Physics

SUBJECT GATEWAY SCIENCE Physics A

Exam Board             OCR A Gateway

Overview of course

Students will study GCSE Physics over 3 years. Building on knowledge from KS3 science where students have had a brief overview of topics covered at GCSE.

In each unit there are opportunities for students to develop investigative skills and gain a better understanding of “how science works”. We follow the new Gateway Physics  A specification, within which there is a strong emphasis on Knowledge Recall (40%), Application of Knowledge (40%) and analysis/evaluation of experimental work (20%). The whole course is examined via 2 x 1hr 45 min exams at the end of Year 11.

The course requires an understanding of several core practical’s which cover the key concepts in Physics.

Year 9 Programme of study

Skills / Knowledge / Understanding

Students will be expected to develop their scientific, mathematical and investigative skills in all Physics during their course of studies. Learn the key facts and equations for each topic of study.

Methods of assessment / accreditation structure

These courses are linear, with all the examinations taking place at the end of Year 11. Students will sit 2 examinations consisting of 2 papers of 1 hour 45 minutes. There are two Physics papers P1-P3 and P4-P6.

End of topic assessments; Examination Style Question Homework’s; Cumulative Knowledge tests, Mock examinations

On-going support, focused feedback and targets for improvement will be provided by their class teacher on the examination style homework’s.

In School Contacts

Please speak to your child’s Science Teacher or Mrs E Laxton (Head of Science): elaxton@saa.woodard.co.uk

How Parents and Carers can help

• Have a conversation with your child about their day include subject specific words from the topic glossary
• Ensuring homework is fully completed on time to the best of their ability. Students should useclass notes, topic summary maps, and the revision guide can also be used to assist with homework, as well as the online text books (kerboodle) and lesson power points (google classroom)
• Print past papers and mark schemes. Work on a mark a minute in exam conditions, and then use resources to fill in any gaps in another colour, and then use the mark scheme to mark and correct the work. Then encourage your child to talk to their class teacher about any areas which they struggled with or need further clarification.
• Support the department by ensuring that your child attends any intervention sessions that they are invited to or which is being run for all students. These sessions can really make a difference to student success.

Resources, Software and Websites used

CPG Combined Science Revision Guide and Workbook

Exercise books; Topic Glossary and Topic on a page; Learning Grids

Educake https://www.educake.co.uk/

Kerboodle  https://www.kerboodle.com

Seneca Learning https://www.senecalearning.com/

BBC Bitesize

TED Talks https://www.ted.com/topics/science

OCR Gateway Physics A

https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/234600-specification-accredited-gcse-gateway-science-suite-physics-a-j249.pdf

Past Examination Questions and Mark schemes

https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/gateway-science-suite-physics-a-j249-from-2016/assessment/

Google Classroom with class code contain powerpoint s, past examination questions and revision resources