Do SEC level physics, mathematics and English language prepare students for advanced-level physics?

Abstract

This study investigates the progression from Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) to Advanced (A) level Physics, and inherent problems for students and teachers in Malta. It was based on four research questions concerning: (a) the changes in the 2012 SEC Physics syllabus; (b) SEC Physics as a foundation for A- level Physics; (c) the sufficiency of SEC Mathematics for A level Physics; and (d) the levels of correlation between SEC Physics, Mathematics and English Language results with those in A level Physics. A mixed methods approach was used, including 165 questionnaires and a focus group with second year A-level Physics students, 16 questionnaires from A level Physics teachers and nine teacher interviews with SEC and A level Physics teachers. Teachers felt that the changes rendered the 2012 SEC syllabus insufficient as a good foundation for A level Physics, thus increasing the gap between the two levels. They considered a sound understanding of and a good grade in SEC Mathematics desirable for A level Physics. Students considered SEC Physics as a good foundation for A level and regarded Intermediate Mathematics as the threshold for A-level Physics. Respondents acknowledged the importance of English language skills in understanding A-level Physics questions. The correlation coefficients for SEC Physics, Mathematics and English Language with A-level Physics were all positive at 0.544, 0.452 and 0.411 respectively.