Astronomy

Remove: Mains electricity; Radioactivity and nuclear physics; Thermal energy and insulation; Light and its role in digital communication; Electromagnetism; Bodies in motion; Cosmology.

Hundred: Forces and motion; Work, power and energy; Electrical circuits; Fission, fusion and half life; Electromagnetic induction; Solids, liquids and gases; Momentum; Transformers and the National Grid.

Pupils are currently issued with the textbook Physics for Edexcel International GCSE by Nick England.

Further information is available from the Head of Physics.

Astronomy Edexcel GCSE (1AS0)

This subject is offered as a full GCSE option. It should be considered by those pupils who have a deep interest in the subject and want to add a fourth science to their GCSE portfolio.

The course is structured in five lessons per fortnight and allocated two preps a week.

The examination consists of two papers each of 105 minutes; these papers count for 100% of the available marks. However, there is also a requirement to complete two observational projects. Observing can take place at any time over the course including holidays but Tuesday and Thursday evenings in term time are set aside for this and one observing session will count as a prep. If access to the Dome is not allowed, observations may be made by staff and accessed via live-streaming.

The body of knowledge to be assimilated, and the level of analysis that GCSE Astronomy questions demand, combined with the extensive subject specific terminology required, make this subject rather more demanding than other Science (I)GCSEs. The subject is open to all interested pupils with the motivation and potential to benefit from the course. Indeed, enthusiasm for Astronomy is the key to success in this GCSE. A degree of ability in mathematics is desirable.

The entire course is observationally-based and observational experience is tested within the examination papers.

The course is broken down into two main topic areas:

• Naked-eye astronomy – examined in Paper 1 • Telescopic astronomy – examined in Paper 2

The following topics are studied:

Remove: Planet Earth; Exploring the Moon; Earth–Moon–Sun system; Solar system observation; Exploring the solar system; Celestial observation; Early solar system models; Solar astronomy; Extra-terrestrial life.

Hundred: Time and Earth–Moon–Sun cycles; Celestial coordinates; Archaeoastronomy; Planetary motion and gravity; Formation of planetary systems; Exploring starlight; Stellar evolution; Variable stars; Exoplanet detection; Galaxies; Dark matter and dark energy; Cosmology.

Two pieces of observational work are undertaken over the two year course. One of these must be unaided and the other aided, which will usually be completed at the College observatory. Projects may be selected from an extensive list provided by Edexcel.

Pupils are currently issued with the textbook GCSE Astronomy (9–1) – A Guide for Pupils and Teachers, by Nigel Marshall (5th Edition).

Astronomy Resources:

Edexcel maintains a dedicated website for the qualification:

http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/astronomy-2017.html

This contains an abundance of materials and resources, including copious worked examples and supportive handouts to address specific mathematics skills in many of the topics; copies of these are handed out in lessons. Astronomy Now magazine is available through the Memorial and Physics Libraries.

The course is taught using data from current research and the internet, especially using the free Planetarium software package, Stellarium. This is also available as an App. The Physics library has a selection of books and magazines dedicated to the study of Astronomy.

For the practical work, pupils use binoculars and small telescopes at the College Observatory. The Observatory houses the largest telescope in Wiltshire, a 10-inch refractor (fully modernized, and refurbished and equipped for solar use), a brand new 8-inch Newtonian, a 6-inch reflector, two 4.1-inch reflectors, and a 4-inch refractor. There are also a number of pairs of tripod mounted binoculars.

There is an expectation that GCSE Astronomers will attend the Observatory on a Tuesday or Thursday night if they are free to do so and the sky is clear. Additional opportunities for observation may also be offered. Groups are encouraged to help record Meteor Shower data and may gather at the observatory for certain other ‘one-off ’ events (e.g. Transits and Eclipses).

Further information is available from the Head of Astronomy.