Physics (National 4)

The National Parent Forum of Scotland is grateful for the support of the Scottish Government, the Scottish Quali3cations Authority and Education Scotland in the preparation of this series. www.parentforumscotland.org enquiries@parentforumscotland.org

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parentforumscot For more detailed course information: SQA: Physics National 4: www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47425.html Education Scotland: www.educationscotland.gov.uk/nationalqualifications/index.asp Curriculum for Excellence Key Terms and Features Factfile: www.educationscotland.gov.uk/Images/CfEFactfileOverview_tcm4-665983.pdf NATIONALS IN A NUTSHELL The National Parent Forum of Scotland Summary of Physics National 4 3 UNITS + ADDED VALUE UNIT HISTORY ELECTRICITY AND ENERGY WAVES AND RADIATION DYNAMICS AND SPACE ADDED VALUE UNIT: PHYSICS ASSIGNMENT WHAT WILL MY CHILD EXPERIENCE DURING THE COURSE? • Active and independent learning through self and peer evaluations, setting targets, making independent decisions, using feedback • A blend of classroom approaches including experimental, practical and investigative approaches, whole class discussions and interactive teaching • Collaborative learning: working with others in group or partner activities; intercurricular learning with other sciences, mathematics, technologies, religious and moral education; with organisations such as STEMNET • Space for personalisation and choice: learners can choose what to observe or measure and their methodology; learners will choose the topic for their Added Value Unit (Assignment) • Applying learning • Embedding literacy and numeracy skills: researching, selecting, summarising and presenting information using a range of sources; evaluating; recording and interpreting data; using technology and data loggers. ASSESSMENT • To gain National 4, learners must pass all Units • Units are assessed as pass or fail by the school/centre (following SQA external quality assurance to meet national standards) • Unit assessment (or ‘evidence of learning’) will ensure that learners can apply knowledge and understanding and scientific skills to an experiment or practical investigation. This may be evidenced in a portfolio of work • The Added Value Unit (Assignment) will require learners to research a topical physics issue during approximately 8 hours of class time. Findings will be written up in timed conditions (up to two hours). National 4 progresses onto National 5 PHYSICS SCIENCES NATIONAL 4 What skills will my child develop? • knowledge and understanding of physics • an understanding of the role of physics in scientific issues and relevant applications of physics in society and the environment • scientific inquiry, investigative, analytical and evaluative thinking skills in physics and real life contexts • the ability to use technology, equipment and materials • problem-solving skills in a physics context • scientific literacy, in everyday contexts, to communicate ideas and issues • an insight into the underlying nature of our world and its place in the universe • an understanding of the processes behind scientific advances • information-handling skills • drawing valid conclusions • an understanding the importance of accuracy • the knowledge and skills for more advanced learning in physics •