Specification: AQA 7408 (we offer CIE exam preparation too)
The AQA GCE AS A Level Physics syllabus is designed to enable pupils to explain and understand the technological world around them. This highly valued qualification builds on Physics GCSE / IGCSE and will evidence both students' understanding of key theoretical principles and practical skills.
The AQA A Level Physics course teaches the fundamental theoretical concepts and advanced practical skills to enables pupils to progress to study further at university.
Assessment
Teacher assessments are continuous during LIVE TAUGHT lessons, marking of coursework and assignments and summative tests.
Homework
Homework will be given at the end of each week, usually in the form of problems to solve, researching key concepts.
Reporting
Students have 24 /7 access to all of their resources and coursework.
Additionally the school holds 3 parent consultations per year - one each term.
COURSE OUTLINE
The course will follow the current AQA A Level specifications.
The course will be based on the textbooks recommended for AQA A Levels.
Candidates for AQA AS Level Physics study the following topics:
• Physical quantities and units
• Measurement techniques
• Kinematics
• Dynamics
• Forces, density and pressure
• Work, energy and power
• Deformation of solids
• Waves
• Superposition
• Electric fields
• Current of electricity
• D.C. circuits
• Particle and nuclear physics
Candidates for AQA A Level Physics study the AS Level topics, including some topics in further detail, and additionally study the following topics:
• Motion in a circle
• Gravitational fields
• Ideal gases
• Temperature
• Thermal properties of materials
• Oscillations
• Communication
• Capacitance
• Electronics
• Magnetic fields
• Electromagnetic induction
• Alternating currents
• Quantum physics
All candidates study practical skills.
Examination Papers
Our lessons prepare students for June Series examinations only.
AS Level
Paper 1: topic 1 (Sections 1.1 to 1.4, 1.6 and 1.7) to topic 2 (Sections 2.1 to 2.3) including relevant practical skills, written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks, 50% of AS
Paper 2: topic 1 (Sections 1.2 to 1.6) and topic 3 (Section 3.1 to 3.6), including relevant practical skills, written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks, 50% of AS
A Level
Paper 1: topic 1 (Sections 1.1 to 1.4, 1.6 to 1.8 and 1.10 to 1.12) and topic 2 (Section 3.2), including relevant practical skills, written exam: 2 hours, 105 marks, 35% of A Level
Paper 2: Any content from topic 1 (Sections 1.1 to 1.4, 1.6 to 1.8 and 1.10 to 1.12) and topic 3 (Section 3.3), including relevant practical skills, written exam: 2 hours, 105 marks, 35% of A Level
Paper 3: Any content and any practical skills, written exam: 2 hours, 90 marks, 30% of A Level
Examination Centres
It is the student's responsibility to arrange their examinations - our teachers will provide all the support required. Most students will sit their examination papers at a local school or college. Some students sit their examinations at private examination centres (Google these or ask and we can provide a list) or the British Council. Some students study our courses and sit examinations for other A Level science examinations (CIE Cambridge, Edexcel, OCR etc.) as most examination boards and A Level specifications are very similar. Students who wish to do this should practice the past papers for other examination boards in preparation. Our teachers are very experienced across all examination boards and can help with this.
General points
Assessment, apart from the final A Level exams, will be carried out continuously throughout lessons, via homework or short tests.
Science is usually taught as a hands-on practical subject.
Items that would be useful to have would be safety goggles, an apron, and a tray on which to carry out practicals (e.g. large baking tray). Additional materials will be announced a week before required in the lesson along with a permission slip (to be signed by the parents). If a student cannot get access to materials required for practicals or does not wish to carry out a practical, they should not worry as the practical will also be demonstrated by the teacher.
The number of practicals will be relatively restricted owing to the nature of the course (online versus conventional), but we will try to include as many practicals as possible using safe household materials. Students will also be encouraged to think scientifically in an everyday context, making them aware of the science around them and how it can help in solving problems.
Disclaimer:
"The conducting of experiments is potentially dangerous and must be supervised by an adult. Online School of Uganda and its teachers do not demand that pupils conduct experiments. Parents and pupils must take the decision to conduct experiments / dangerous activities and must therefore accept responsibility for any outcomes. Online School of Uganda does not accept responsibility for experiments or any other dangerous activity conducted at the homes of its pupils or in any other place."