GCE Physics

Why Physics?

The opportunities for students of Science, on completion of full-time education, are enormous. There are many possible careers within the scientific world and qualifications in Science subjects are acceptable as an entry into many other careers.

The Science courses offered at Sandwell Academy are designed to provide academic and vocational experiences. They will prepare students for their choice of career in both the world of work and Higher Education.

Course Outline

1. Development of Practical Skills in Physics Practical Endorsement

During the course you will improve your practical science skills. Within the work on other modules you will complete a series of tasks designed to assess your ability to manipulate a range of data as well as your skills in evaluating the quality of experimental evidence. This will be assessed in the form of an internal endorsement of your ability to undertake various practical skills in lessons over the duration of the course.

2. Foundations of Physics Written Examination

This module ensures that you have a thorough basis for the content that follows. You will develop mathematical skills, and understand the quantities and units that are used across the subject area.

3. Mechanics Written Examination

In this module you will develop your understanding of motion, forces in action, work and energy. You will explore Newton's laws of motion and momentum to develop your understanding of, for example, car safety.

4. Electrons, Waves and Photons Written Examination

This module focuses on electricity and circuits alongside waves and quantum mechanics. You will study applications of circuit theory as well as concepts such as the photoelectric effect and wave particle duality.

5. Newtonian World Written Examination

Building on Year 1 modules you will develop your ability to apply Newton's laws to a wider range of contexts. Your will study circular motion, oscillations and thermal physics.

6. Particles and Medicine Written Examination

Within contexts such as medical physics and cosmology you will extend your understanding of contemporary physics and how it relates to the world around us.

Examinations

1 Modelling Physics 2h15 Content from modules 1, 2, 3 & 5 Weighting: 37%

2 Exploring Physics 2h15 Content from modules 1, 2, 4 & 6 Weighting: 37%

3 Unified Physics 2h15 Content from modules 1 - 6 Weighting: 26%