Physics

Pre-course tasks to be completed by September

2023

• Preferred grade of a 7 or above in GCSE Physics or Combined Science (Grade 6 will be considered on an individual basis) and at least a grade 6 in GCSE mathematics.

• Consolidate work from GCSE Physics, particularly: Waves and the Electromagnetic spectrum, Forces, Electricity. Websites such as ‘Pass My Exams’ are good for this: http://www.passmyexams.co.uk/GCSE/physics/ index.html.

• A handy Physics Pocket guide is available alongside many other resources from the Institute of Physics website: www.iop.org/education/school-andcollege-students#gref.

Required reading

• New Scientist magazine or Physics Review (available of the library resources tab on Firefly. or at https://www.sibfordschool.co.uk/sixth-form/ sixth-form-curriculum/sixth-form-preparation-summer-2023)

• One of the following popular Science books:

- ‘The Big Bang’ by Simon Singh

- ‘A Short History of Nearly Everything Parts I - III’ by Bill Bryson

Recommended reading

• Work through the Student Maths Support pdf from Edexcel – See Physics Firefly page or https://www.sibfordschool.co.uk/sixth-form/sixth-formcurriculum/sixth-form-preparation-summer-2023

Notes

The exam board for A level Physics is Edexcel. There are four assessment components to the A level course.

• Paper 1 Advanced Physics I (worth 30% of the A level grade). This covers topics in Mechanics, Electricity, Fields and Particles Physics.

• Paper 2 Advanced Physics II (worth 30% of the A level grade) This covers topics in Materials, Waves, Oscillations, Thermodynamics, Nuclear Radiation and Space.

• Paper 3 All topics and Practical Principles (worth 40% of the A level grade)

• Core Practicals (PASS noted on your A2 Certificate)