Switching to AQA from OCR A

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Suzanna Stanley
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1 Switching to AQA from OCR A If you re thinking of switching to AQA from OCR GCSE Physics A (J245 version 2) for teaching from September 2016, this resource will provide a helpful comparison of the subject content and assessment for each awarding body. It directly compares the current OCR specification, with our new specification (8463) for 2016 onwards. The subject content and required practicals for GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) are also in GCSE Physics. There is the flexibility to co-teach or to move students between courses and physics only content is easy to identify. Comparison overview OCR The OCR specification is modular to fit the three exam papers. The final module is designed as a bridge to advanced study and only parts of this overlap with AQA. AQA The AQA specification has broad themes, each with an introductory context, and is intended to build a deep understanding of science. It is possible to take differing routes through the specification. Assessment Two externally assessed written papers (1 hour 45 minutes). Paper 1 assesses sections 6.2, 6.4, 6.6 and 6.7 Paper 2 assesses sections 6.1, 6.3 and 6.5 Eight required practicals should be carried out by students and may be examined in the written papers to assess practical skills. Three externally assessed written papers (1 hour). Paper 1 examines unit 1 Paper 2 examines unit 2 Paper 3 examines unit 3 Controlled assessment(s) to internally assess practical skills.

2 Content Overview The content is organised into eight topics: 1. Forces 2. Energy 3. Waves 4. Electricity 5. Magnetism and electromagnetism 6. Particle model of matter 7. Atomic structure 8. Space physics (physics only) The content is organised into three units of assessment: Unit A181 Unit A182 Unit A183 P1 The Earth in the Universe P2 Radiation and life P3 Sustainable energy P4 Explaining motion P5 Electric currents P6 Radioactive materials P7 Further Physics - studying the Universe Practicals The required practicals are clearly listed, as are opportunities for development of skills identified in the right-hand column of the specification. These should encourage more practical work which will motivate students and encourage the transfer of skills across the subject. Each of the three units has suggestions for practical work.

3 Working scientifically WS 1.1 to WS 4.6 'Working scientifically' is the sum of all the activities that scientists do and is woven throughout the specification and written papers. There are cross-references to relevant activities in the content. The compulsory practicals are listed in 8.2 and integrated into the content specification. Questions based on these activities will count for at least 15% of the overall marks. Unit content identifies opportunities for skill development throughout with references to WS, MS (Mathematical requirements) (7) and Use of apparatus and techniques (8.1). Specification references: Ideas about science Controlled assessment tasks (internal assessment) This specification has interpreted the principles of 'How science works' into a series of Ideas about Science and consider causes and effects, theories and science and society. Each module overview identifies relevant issues. It includes opportunities for practical work, mathematics and ICT. Controlled assessments contribute 25% of the total marks. Mathematical skills are listed in Appendix C. Appendix D lists physical quantities and units but not equations. Appendix A lists Physics equations. 4.1 Forces to P4 Explaining motion: P7 Studying the Universe scalar and vector quantities, types of forces P4: 1 How can we describe motion? gravity and weight P4:2 What are forces? resultant forces work done and energy transfer P4: 3 What is the connection between forces and motion? P4: 4 How can we describe

4 moments, levers and gears forces and elasticity pressure forces and motion Newton's laws and their applications. motion in terms of energy changes? 4.1 to 4.6 P7 The Sun, the stars and their surroundings 7: 4.5 and 4.6 pressure and volume of a gas OCR does not cover: moments, levers and gears elasticity Newton's laws are not specified by name. Required practicals: 4.1.3: Investigate the relationship between force and extension for a spring : Investigate the effect of varying the force and/or mass on the acceleration of an object. 4.2 Energy to P4 Explaining motion 4:4 How can we describe motion in terms of energy changes? P3 Sustainable energy 3:1 How much energy do we use? 3:2 How can electricity be generated? 3:3 Which energy sources should we use?

5 energy stores and systems changes in energy, energy changes in systems work, power, efficiency, conservation and dissipation of energy national and global energy resources. OCR does not cover: energy stores and systems changes in energy, energy changes in systems. P = VI is in 4.4 Required practical: : Investigate the specific heat capacity of one or more materials : Investigate ways of reducing the unwanted energy transfers in a system. P3:1.12 Sankey diagrams P3 Which energy sources should we choose? 4.3 Waves to P1 The Earth in the Universe P2 Radiation and Life P7 Studying the universe transverse and longitudinal waves, properties of waves, reflection of waves P1: 1:2 What do we know about the Earth and the way it is changing sound waves the working of the human ear calculation of period of a wave P2:2:1 What types of electromagnetic radiation are there? P2: 2:2 What types of electromagnetic radiation harm living tissue and why?

6 use of wave front diagrams to explain refraction colour use of ultrasound and seismic waves for detection and exploration types, properties and uses of electromagnetic waves lenses black bodies and infrared radiation. P2: 2:3 What is the evidence for global warming? P2: 2:4 How are electromagnetic waves used in communication? P7:2 Light, telescopes and images. 7: 2.1 to 2.5 Refraction. 7: 2.12 Magnification OCR does not cover: transverse and longitudinal waves, properties of waves, reflection of waves sound waves the working of the human ear colour black bodies and infrared radiation. P1:2 Wegener's theory; tectonic plates and the rock cycle. P2:1 Use of the term 'photon' P2:2.8 to 9 The ozone layer P2:3 Global warming P2:4.2 to 4.12 Details of analogue/digital information transmission P7:2.8 Power of a lens Required practical: : Investigate the reflection of light by different types of surface and the refraction of light by different substances.

7 4.4 Electricity to Specification references: P5 Electric circuits electrical charge, current, resistance, potential difference, resistors series and parallel circuits direct and alternating current mains electricity, fuses, insulation and circuit breakers power, energy transfers in everyday devices static electricity. A table of standard circuit symbols is provided. Required practicals: : Investigate, using circuit diagrams to set up a circuit, the factor(s) that affect the resistance of an electrical component : Investigate, using circuit diagrams to construct circuits, the V-I characteristics of a filament lamp. A diode and a resistor at constant temperature. P5:1 Electric current a flow of what? P5: 2 What determines the size of current in an electric circuit and the energy it transfers? P5: 3 How do parallel and series circuits work? P5:4 How is mains electricity produced? How are voltages and currents induced? Standard circuit symbols are given in Appendix F. OCR does not cover: Fuses, insulation or circuit breakers.

8 4.5 Magnetism and electromagnetism to P3 Sustainable energy poles of a magnet, magnetic fields, electromagnetism, solenoids Fleming's left-hand rule, electric motors, loudspeakers, microphones induced potential/current, generators, transformers and the National Grid. P3: 3:2 How can electricity be generated? OCR does not cover Fleming's lefthand rule, loudspeakers or microphones. P3: 2.4 to 2.12 Details of electricity generation, including from various sources P5:5 Details of construction of a motor 4.6 Particle model of matter to P7 Studying the Universe 7:4 The Sun, the stars and their surroundings. changes of state, density of materials internal energy, specific heat capacity and temperature changes in a system, specific latent heat particle motion in gases, pressure in gases relationship between temperature and pressure at constant volume P7: 4.5 to 4.10 The Gas laws, kinetic theory, gravity and gas behaviour.

9 volume and pressure at constant temperature. Required practical: : Investigate using appropriate apparatus, the densities of regular and irregular solid objects and liquids, making and recording appropriate measurements. 4.7 Atomic structure to P2 Radiation and Life P6 Radioactive materials structure of an atom, mass number, atomic number, isotopes the development of the model of the atom radioactive decay and nuclear radiation nuclear equations half-lives radioactive contamination background radiation medical uses of nuclear radiation nuclear fusion and fission. P2: 1 Electromagnetic spectrum and ionising radiations to 1.12 P6: 1 Why are some materials radioactive? 1.1 to 1.17 P6: 2 How can radioactive materials be used and handled safely, including wastes? 2.1 to 2.9 and OCR does not cover isotopes.

10 P2:1.7 to 1.9 Intensity of radiation P6:1.7 Einstein's equation P6:2.10 to 2.15 Details of nuclear power stations 4.8 Space physics to P1 The Earth in the Universe P7 Studying the Universe the solar system star life cycle orbital motion and satellites red shift the life cycles of stars are summarised diagrammatically. P1: 1.1 to 1.6 Solar system P1: 1.15 to 1.22 Stars P7: 4 Types of stars and their formation OCR does not cover orbital motion and satellites. P1: Light years; issues about observations of the night skies.

Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes

GCSE PHYSICS Foundation Tier Paper 1F F Specimen 2018 Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes Materials For this paper you must have: a ruler a calculator the Physics Equation Sheet (enclosed). Instructions Answer