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."