GCSE PHYSICS
REF: CDG2006004
International GCSE Physics Taught Online Course LIVE LESSONS
Description
The International GCSE Physics syllabus is designed to enable pupils to explain and understand the technological world around them. This highly valued qualification will evidence both pupils' understanding of key theoretical principles and practical skills.
The International GCSE Physics enables pupils to progress on to A Level Physics which will open opportunities 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
Parents have 24 /7 access to all of their children's coursework.
Additionally the school holds 3 parent consultaions per year - one each term.
The Teacher
I am an Astronomer in Cambridge (UK). From 1988 to 1991 I was an undergraduate student studying Physics at the University of Cambridge. I later did a PhD in Astronomy at the University of Hawaii and graduated in 1997. I returned to Cambridge University and worked for 11 years as a Research Fellow.
I enjoy sharing my passion for Physics and Astronomy with my students at Cambridge Home School. It is immensely satisfying to witness their imagination at work. I am happy to advise Cambridge Home School students on applications to Oxford and Cambridge.
Course Outline
The topics are:
P1. Motion
P2. Matter and forces
2.1 Mass and weight
2.2 Density
2.3 Effects of forces
2.4 Pressure
P3. Energy, work and power
3.1 Energy
3.2 Energy resources
3.3 Work
3.4 Power
P4. Simple kinetic molecular model of matter
4.1 States of matter
4.2 Molecular model
4.3 Evaporation
4.4 Pressure changes
P5. Matter and thermal properties
5.1 Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases
5.2 Thermal capacity
5.3 Melting and boiling
P6. Transfer of thermal energy
6.1 Conduction
6.2 Convection
6.3 Radiation
6.4 Consequences of energy transfer
P7. Waves
7.1 General wave properties
P8. Light
8.1 Reflection of light
8.2 Refraction of light
8.3 Thin converging lens
8.4 Dispersion of light
P9. Electromagnetic spectrum
P10. Sound
P11. Magnetism
P12. Electricity
12.1 Electrical quantities
12.2 Electric charge
12.3 Current, electromotive force and potential difference
12.4 Resistance
12.5 Electrical energy
12.6 Dangers of electricity
P13. Electric circuits
13.1 Circuit diagrams
13.2 Series and parallel circuits
13.3 Action and use of circuit components
P14. Electromagnetic effects
14.1 Electromagnetic induction
14.2 a.c. generator
14.3 Transformer
14.4 The magnetic effect of a current
14.5 Force on a current-carrying conductor
14.6 d.c. motor
P15. Radioactivity
15.1 Detection of radioactivity
15.2 Characteristics of the three kinds of emission
15.3 Radioactive decay
15.4 Half-life
15.5 Safety precautions
15.6 The nuclear atom
15.7 Isotopes
These topics will be taught in Years 10 and 11 to prepare students for their examinations.
Book list and stationary (Recommended but not necessary)
Cambridge IGCSE® Chemistry Coursebook with CD-ROM (Cambridge International Examinations) Paperback – 31 Jul 2014 by Richard Harwood (Author), Ian Lodge (Author); ISBN 978-1-107-61503-8
Cambridge IGCSE® Biology Coursebook with CD-ROM (Cambridge International Examinations) Paperback – 31 Jul 2014 by Mary Jones (Author), Geoff Jones (Author); ISBN 978-1-107-61479-6
Cambridge IGCSE® Physics Workbook (Cambridge International Examinations) Paperback – 31 Jul 2014 by David Sang (Author); ISBN 978-1-107-61458
Access to a printer, pencil, ruler, rubber, pen and a notebook
General points
Assessment, apart from the final IGCSE 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.
Examinations
Parents are responsible for arranging their child's examinations at their local registered examination centre. Cambridge Home School students study from every part of the globe and so it is not practical for the school to offer a single venue to sit examinations. The provider, alongside; Edexcel, OCR and AQA will support students in locating a suitable venue for sitting their written and practical examinations.
Disclaimer
"The conducting of experiments is potentially dangerous and must be supervised by an adult. Cambridge Home School 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. Cambridge Home School does not accept responsibility for experiments or any other dangerous activity conducted at the homes of its pupils or in any other place."