Physics - GCSE
What will I study in Physics?
There are three papers - everyone must take papers one and two, students sitting the full GCSE in single Physics must take paper three as well.
Paper 1a: Energy and Energy Resources
We start off with heat transfer and move on to forms of energy and conservation of energy. The unit finishes with generating electricity and the national grid.
Paper 1b: Radiation and the Universe
The electromagnetic spectrum followed by a beginners’ guide to radioactivity. We finish with the origins of the universe.
Paper 2: Additional physics
Motion and Newton’s Laws complete with work, energy and momentum. Electricity is studied in all its forms (static, electronics and main electricity). We end with a consideration of nuclear physics.
Paper 3: Further physics
The most challenging part of the subject for the most determined students of physics - moments followed by lenses, refraction and electromagnetism. The unit is brought to a close with a study of life history of stars.
How will I be assessed?
Unit 1 has two 30 minute multiple-choice style examinations, taken in November and March of the one-year course, or in March and June of the first year of the two-year course.
Units 2 and 3 are each assessed by 45 minutes written examinations, which are sat in June at the end of the course.
Repeat Unit 1 exams may also be taken in March or June.
The arrangements for Biology and Chemistry are the same as this.
One practical assessment or ‘ISA’, involving a laboratory experiment, followed by a written examination, is required for this GCSE.
Who will teach me?
Jem Barton-Hanson read Law at Queens' College Cambridge, joining Lansdowne in 1993 while taking bar examinations. Since 1993 he has taught a combination of Law, Physics and ICT. Jem is also the College’s Director of eLearning.
Which subjects complement Physics?
GCSE Physics would normally be accompanied by GCSEs in Chemistry and Biology. In the latter papers there is a large amount of Mathematics and it is a major advantage to be studying or have studied Maths through to GCSE. There are overlaps with Information and Communications Technology and even Music.
Which careers can Physics lead to?
Physics is a broad discipline with many potential careers ranging from research through to finance, engineering and law. The subject requires students to learn how the physical world works - the applications of this understanding are limitless.