Physics

Powerful Knowledge

Knowledge is taught via sequenced units built on KS4. There is a focus on the 4 strands of our science curriculum - Knowledge, Scientific Literacy, Scientific Numeracy and Practical skills.

Knowledge at KS5 follows the Edexcel specification and particular emphasis is placed on mastering the following concepts

Teaching is focussed on deliberate practice in several contexts to both broaden understanding and build fluency in synoptic assessments.

Practical Skills

Foundations of physics

Vectors, scalars, quantities

Forces and Motion

Speed, distance, acceleration graphs. Equations of motion. Moments. Projectile motion. Density and pressure

Resolving vectors, rearranging equations to solve problems

Electrons, waves and photons

Current and charge. Kirchoff’s Laws. Circuits and symbols. p.d. and EMF. I/V characteristics. Resistance and resistivity. LDR and thermistor. Electrical energy and power. Paying for Electricity. Combining resistors. Internal resistance. Potential divider circuits and sensing circuits.

Developing practical and graphical skills to solve a variety of problems.

Wave properties. Reflection and refraction. Diffraction and polarisation. Intensity. EM Waves. Refractive Index. TIR. Superposition. Interference. Young’s double slit. Stationary waves. Harmonics.

Photons. Photoelectric effect. Wave-particle duality.

Newtonian world and astrophysics

Thermal Physics. SHC. Temperature. Solids, liquids and gases. Latent and specific heat.

Kinetic theory of gases. The gas laws. RMS. The Boltzmann constant.

Circular motion. Angular velocity. Angular acceleration and centripetal forces.

Oscillations. SHM. Damping and driving. Resonance.

Gravitational fields. Newton’s law of gravitation. Kepler’s Laws. Satellites. Gravitational potential and energy.

Stars. Life cycle. Hertzsprung-Russell. Energy levels in atoms. Spectra. Analysing starlight. Stellar luminosity.

Cosmology. Astronomical distances. The Doppler Effect. Hubble’s Law. The Big Bang theory. Evolution of the Universe.

Particles and medical physics

Developing of atom models (Alpha-particle scattering experiment, the size of nucleus / atom / density).

Fundamental particles (hadrons - quarks, leptons and antimatter particles).

Conservation of energy-mass, hadron and lepton numbers, charge.

The nuclear forces (strong and weak). The role of weak nuclear force in beta decays.

Radioactivity and nuclear decay equations, half-life and activity (including radioactive dating), modelling of radioactive decay.

Einstein’s mass-energy equation, binding energy with its relationship to Nuclear fission and fusion.

Role of X-ray in medical imaging (interaction with matter, CT Scan)

Role of gamma cameras in medical imaging (Related to radioactivity, half life through tracers)

Role of PET scans in medical imaging (Related to Beta plus decay)

Ultrasound (how it works, acoustic impedance and doppler imaging).

Literacy

We teach using low stake questioning new language and key definitions. We focus on encouraging students to use precise language in explanations by using past paper exam questions.

Exam questions on experimental work involve being able to explain succinctly: methods used, measurements taken and analysis of data. This is taught through practical work, feedback given, modelling of explanations and the use of exam style questions.

School Context

While Stowupland High school is classified by postcode as an urban school we have a strong rural element. Students need horizons widening and explicit links made with a multicultural Britain whilst linking learning to surrounding industry that uses Physics. In teaching certain units, links are made to our locality…

Bosch

BT - Martlesham

Great Blakenham power station

Sizewell nuclear power station.

Muntons

Breheny

PPG

West Suffolk NHS trust (Radiography / medical imaging)

Assessment

Quick quizzes at the start of lessons - based on key recall.

End of unit tests using past exam material, designed to closely mimic final exams.

Feedback sheets and monitoring of practical skills against the PAG experiments (and expected key practical and analysis skills taken from the specification).

Careers