Physics:
The National 4 and 5 Courses offer opportunities to understand and appreciate some of the central laws of Nature and the scientific method. The courses focus on the many applications of Physics in everyday life.
Tarbert Academy offers two separate courses designed to cover the Physics content at National 5 and National 4 Levels. Careful allocation of pupils to courses will ensure that pupils face challenging work appropriate to their current skills and knowledge. The choice of National 4 or 5 Physics is dependent upon progress and attainment demonstrated in S1, S2. Learners who have experienced breadth and depth of learning across Fourth Level BGE Science Experiences and Outcomes will follow the National 5 Course. Learners who have experienced breadth and depth of learning across Third Level BGE Science Experiences and Outcomes will follow the National 4 Course.
Through a range of activities pupils will learn to apply knowledge and understanding of Physics and Mathematics to solve problems. The course places emphasis on the skills required to carry out a scientific investigation and communicate your findings. Students will also investigate the impact of physics on society and the environment.
The National 4 Course contains the following topics:
- Electricity and Energy: Circuits, the national grid and energy supply.
- Waves and Radiation: Light, sound and nuclear physics.
- Dynamics and Space: Newton’s laws of motion, space exploration and cosmology.
The National 5 Course contains the following topics:
- Dynamics: Vectors and scalars, velocity-time graphs, acceleration, Newton’s Laws, Energy, projectile motion,
- Space: Space exploration, Cosmology.
- Electricity: Electrical charge carriers, Potential difference, Ohm’s law, Practical electrical and electronic circuits, Electrical power.
- Properties of matter: Specific heat capacity, Specific latent heat, Gas laws and the kinetic model
- Waves: Wave parameters and behaviours, Electromagnetic spectrum, refraction of light.
- Radiation: Nuclear Radiation.
Assessment
Learners following the National 4 Course will complete the three units above, which are internally-assessed, and an Added Value Unit. At National 4, the Added Value Unit takes the form of an assignment. The assignment will be internally marked with external verification. National 4 is not graded.
Learners following the National 5 Course will follow a course containing the topics outlined above and complete a Course Assessment.
The National 5 Course Assessment will include an external end of year exam (135 marks) and a formal assignment (20 marks). The exam is worth 80% of the overall assessment of National 5 Physics with the remaining 20% from the assignment.
Physics Higher
Course Structure: units cover the following content areas:
- Our Dynamic Universe (H) 6 SCQF credits (40 hours)
- Particles and Waves (H) 6 SCQF credits (40 hours)
- Electricity (H) 3 SCQF credits (20 hours)
- Researching Physics (H) 3 SCQF credits (20 hours)
This course includes 40 hours over and above the 120 hours for the component units. This may be used for induction, extending the range of learning and teaching approaches, support, consolidation, integration of learning and preparation for external assessment.
Recommended Entry
While entry is at the discretion of the department, candidates will normally be expected to have attained the following:
- National 5 Physics, at an A/B grade.
Together with:
- National 5 Mathematics.
Assessment
Learners following the Higher Physics course will complete the three units and an assignment. The added value will be assessed in the Course assessment. The added value must address the key purposes and aims of the Course, as defined in the Course rationale. The learner will draw on and extend the skills they have learned during the Course. These will be assessed within a question paper and an assignment, requiring demonstration of the breadth of skills, knowledge and understanding acquired from across the Units in unfamiliar contexts and/or integrated ways.