Subject Intent
Fellowship
We hold the view that progress in science is a team effort. The curriculum encourages a sense of community among students through joint projects, mutual tutoring, and collective discussions. These activities help students value different viewpoints, function efficiently in teams, and play and active role in a nurturing educational environment.
Aspiration
A Level Physics invites students to expand their current knowledge, creating an environment that encourages aiming high. Our goral is to motivate students to pursue lofty objectives, whether in further education, STEM careers, or in scientific research contributions. The curriculum shines a light on the accomplishments of physicists from the past and today, showing how ambition and persistence have led to significant discoveries that have transformed our world.
Integrity
In science, integrity is crucial. Our course stresses the importance of ethical behaviour, precise data gathering, and truthful results reporting. Through supervised experiments and projects, students are taught to engage in scientific inquiry with a dedication to honesty and moral duty, readying them for ethical participation in a scientifically and technologically advanced society.
Tenacity
Studying physics requires frit and perseverance. The curriculum presents students with complex ideas and demanding problem-solving exercises, encouraging them to see difficulties as opportunities for insight. By persisting in the face of tough subjects and experiments, students cultivate the resilience needed for success in physics and other areas.
Humility
Humility is essential in the quest for knowledge. Our curriculum guides students to approach physics with an open mind, acknowledging their own limits and the immense unknowns still to explore. This humility instils a lasting passion for learning and a reverence for the yet-to-be-unravelled mysteries of the universe.
Humility
Humility is essential in the quest for knowledge. Our curriculum guides students to approach physics with an open mind, acknowledging their own limits and the immense unknowns still to explore. This humility instils a lasting passion for learning and a reverence for the yet-to-be-unravelled mysteries of the universe.
Staffing
Mr Shooter - Second in Science
m.shooter@derbycathedralschool.org.uk
Mr Drijfhout - Teacher of Science
p.drijfhout@derbycathedralschool.org.uk
Homework:
At Derby Cathedral School, our A-Level Physics homework policy is tailored to provide students with targeted and manageable assignments from each teacher. With a commitment to supporting academic progress and exam success, this policy outlines the expectations regarding the amount and nature of homework per subject teacher.
Frequency and Duration: Students enrolled in A-Level Physics at Derby Cathedral School will receive approximately one hour of homework per week from each subject teacher. This structured approach allows for a focused and balanced workload, enabling students to effectively manage their time across various subjects.
Types of Homework:
1. Subject-Specific Lesson Consolidation: Homework assignments from each teacher will predominantly focus on consolidating subject-specific lesson content. Students will engage in tasks such as reviewing class notes, summarising key concepts, and exploring additional readings related to the content covered in each subject.
2. Past Exam Papers and Subject-Specific Practice: To enhance exam preparedness, subject teachers may assign past AQA exam papers and subject-specific practice questions. This targeted approach allows students to refine their understanding of subject-specific exam techniques and address content-related challenges.
Submission and Feedback: Homework submissions are expected to be completed and handed in by the specified deadlines for each subject teacher. Timely feedback will be provided by each teacher, offering constructive comments to guide students for each specific subject.
Support and Resources: Students will have access to subject-specific resources, including textbooks, online materials, and dedicated teacher support, to aid them in completing homework assignments. This ensures that students are well-equipped with subject-specific tools to navigate and excel in their A-Level Physics studies.
Assessment:
Our A-Level Physics assessment policy at Derby Cathedral School is structured to provide a comprehensive evaluation of students' progress and understanding throughout the academic year. This policy includes a settling-in check, two sets of Pre-Public Examinations (PPEs), and end-of-unit assessments.
Settling-in Check: At the beginning of the academic year, students will undergo a settling-in check, which serves as an initial assessment to gauge their baseline understanding of Physics. This check is designed to identify any areas where additional support may be required and helps both students and teachers establish a clear starting point for the course. It is not graded but provides valuable insights to tailor teaching and support strategies for individual needs.
Pre-Public Examinations (PPEs): Throughout the academic year, students will sit two sets of Pre-Public Examinations (PPEs). These assessments, mirroring the format of the final AQA examinations, serve as crucial milestones to assess students' progress and readiness for the challenges of the A-Level qualification. The PPEs aim to replicate the examination environment, allowing students to develop effective exam techniques and time management skills. Feedback and guidance will be provided to help students identify strengths and areas for improvement, guiding their revision and preparation for the final examinations.
End-of-Unit Assessments: In addition to the PPEs, students will undergo regular end-of-unit assessments after the completion of specific topics or modules. These assessments provide ongoing feedback on students' understanding of individual units and allow for the identification of any gaps in knowledge. Teachers will use this information to tailor their teaching and address any misconceptions or challenges that may arise throughout the course. The end-of-unit assessments contribute to a holistic understanding of each student's performance and progress in Physics.
Feedback and Support: Timely and constructive feedback will be provided for all assessments, ensuring that students receive detailed guidance on their strengths and areas for improvement. Teachers will also be available for individual support and clarification to help students navigate challenging concepts and enhance their overall understanding of Physics.
Independent Study:
Actively read through the first topic.
Put your coloured pencils and highlighters away. All you should have on the table is your learning resource, a pen and a pad.
Close the book and scribble down everything you can remember.
Focus on speed and accuracy. Scribble down everything you can remember from the topic you just read.
Check what you forgot or got wrong
Read through the topic again and take a mental note of what you forgot or got wrong.
Close the book again and scribble down what you missed
Repeat step 2, only this time, scribble down everything you missed out the first-time round.
This step should take no longer than 2 minutes.
Then move on to the next topic:
Complete all relevant end of topic questions
Whenever you encounter an end of topic test, do it! Then check your answers at the back of the book.
Complete all relevant past paper questions
Here’s where you move your mark up from a B to an A or A*. As a study by Elevate Education shows, there is a strong correlation between the number of past papers questions completed and top grades.
For the first few past papers you attempt, work through them slowly and check your answers with the mark scheme. Don’t just tick and cross what you get right and wrong. Re-attempt the questions you get wrong and try to remember the wording used in the mark scheme.
Complete the last 3 past papers under timed conditions, just as if you were in the actual exam. As a rule of thumb, the average mark across these 3 papers will be a good indication of what you’ll get in the final exam.
Subject Enrichment:
1. Become a Subject Ambassador: As a Subject Ambassador in Physics, students have the chance to take on leadership roles within the department. Ambassadors assist in organising events, supporting fellow students, and promoting a positive environment for the study of physics. This role not only develops leadership and communication skills but also provides an opportunity to contribute to the school community.
2. Trips to University Physics Departments: We organise visits to university physics departments, providing students with a glimpse into higher education and the facilities available for advanced research. These trips aim to demystify the university experience, help students make informed decisions about their academic future, and inspire them to pursue higher education in physics and engineering-related disciplines.
3. Physics Trip to CERN: Our Physics trip, run every two years, is a hands-on experience designed to complement classroom learning. Students will get the opportunity to see concepts that they are learning in Physics being put into action in the world’s largest science experiment. Students will have a tour of the facility and will get the opportunity to talk to academics working at CERN. It is a fantastic opportunity to see a bustling scientific environment that employs a wide range of individuals with varying skill sets.
Read:
Young Scientists Journal: An international peer-review science journal written, reviewed and produced by school students aged 12 to 20. Over the past decade, they have connected students from over 50 countries and have been the vehicle of choice for many in getting their work published. They are the oldest and largest organisation of their kind. https://ysjournal.com/
The Feynman Lectures on Physics: Now, anyone with internet access and a web browser can enjoy reading a high-quality up-to-date copy of Feynman's legendary lectures. This edition has been designed for ease of reading on devices of any size or shape; text, figures and equations can all be zoomed without degradation. https://www.feynmanlectures.caltech.edu/
Institute of Physics: Join us as we take you on a journey to understand the secrets of the world around us – and see how physics can help to address some of the biggest challenges facing society today. Our films and guides are here to explain, entertain and inspire. https://www.iop.org/explore-physics
SchoolPhysics: Schoolphysics online is freely available to all. This is an invaluable resource base for all 11 to 19 year old Physics students and their teachers. https://www.schoolphysics.co.uk/age16-19/
Phys Org Weekly News: Top science news from the week. A collection of articles about up-to-date research and Science news. https://phys.org/weekly-news/
Watch:
Veritasium — “An element of truth - videos about science, education, and anything else I find interesting.” https://www.youtube.com/@veritasium/featured
60 Symbols — “Cool videos about physics and astronomy.” https://www.youtube.com/@sixtysymbols/featured
Kurzgesagt — “Animation videos explaining things with optimistic nihilism since 12,013.” https://www.youtube.com/@kurzgesagt/featured
Minutephysics —”Simply put: cool physics and other sweet science.” https://www.youtube.com/@MinutePhysics/featured
In Our Time — “Teach Yourself A Lesson: Delve Deeper Into Science With In Our Time” https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4b55CHCys40q94mGxPJz60/teach-yourself-a-lesson-delve-deeper-into-science-with-in-our-time
Follow:
Do:
1. Produce a mindmap on last lesson’s work
2. Produce flash cards on 3 key questions from last time.
3. Use PhET to simulate the processes discussed in the lesson. You can also complete some simple experiments online. https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/category/html
4. Test your knowledge online. You can do this at https://isaacphysics.org/
5. Answer past paper questions. You can find these at https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com