The first module of Y11 is now complete and to help you prepare for the assessment I have created a mini-test, complete with mark scheme and explanation. You can access the test by clicking here and the mark scheme is here. Work through the questions then check your answers to spot any errors or misconceptions … Continue reading SP8-9 Forces Doing Work (mini-test)
Forces moving forces
The idea of work done can be extremely useful when designing machines that make life easier and sometimes even enable us to do things that are "impossible". For example, it is fair to say that most humans are not capable of lifting masses of a tonne (1000 kg) or more. And yet that is indeed … Continue reading Forces moving forces
Is there anybody out there?
Nobody knows whether there is intelligent life elsewhere in the Universe, and some people joke that it may not even exist here on Earth, but it's still interesting to consider the probability of there being extra-terrestrial life out in space. The long-established basis for calculating the likelihood of Earthlings detecting radio signals from life elsewhere … Continue reading Is there anybody out there?
Paper-based exams in November
In advance of next week's GCSE results, Edexcel has announced details of real GCSE examinations that you will be able to take during November. This is important because if you want to take advantage of that opportunity then you must start preparing NOW! Send me an email as soon as possible if you think this … Continue reading Paper-based exams in November
Keep the cogs turning!
The phenomenon of "learning loss" during the long summer holidays is well known so to keep your physics cogs turning, here's a brief challenge. I took my camera to the Five Mile Road on Saturday and photographed cars going past. The camera was set to 5fps so every sixth picture should have been recorded exactly … Continue reading Keep the cogs turning!
Home Study Projects
Constantly going over things that you have already learned can get a bit boring so if you want to extend your knowledge over the summer holiday then it's a good idea to do so using some fresh material. Finding suitable resources can be tricky so let me suggest some materials that are provided online at … Continue reading Home Study Projects
Driven to Succeed?
New research published today (20th July) suggests that GCSE students who are determined to do well are more likely to achieve higher levels of success. This may be stating the obvious but let's not underestimate what it means... If you are moving from Y10 to Y11 after three months of disrupted schooling then there is … Continue reading Driven to Succeed?
Black Holes
In our course, we cover Black Holes only as the final product of a collapsed super-massive star but if you want to know more about these fascinating objects then I highly recommend the ten-minute video by Perimeter Institute. To view the video, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfdviKnUZOA&list=PL1608DAAD37A04B35 The same collection of videos also has a great six-minute … Continue reading Black Holes
The Importance of Equations
Writing about A Brief History of Time*, Stephen Hawking freely admitted that he didn't care much for equations. He went on to add, with a hint of humour; "this is partly because it is difficult for me to write them down but mainly because I don't have an intuitive feeling for equations". You may feel … Continue reading The Importance of Equations
Exam Tips 1: Word Choices
Obviously you have to know your subject content to succeed in any test or exam but there are also some things you can do to avoid common mistakes. Here are five top tips for getting extra marks simply by being more careful in your use of words. 1. Learn the command words and how to … Continue reading Exam Tips 1: Word Choices
Mr Tarrant's physbang 'blog 