Physics Department :
S5 - S6 Intermediate 2
Aims
The intermediate 2 course provides an excellent preparation for pupils who
may be considering taking Higher Physics in S5/6.
Course Content.
The content of the intermediate 2 course is
arranged in a more traditional way than Standard Grade, and matches very
well with the content of the Higher Physics course. This course will only be
available to pupils with strong grades in Science in S2. Pupils who wish to
take Physics in S3/4 and whose grades have not been strong in S2 should take
Standard Grade. If a pupil needs more advice they should speak to their
Physics teacher.
There are four sections in Intermediate 2 Physics:
- Mechanics and heat
- This investigates why things move the way they do and will help pupils to understand the motion of objects around them. The heat section investigates what happens when we heat different objects and change them from solids to liquids and gases.
- Electricity and Electronics
- This builds on the work from S2 and investigates the behaviour of different types of circuits. We also look at electromagnetism and how electricity can be generated. An introduction to electronics finishes this topic.
- Waves and Optics
- This topic looks into the behaviour of light and other types of waves. Pupils will be given the chance to investigate how light and lenses can be used to correct eye defects and also how instruments such as cameras use lenses to work.
- Radioactivity
- This section will look at the advantages and disadvantages of radiation and will consider how radiation can be used in medicine to help cure people. Safety aspects of working with radiation will be considered, as will the pros and cons of nuclear power.
Assessment
Formal assessment takes the form
of Unit assessments. These form
part of the exam and must all be passed to gain an Intermediate 2 award.
Other assessments will include regular homework, S3 Exam and S4 Prelim.
Practical work will also be assessed as part of the course.
If there are insufficient numbers to run this course, pupils will follow a
course in Standard Grade Physics. There is no compulsion to take Higher
Physics at the end of this course if pupils do not wish to.
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