PHYSICS

TEACHERS

DEMETRIOU DEMETRIS

BSc, MSc, QTS Imperial College, UK, University of Cambridge, UK

OIKONOMIDES ERODOTOS

B.Sc in Physics – University of Athens

 

ORPHANOU SOPHIA

MPhys University of Leeds, UK

 

PANTELI KOULLIA

BSc Physics University of Nottingham, UK

MSc Financial Mathematics University of Leeds, UK

 

SAVVA ANTONIA

BSc, MSc, MSc University of Cyprus, University of Surrey, UK

Physics has something to offer every student, whatever their aspirations. From trainee chef to engineer, construction apprentice to cancer researcher, everyone needs some level of relevant physics understanding.

 

Lower School

In the lower school we follow the English National Curriculum KS3 Programme of Study (KS3 POS).

We use the new Activate Physics books from Oxford University Press that emphasise an enquiry-based approach. Physics is taught by subject specialist in all classes.

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Middle School

In class 4 and 5 Physics is an elective.

The AQA GCSE Physics provides great preparation for the AQA A-level. A-Level Physics is one of the facilitating subjects that allows access to many courses at leading universities.

 

Summary of content	Exams
1.    Forces 2.    Energy 3.    Waves 4.    Electricity 5.    Magnetism and electromagnetism 6.    Particle model of matter 7.    Atomic structure 8.    Space physics	Question types: multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response.   Two papers: each paper will assess different topics.   Duration: both papers are 1 hour 45 minutes.   Paper 1 Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter and Atomic structure   Paper 2 Forces; Waves; Magnetism and electromagnetism and Space physics

 

Engaging Practicals is at the heart of GCSE Physics

By carrying out carefully considered practical work, you will enhance your investigative thinking, improve your mastery of techniques and consolidate your understanding of key scientific concepts. There are ten required practicals over the two years. For some practicals you will work in groups of two while for others you will work on your own. All practicals require the use of the physics laboratory. For health and safety reasons no more than 14 students can be in the laboratory at any one time. Some of the ten required practicals will be done after school. You will need to remain after school (14:00 and 15:00) for a maximum of three days in class 4 and three days in class 5.

GCSE Physics required practical activity

No. 1 – Specific heat capacity No. 2 – Thermal insulation No. 3 – Resistance No. 4 – V-I Characteristics No. 5 – Density

No. 6 – Force and Extension No. 7 – Acceleration No. 8 – Waves No. 9 – Radiation No. 10 – Light

 

Mathematical skills

A minimum of 30% of marks will test maths skills in GCSE Physics. There will be a variety of question types testing maths skills, including multi-step and open calculations. Some skills will be tested more than others such as use of decimals and translation of graphs.

Exemplar Practical

1. Set up the apparatus as shown.
2. Switch on the vibration generator. The string (or elasticated cord) should start to vibrate.
3. Adjust the tension in the string or move the wooden bridge to adjust the length of the string until a clear wave pattern can be seen. The waves should look like they are stationary.
4. Use a metre ruler to measure across as many half wavelengths as possible (a half wavelength is one loop). Then divide the total length by the number of half waves. Multiplying this number by two will give the wavelength.
5. The frequency is the frequency of the power supply.
6. Calculate the speed of the wave using the equation:

 

wave speed = frequency x wavelength

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Senior School

In class 6 and 7 Physics is an elective.

Physics is arguably the most exciting and intellectually stimulating of the natural sciences. It is also the most basic, and underpins other sciences and engineering.

An application form which includes A-Level Physics, whether for a university place or for future employment, will always stand out from the rest showing the applicant to be a curious logical thinker with heightened awareness and comprehension of the continually transforming world we live in.

Physics is desirable for any further study at university level – not purely in science and mathematics.
A-Level Physics provides the strongest route into studies and careers in Engineering, Mathematics, Medicine, Business, Computing, Law, … in fact, just about anything!

 

Exam board

• A-LEVEL PHYSICS 7408 by AQA

Who is AQA?

AQA is an independent education charity and the largest provider of academic qualifications taught in schools and colleges.

• Set and mark the papers for around half of all GCSEs and A-levels taken every year.
• Around 1.4 million students sit AQA A-levels and GCSEs every year.
• Mark more than 7 million exam scripts every year.
• Qualifications are internationally recognised and are taught in more than 30 countries around the world.
• Support international schools by sharing UK best practice and teaching approaches.

 

Why AQA Physics ?

Over a thousand teachers were involved in developing the specification, to ensure that the subject content is relevant to real world experiences and is interesting to teach and learn. The specification is a stepping stone to future study, which is why AQA also consulted with universities, to ensure the specification allows students to develop the skills that they want to see.

The optional topic on Turning Points in Physics enables key concepts and developments in Physics to be studied in greater depth than in the core content. Many present-day technological industries are the consequence of these key developments and the topics in the option illustrate how unforeseen technologies can develop from new discoveries.

 

Practicals

Physics, like all sciences, is a practical subject. Throughout the course you will carry out 12 compulsory practical activities including:

• interference and diffraction of laser light
• measuring acceleration due to gravity
• resistor-capacitor circuits
• systems that oscillate
• temperature, volume and pressure of a gas
• magnetic fields
• radioactivity

 

These practicals will give you the skills and confidence needed to investigate the way things behave and work. It will also ensure that if you choose to study a Physics-based subject at university, you will have the practical skills needed to carry out successful experiments in your degree.

 

 

AQA Physics Monitor’s Report on Practical Endorsement Centre Visit ü  The school is very well resourced.ü  Students have the opportunity to use a range of apparatus.ü  Demonstrations are set up on side benches which are regularly changed to allow revision of key ideas which is highly engaging for them.ü  It is clear that students at The Grammar School are receiving a fabulous practical work experience.ü  The Grammar School in Limassol are demonstrating the best working practices I’ve seen to date – including planning for, assessing, and tracking the CPAC.