Physics

"To do successful research, you don't need to know everything, you just need to know of one thing that isn't known."
(Arthur Schawlow)

Aims of the department

Physics is taught by 3 specialist teachers. The department also has the excellent support of a designated technician. We work hard to promote physics as a relevant course with a strong practical element.

The department is well equipped and has 2 data projectors, an interactive white board, 13 computers and a share of a set of data loggers.

Course Details

In years 7 and 8 each of the four forms has two lessons a week rising to three in year 9.

Lower School Details

Click here for Year 7
Click here for Year 8
Click here for Year 9

Upper School Details

In years 10 and 11 the majority of pupils (4 sets) study the separate AQA Physics GCSE for three periods per week, one set follows the AQA Core and Additional course.

GCSE Astronomy 

GCSE astronomy is offered as an additional option. Click here for course outline.

There is a regular lower school astronomy club.

AS and A2 Details

Click here for course outline.

Year 12 are following the OCR syllabus B (Advancing Physics) for 7 periods per week and take a module in January and one in June. Physics is a popular choice in the sixth form and we currently run 4 A level groups. There is a strong tradition of high academic achievement at A level with several pupils going on to study Physics or Engineering each year and several pupils attend HEADSTART courses each year.

Encouraging a positive atmosphere of co-operation is vital to maintaining the good relations that we enjoy with the pupils. To this aim we run a physics clinic at lunchtimes and work individually with pupils on areas where they are having difficulties.

One additional strength of the department is its promotion of study and research skills. To support cross-curricular links there is a program of library-based projects (one for each year group) run in conjunction with the expertise of our librarian. For example Year 7 produce a talk on an aspect of astronomy and Year 8 produce a written report on a branch of sound technology. Each time the degree of complexity of the task increases and the pupils are expected to use a wider range of resources (including some specially written intranet pages) and are given the opportunity to work with greater independence. This allows us to develop pupils as independent learners and prepare them for the research elements of the AS and A2 course.

Physics Careers

Why Physics?

Physics is at the heart of everything and is a highly rewarding discipline to study at school, university and beyond. Above all physics opens doors to a wide variety of careers.  Physics explores questions like how did the universe begin? How will it end? What is a black hole? Is time travel possible? If you have an enquiring mind, always asking why things happen, then physics will help you find the answers. It forms the basis of most modern technologies and holds the future to global well being.

The career opportunities available are as vast as the subject itself due, in part, to the transferable skills gained whilst studying physics. It is these transferable skills that make the difference between an employee who is merely satisfactory and one who will significantly improve the performance of the organisation concerned. Employers see a physics qualification as an indication of someone who will immediately be an asset to the organisation.

This is because:

• Physics requires a logical and numerate mind.
• The ability to solve problems, gained through studying physics, is of paramount importance to the future of technology.
• Communication skills are developed through report-writing and presentations.
• Computing and practical skills are second nature to those trained in physics.
• Teamwork and flexibility are essential in lab work and projects.