KEY STAGE 5 PHYSICS CURRICULUM MAP

Autumn Term Spring Term Summer Term

YEAR 1 Content YEAR 1 Content YEAR 2 Content
1. Particles 1. Waves
Knowledge

2. EM Radiation and Quantum 2. Materials 1. Thermal physics

Phenomena
3. Electricity
4. Measurements and errors – SI units and
prefixes
Particles and Radiation Use of prefixes for small and
large distance measurements and wavelength
values, determination of the frequency and
wavelength of the 2 gamma photons produced when
a ‘slow’ electron and a ‘slow’ positron annihilate
each other – PET scanner as an application,
demonstration of photoelectric effect using a
photocell or an electroscope and UV lamp,
Skills
3. Mechanics
4. Measurements and errors – Errors and uncertainties
Waves Investigate factors that determine the frequency of
stationary wave patterns of a string, graphical explanation of
formation of stationary waves, safety issues associated with using
lasers, describe and explain interference produced with sound and
EM waves, qualitative treatment of the variation of the width of the
central diffraction maximum with wavelength and slit width. RP 1
and 2
Materials Estimate the volume of an object leading to an estimate
2. Further mechanics
Further mechanics Estimate the acceleration
and centripetal force in situations that involve
rotation, convert from degrees to radians and
vice versa, convert from rpm to rad/s, sketch
relationships between x v a and t for simple
harmonic oscillators, recognise the use of the
small-angle approximation in the derivation of
the time period for examples of approximate

observation of line spectra using a diffraction grating of its density, use graphs to find the Young’s modulus. RP 4 SHM, investigation of the factors that
Year 12

(video) Mechanics Distinguish between instantaneous velocity and average determine the resonant frequency of a driven
Electricity Construct circuits with various component velocity, measurements and calculations from displacement-time system. RP 7
configurations and measure I and V, investigate the velocity-time and acceleration-time graphs, calculations involving Thermal physics Investigation of specific heat
behaviour of a potential divider circuit. RP 5 and 6. motion in a straight line, use scale diagrams and free-body capacity of a metal block, concept of absolute
diagrams, apply Newton’s laws of motion, apply conservation of zero of temperature, application of the gas
momentum and rate of change of momentum to a range of laws and the ideal gas equation, derive the
examples. RP 3 – identify random and systematic errors in the equation pV = 1/3 Nm (crms)2, use of average
experiment and suggest ways to remove them, Determine g from a molecular theory. RP 8
graph
Students deepen their knowledge and skills from KS4 to further develop their scientific understanding of key principles. Emphasis is on application of
knowledge and skills to new contexts and real-life scenarios. The course has been structured in such way as to help students build upon previous knowledge.
Most of the concepts learned in this year will form a foundation and will be revisited in different forms throughout the course. While topics such as
Rationale

Mechanics, Waves and Electricity are underpinned by GCSE knowledge from Forces, Waves and Electricity, topics such as Particles and Radiation open a whole
new realm of study into Quantum Mechanics.
Study of A level Physics requires students to have strong mathematical skills. It is highly recommended for students to study A level Mathematics alongside.
Students joining us in Year 12 from a variety of schools teaching different specifications will have different levels of proficiency. Therefore, we begin our
course by recapping and strengthening their fundamental mathematical and practical skills. Students continue to build on their practical skills throughout the
course by researching, writing up and completing practicals to meet the AQA CPAC criteria.
 Autumn Term
YEAR 2 Content
Knowledge
1. Gravitational and Electric fields
2. Nuclear Physics
Gravitational and Electric fields Estimate the
gravitational and electrostatic force between a
variety of objects and charge configurations,
investigate relationships between v, r and g
using graphs, estimate various parameters of
planetary orbits, use logarithmic plots to show
relationships between T and r for given data,
compare gravitational and electric fields
Nuclear physics Safe handling of radioactive
Skills
Spring Term Summer Term
YEAR 2 Content Revision + More past papers + Mock
exam 2
1. Capacitors
2. Astrophysics
3. Magnetic fields
Capacitors Determine the relative permittivity of a dielectric
using a parallel-plate capacitor. RP 9
Magnetic fields Convert between 2D representations and 3D
situations, application in devices such as the cyclotron and
mass spectrometer, understand the working of an
oscilloscope and be able to use an oscilloscope, investigate
relationships between currents, voltages and number of coils
in transformers. RP 10 and 11

sources, determination of half-life from

graphical decay data including decay curves and
Year 13

log graphs, interpret nuclear energy level

diagrams, calculations from nuclear masses of
energy released in fission and fusion reactions,
identify on the plot the regions where nuclei will
release energy when undergoing fission/fusion,
appreciation of balance between risk and
benefits in the development of nuclear power.
RP 12
The aim of the course is to broaden and enhance students’ practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills and to develop their interest and
enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject.
Students learn to make synoptic links between the different topics covered throughout the course. The topics learned in Year 13 give students
Rationale

further opportunities to apply and extend the skills and knowledge from Year 12 and opens up avenues for further study of Physics, Engineering
and other STEM related fields. Topics such as Further Mechanics, Fields and Nuclear Physics are underpinned by Year 12 knowledge from
Mechanics, Electricity and Particles and Radiation and will form a foundation for undergraduate study. As part of Paper 3, students study the
optional module Astrophysics, an interesting and highly popular topic that helps them understand the building blocks of the Universe and paves
a path for study in Astronomy. Students demonstrate deeper appreciation of skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods through
continued examination of key experiments.