy generation. 

Physics Assessment (Standalone)

Paper 1

  • 1 Hour 45 Mins
  • Foundation and Higher Tier
  • 100 Marks
  • 50% of GCSE

Topics 1-4: Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter and Atomic structure

Questions

Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response

Paper 2

  • 1 Hour 45 Mins
  • Foundation and Higher Tier
  • 100 Marks
  • 50% of GCSE

Topics 5-8: Forces; Waves; Magnetism and electromagnetism and Space physics

Questions

Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response

Physics Assessment (as Part of GCSE Combined Science)

Paper 1

  • 1 Hour 15 Mins
  • Foundation and Higher Tier
  • 70 Marks
  • 16.7% of GCSE

Physics topics 18-21: Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter and Atomic structure

Questions

Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response

Paper 2

  • 1 Hour 15 Mins
  • Foundation and Higher Tier
  • 70 Marks
  • 16.7% of GCSE

Physics topics 22-24: Forces; Waves and Magnetism and electromagnetism

Questions

Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response

A Level

Once again, pupils follow the AQA course, which enables us to study the popular Astrophysics option in the Upper Sixth. Lessons are a mixture of discussion, problem-solving and practical work, with an increased focus on helping pupils to manage their own learning in preparation for university. Topics studied include the structure of materials, superconductivity, matter, antimatter and quarks and the origin and possible future of the universe, as well as deeper investigation of familiar areas such as electricity ad forces. Most pupils achieve A*-B at A Level and a significant proportion chooses to study physics-related subjects, including medicine or engineering, at university. The examination arrangements for A Level Physics are as follows:

Paper 1

  • 2 Hours
  • 85 Marks
  • 34% of A Level

Any content from topics 1–4, including relevant practical skills

Questions

60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content

Paper 2

  • 2 Hours
  • 85 Marks
  • 34% of A Level

Any content from topics 5–8, including relevant practical skills

Questions

60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content

Paper 3

  • 2 Hours
  • 80 Marks
  • 32% of A Level

Any content from topics 1–8, including relevant practical skills

Questions

  • 45 marks: short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content
  • 35 marks: short and long answer questions on optional topic