KS4 Year 10 In year 10 pupils will study the new Gateways Science Course covering all three sciences and leading to a single GCSE at the end of year 10. This course covers three modules of Physics, P1 Energy for the home, P2 living for the future and P3 Forces for transport.
Subsequent year 11 pupils will study P4 Radiation for life, P5 Space for reflection and P6 Electricity for gadgets. This will lead to a further GCSE in Physics.This will lead to a further GCSE in Physics. Details of the course can be found on the OCR website Physics specification
Year 11 Most pupils follow the science double award B (staged assessment) GCSE course, using the OCR specification 1977. There are about 25 pupils in 6 groups which are mixed ability across the year. Pupils have three chemistry lessons per fortnight, with an extra block of 10 lessons on a rotation basis. The course includes an assessed piece of coursework. There are six physics modules, three in year 10 and three in year 11.
A small group of girls are studying seperate sciences, using OCR Physics
A level Year 12 In Y12, students can choose to take Salters-Horners AS level Physics. This is a popular course with a lot of practical work and an emphasis on real life science. Results and student feedback are very positive. There are 2 written units (tested in June) and a coursework unit. Coursework consists of 2 experimental write ups and a report on a visit to see physics in the community (usually Vue Cinema at Star City).
Year 13 In Y13, students can choose to take Salters-Horners A2 level Physics to continue their studies. There are 2 more theory units, looking at topics such as particle physics, astrophysics and engineering. Coursework is an individual research project, chosen by students. There is also a synoptoc test, taken at the end of the course with the other A2 exams.
