IB Diploma | Physics

Physics at Leighton Park

Course Requirements

Grade 6 in Physics or a Grade 7 in Combined Science and ideally a Grade 7 in Maths.

Course Overview

IB Physics can be studied at Standard Level. 

The IBDP Physics course aims to provide the student with the knowledge, methods and techniques that enable students to study Physics in a global context, fostering and developing their practical, theoretical, creative and analytical skills.  They will cover a large range of topics, although this covers less breadth and depth than the higher level course. The IBDP course offers the broader perspectives and skills in languages, theory of knowledge, critical thinking, problem-solving and independent learning; all highly valued by both universities and employers.

The aim of the syllabus is to integrate concepts, topic content and the Nature of Science through inquiry. The syllabus aims to encourage a hands on inquiry approach wherever possible, including practical work. As part of the course, a student will complete 40 hours of practical work, 10 of which will be Collaborative Sciences project (formally the  ‘Group 4 project’) and 10 hours will be the Scientific Investigation.

Assessment is by examinations and an individual scientific investigation (10 hours).

Course Content

• Space, Time and Motion (including kinematics, forces, momentum, work, energy and power)
• The Particulate Nature of Matter (including thermal energy transfers, the greenhouse effect, gas laws, current and circuits)
• Wave Behaviour (including simple harmonic motion, wave model, wave phenomena and Doppler effect)
• Fields (including gravitational fields, electric fields, magnetic fields and motion in electromagnetic fields)
• Nuclear and Quantum Physics (including structure of the atom, radioactive decay, fission, fusion and stars)

Assessment

• Internal Assessment: 20% of individual scientific investigation
• External Assessment: 80% Examinations.
• Paper 1a and 1b:  25 multiple choice questions and 20 marks of data analysis (36%)
• Paper 2:  50 marks of short and extended response (44%)

If you have any queries about this course, please contact Head of Department: Sarah Senior

To apply for our Sixth Form, please see our Admissions page.