Physics

Lower School

Year 7

• Energy forms and transfers
• Energy resources
• Kinetic Theory
• Thermal expansion
• Sound and hearing

Year 8

• Forces
• Stretching Materials
• Density
• Pressure
• Reflections & Shadows
• Simple electrical circuits

Year 9

• • Thermal Physics
  • Astrophysics
  • Waves
  • Refraction
  • Electromagnetic spectrum

GCSE

GCSE Physics continues to be a key element of a modern scientific education and is vital preparation for a variety of career routes.

Our Middle School course enables students to acquire a systematic body of scientific knowledge and skills that can be applied in new and changing situations in domestic, environmental and industrial contexts. Students have extensive opportunity to appreciate the practical nature of Physics, acquiring experimental and investigative techniques throughout the course.

Nuclear power, radiation and the environment constitute a pressing issue in today’s world and analysis of the Physics involved provides a sound basis for critical discussion. The study of mechanics introduces students to Newton’s laws of motion and related concepts such as momentum, energy and power, all of which are fundamental to understanding the forces that govern our universe. Furthermore, that life-blood of modern society, electricity, allows the opportunity for extensive practical work. In addition to the classroom curriculum, the department offers a programme of extension activities for a new generation of engineers and scientists.

The Edexcel IGCSE in Physics comprises two single tier externally assessed papers, both of which are sat at the end of Year 11. Assessment of investigative skills is made throughout these papers. Physics is essential for potential engineers and physical scientists, and the problem solving element develops analytical thinking that would be of benefit to any discipline, including aspiring members of the medical profession.

A Level

The programme of study in A-Level Physics allows students to develop a valuable and broad conceptual view of the subject, touching on contemporary issues such as quantum theory and the principles of construction and operation of a nuclear power station.

Students will acquire the knowledge to be able to explain many phenomena seen in nature and the course is pertinent to both small and large scale engineering projects, from scanning tunnelling microscopy and interferometry through analysis of electrical circuits and projectile motion to calculating the orbital requirements of a communications satellite.

Physics finds a natural partner in Mathematics and this combination is essential for any student considering undergraduate courses in Physics or Engineering. Though studying A-level Mathematics alongside A-level Physics is recommended, many Physics students do still achieve high grades at A-level without also studying Mathematics. A minimum of a grade 7 in both GCSE Physics and Mathematics is a prerequisite for studying Physics at A-level.

Many students pursue enrichment and extra-curricular opportunities, such as trips to lectures by leading physicists, national physics competitions or summer schools in physics or engineering. This helps them to develop greater experience, depth of knowledge in particular areas of the subject and to make informed and successful university applications.

The thorough, analytical approach required for problem-solving in A-Level Physics makes it a desirable subject for universities; some students go on to pursue Physics and Engineering, while a good proportion continue their educational career in subjects as diverse as Medicine, Law, Economics, Politics and Philosophy.