Physics

GCSE Core Science Physics topics:

Energy – radiation, conduction, convection, changes of state, heating and insulating buildings, forms of energy, conservation of energy, energy efficiency.
Electricity – electrical appliances, power, using electrical energy, generating electricity, energy and the environment, the National grid
Waves – measuring waves, reflection, refraction, diffraction, sound, electromagnetic spectrum, communications, Big Bang

GCSE Additional Science Physics topics:

Motion – distance, velocity, acceleration
Forces – resultant forces, force and acceleration, gravity
Work, energy and momentum – work, GPE, kinetic energy, momentum
Electricity – electrical charges, series and parallel circuits, resistance, current, potential difference, a.c. current, fuses, cables and plugs
Radioactivity – types of radiation, nuclear reactions, half-life, fission, fusion, formation of elements, stars

GCSE Separate Science Physics topics:

Medical physics – x-rays, ultrasound, endoscope, lenses and the eye
Using physics to make things work – moments, centre of mass hydraulics, circular motion, the pendulum
Using magnetic fields – electromagnets, motors, transformers.

11

Year

Topic (KS4 Science – BTEC L1/L2 Principles of Science )

10 & 11

Unit 1: Principles of Science

Learning aim A: Explore cells, organs and genes
Learning aim B: Explore the roles of the nervous and endocrine systems in homeostasis and communication
Learning aim C: Explore atomic structure and the periodic table
Learning aim D: Explore substances and chemical reactions
Learning aim E: Explore the importance of energy stores, energy transfers and energy transformations
Learning aim F: Explore the properties and applications of waves in the electromagnetic spectrum

Unit 2: Chemistry and Our Earth

Learning aim A: Investigate chemical reactivity and bonding
Learning aim B: Investigate how the uses of chemical substances depend on their chemical and physical properties
Learning aim C: Investigate the factors involved in the rate of chemical Reactions
Learning aim D: Understand the factors that are affecting the Earth and its Environment

Unit 3: Energy and Our Universe

Learning aim A: Understand ionising radiation, its uses and sources
Learning aim B: Know how electrical energy produced from different sources can be transferred through the National Grid to homes and industry
Learning aim C: Know the components of the Solar System, the way the Universe is changing and the methods we use to explore space

Unit 4: Biology and Our Environment

Learning aim A: Investigate the relationships that different organisms have with each other and with their environment
Learning aim B: Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of human activity on the environment and how these effects can be measured
Learning aim C: Explore the factors that affect human health

Year

Topic (KS4 Science – Entry Level Certificate of Science (AQA)

10

ELC Biology
Component 1 (Keeping Healthy)
ELC Chemistry
Component 3 (Materials from the Earth)
ELC Physics
Component 6 (Electricity and Waves)

11

ELC Biology
Component 2 (Inheritance, Evolution and the Environment)
ELC Chemistry
Component 4 (Oils, Earth and Atmosphere)
Physics
ELC Component 5 (Energy transfer and efficiency)