Physics

Physics is about how the fundamental interactions of the universe work. We learn about electricity, energy, forces and radiation. We also find out more about what scientists cannot yet explain.

Physics is taught as a separate subject by science teachers in Year 7 and by specialist physics teachers to all pupils up to Year 11.

At CGS we have high expectations for our students and are proud of our excellent results. The majority of students achieve an A* or A grade at GCSE and an A*-B grade at A level.

Key Stage 3

(Year 7)

Unit 1	Unit 2	Unit 3
Speed	Levers	Static electricity
Distance-time graph	Levers in action	Electric Fields
Forces	Moments	Circuits
Gravity	Principle of Moments	Parallel Circuits
Friction	Simple Machines	Voltage
Density	Pressure	Resistance
Stretching	Pressure Calculations	Ohms Law
Air resistance	Atmospheric Pressure	Magnets
Balanced Forces	Pressure in Liquids	The Earth’s Magnetism
Newton’s Laws	Hydraulics	Electro Magnets
Test	Test	Test

(Year 8)

Unit 4	Unit 5	Unit 6
Energy	Waves	Sun
Energy	Light	Solar System
Conservation of energy	Refraction	Gravity
Energy from Food	Colour	Seasons
Fuels	Sound	Moon
Heating	Speed of Sound	Phases of the Moon
Radiation	Detection	Eclipses
Changes in systems	Loudspeakers	Galaxies
Chemical and Physical	Using Sound	Observing space
Energy Calculations	Waves, Energy and Speed	Journey into Space
Test	Test	Test

AQA GCSE Physics 4403

All pupils are given the opportunity to take a GCSE in Physics in Year 11.

We start Key Stage 4 in Year 9 and work towards the terminal examinations in Year 11. Towards the end of Year 10, we undertake the controlled practical assessment. All of the assessment takes place in the laboratory, but students are allowed to prepare a research sheet beforehand to support the planning stage. We supply GCSE “Physics for You” texts and use these with CGP workbooks to support homework and revision.

The course consists of units P1, P2 and P3:

P1 (Year 9) – Energy, Efficiency, Electricity, Waves, Communication, The Universe

P2 (Year 10) – Forces, Kinetic Energy, Momentum, Electricity, Mains Supply, Nuclear Processes

P3 (Year 11) – Medical Physics, Using Physics To Make Things Work, Keeping Things Moving

There are equally weighted one hour examinations for each of these units. The controlled assessment is worth 25% of the marks.

AQA GCE A level Physics 2450

P1 (Year 12) Particle Physics, Quantum Phenomena and Electricity (20%)

P2 (Year 12) Materials, Mechanics and Waves (20%)

P3 (Year 12) Practical Assessment (10%)

P4 (Year 13) Fields and Further Mechanics (20%)

P5 (Year 13) As P4 + Astrophysics (20%)

P6 (Year 13) Practical Assessment (10%)

We run an Electronics Club and take part in the annual Rampaging Chariots robotics competition.

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