WJEC Physics for A2: Student Bk

6 WJEC Physics for A2 Level The A level examination WJEC A level Physics aims to encourage students to: • develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other • develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods • develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills • develop their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject • understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society. Examination questions are written to reflect the assessment objectives (AOs) as laid out in the specification. Learners must meet the following AOs in the context of content detailed in the specification. Assessment objective 1 Learners must: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures 30% of the marks for questions set on the examination papers are for AO1. As well as pure recall, such as stating laws and definitions, this includes knowing which equations to use, substituting into equations and describing experimental techniques. Assessment objective 2 Learners must: Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures: • in a theoretical context • in a practical context • when handling qualitative data • when handling quantitative data. 45% of the marks for questions set on the examination papers are for AO2. Bringing together ideas to explain phenomena, solving mathematical problems and performing calculations using experimental results and graphs are categorised as AO2. Application involves using the skills you have acquired in situations you have not previously encountered, e.g. in synoptic questions. Assessment objective 3 Learners must: Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence, including in relation to issues, to: • make judgements and reach conclusions • develop and refine practical design and procedures. 25% of the marks for questions set on the examination papers are for AO3.These marks include determining quantities using experimental results and also responding to data to draw conclusions. A level Physics written papers Unit 3 (2 hours 15 minutes) The paper has two sections: Section A consists of approximately 7 structured questions, each of which contains several parts, with a total of 80 marks. The questions comprise a mixture of short and extended answer parts. Section B consists of one 20-mark structured comprehension question. Unit 4 (2 hours) The paper has two sections: Section A consists of approximately 7 structured questions, each of which contains several parts, with a total of 80 marks. The questions comprise a mixture of short and extended answer parts. Section B consists of four structured 20-mark questions, one on each of four optional units. Quality of extended response (QER) Some questions assess how well you can present a detailed argument. These are called Quality of Extended Response questions and are indicated by QER next to the mark allocation. These questions are worth 6 marks and the examiner will assess how well you communicate your physics as well as the standard of the physics itself. Synoptic questions To quote from the specification, ‘Learners’ understanding of the connections between the different elements of the subject and their holistic understanding of the subject is a requirement of all A level specifications. In practice, this means that some questions set in A2 units will require learners to demonstrate their ability to draw together different areas of knowledge and understanding from across the whole course of study.’ This is known as synoptic assessment. So, in answering questions in Units 3 and 4, A level students will be expected to be familiar with AS material.