Physics
Teesdale School and Sixth Form - County Durham
01833638166
Prospect Place, Barnard Castle, DL12 8HH
Course summary

Measurements & their errors – the basic practical skills for all experimental investigation. Particles & radiation – the fundamental properties of matter, electromagnetic radiation, and quantum phenomena. Waves – knowledge of the characteristics, properties, and applications of waves including refraction, diffraction, superposition & interference. Mechanics & materials – development of an understanding of forces, energy, and momentum. Study of the bulk properties and tensile strength of materials. Electricity – development of the understanding of charge and practical circuits. Further mechanics & thermal physics – circular motion and simple harmonic motion. Thermal properties of materials, ideal gases, and molecular kinetic theory. Fields and their consequences – a key unifying idea in physics. Field theories of gravitation, electrostatics and magnetism are developed in the context of the impact on modern society. Nuclear physics – characteristics of the nucleus, unstable nuclei, and the link between energy and mass. Nuclear energy production and impact on society. Optional topic – Turning points – enables key developments in physics to be studied in depth so that students can appreciate, from a historical viewpoint, the significance of major conceptual shifts in the subject, both in terms of the understanding of the subject and in terms of its experimental basis.

Entry requirements

Ideally grade 7 or above in Physics (as a separate science) or 7-7 (Dual Award/Combined Science) at GCSE – candidates with grade 6 or 6-6 will be considered; ideally grade 6 or above in both Maths and English GCSE.

How you'll be assessed

Three written examinations at the end of Year 13. At least 15% of the written papers will assess knowledge and understanding of practical skills. 40% of the papers will assess mathematical skills. Practical endorsement – students will complete a minimum of 12 practical activities to demonstrate practical competence.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionNorth East
Local AuthorityCounty Durham
Ofsted RatingOutstanding
Gender TypeCo-Educational
AddressProspect Place, Barnard Castle, DL12 8HH