AS PhysicsAS Physics

A quick guide…

A LEVEL results 2006:

AS Physics (Year 12):

40% of students achieved a grade A80% of students achieved grades A - C88% of students achieved grades A - E

A2 Physics (Year 13):

33% of students achieved grades A - B50% of students achieved grades A - C100 % of students achieved grades A - E

PHYSICS is fun…The AS course looks at modern Physics in a real life context:

Y12 used Mechanics, Energy & Forces to calculate the distance travelled by arrows from toy bows, to celebrate the release of Lord of the Rings: Return of the King…!

PHYSICS photos:

Year 12 build & investigate a simulated ski-jump!!

AS CURRICULUMThe AS Units (worth 50%

overall):

UNIT 1 – Physics at Work, Rest, Play

UNIT 2 – Physics for Life

UNIT 3 – Working with Physics (COURSEWORK)

1h 30m written test Worth 33.3%

1h 30m written test Worth 33.3%

2 investigations + report of visit (1000 words)

AS CURRICULUMUNIT 1 - PHYSICS AT WORK, REST, PLAY

•The Sound of Music - This covers basic wave properties, by looking at how physics is used in various musical instruments and CD players.

•Technology in Space - A look at how a modern satellite is powered in space, using ideas about electricity, resistance and thermodynamics.

•Higher, faster, Stronger - Key ideas on motion, projectiles, forces & energy are covered by studying how they apply to a variety of sporting activities & games.

AS CURRICULUMUNIT 2 - PHYSICS FOR

LIFE

•Good Enough to Eat - The physics of modern food production, involving concepts such as viscosity, polarisation & material properties.

•Digging Up the Past - How ideas about resistivity, diffraction & the photoelectric effect are used in the fields of archaeology & geophysical surveying.

•Spare Part Surgery - A look at how medical physics is used in modern diagnosis & surgery, including ultrasound scanning, lenses & hip replacements.

AS CURRICULUMUNIT 3 - WORKING

WITH PHYSICS

This unit will be taught as part of units 1 and 2. Students will carry out a couple of short laboratory activities, and write a short report about a visit to a local industry or facility that uses physics, such as:

•Chocolate or Sauce Factory,•Sports Science Centre,•Music Recording Studio,•Local Hospital,•Local Engineering Firm,•Jodrell Bank Observatory