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Physics GCSE

Following the introduction of the new GCSE Physics is taught either as a Separate Science (girls study all three separate sciences) or as part of the Science and Additional Science GCSEs.

Unit One is common to separate Physics and to Science and covers energy transfer, efficiency and generation, the electromagnetic spectrum, radioactivity and astrophysics. The Unit One examination is taken by all candidates at the end of Year 10.

Unit Two is also common to separate Physics and Additional Science and covers movement, momentum, static electricity, current electricity, effects of radioactive decay and nuclear fission and fusion. Separate Physics candidates may sit the Unit Two examination in the January of Year 11.

Unit 3 is exclusive to separate Physics and covers the turning effect of forces, circular motion, mirrors, lenses, using electricity, generating electricity, transformers and the life history of stars (including black holes!), the examination is taken in the June of Year 11.

Practical work is assessed throughout the course and several externally set, internally marked practical tests (ISAs) are taken, with the best mark being submitted in the summer of Year 11.

The books used come with a CD for girls to use at home on an unnetworked computer. The CD contains text, pictures, graphs, spreadsheets, a glossary which will pronounce the work for you, work sheets, targets and question papers.