Overview
This document details the OCR GCSE (9-1) Physics A (Gateway Science) J249 specification, outlining course content, structure, assessment, and essential practical and mathematical skills for students.
Specification Structure
- The course consists of eight core topics (P1-P8) and a practical skills topic (P9).
- Two tiers: Foundation (grades 5-1) and Higher (grades 9-4).
- Four externally assessed written papers: two per tier, each worth 50% of the total grade.
Core Physics Topics
- P1: Matter: Particle model, states of matter, changes of state, density, pressure in fluids and gases.
- P2: Forces: Motion, Newton’s laws, forces in action, vectors, work, power, momentum, levers, and hydraulics.
- P3: Electricity: Static electricity, electric fields, circuits, current, potential difference, resistance, series and parallel circuits.
- P4: Magnetism and Magnetic Fields: Permanent and induced magnets, magnetic fields, electromagnets, motors, electromagnetic induction, transformers.
- P5: Waves in Matter: Wave properties, electromagnetic spectrum, sound, reflection, refraction, lenses.
- P6: Radioactivity: Atomic structure, radioactive decay, types of radiation, half-life, uses, hazards, nuclear fission and fusion.
- P7: Energy: Energy stores and transfers, conservation, calculations for kinetic, potential, and thermal energy, power, efficiency.
- P8: Global Challenges: Transport safety, energy resources, the National Grid, domestic electricity, astrophysics, satellites, red-shift, the Big Bang.
Practical Skills (P9)
- Students must complete at least eight practical activities covering measurement, forces, motion, waves, energy, circuits, and wave interactions.
- Practical skills are assessed in written exams (15% of marks).
Assessment and Exams
- Two papers per tier: Paper 1/3 (P1-P4, P9), Paper 2/4 (P5-P8, assumes knowledge of P1-P4, P9).
- Each paper: 1hr 45min, 90 marks, includes multiple choice, short, and extended answer questions.
- Assessment Objectives: AO1 (knowledge), AO2 (application), AO3 (analysis/evaluation).
Mathematical and Scientific Skills
- Equations: Students must recall, select, and apply key physics equations (see Key Terms).
- Mathematical skills: Use standard form, ratios, significant figures, algebra, graphs, and geometry.
- Scientific method: Plan, observe, record, analyse, and evaluate experiments.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Density — mass per unit volume of a substance.
- Acceleration — change in velocity per unit time.
- Kinetic Energy — the energy an object has due to motion.
- Force — a push or pull acting on an object (measured in Newtons).
- Current — flow of electric charge (Amperes).
- Potential Difference (Voltage) — energy transferred per unit charge.
- Resistance — opposition to current flow in a circuit.
- Magnetic Field — region around a magnet where magnetic forces act.
- Half-life — time for half the nuclei in a radioactive sample to decay.
- Efficiency — ratio of useful output to total input energy.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Complete all required practical activities and keep records.
- Practice recalling and applying key physics equations.
- Review command words for exams (e.g., describe, explain, calculate).
- Familiarize yourself with units and significant figures.
- Prepare for both multiple-choice and extended written responses.