Physics is the most fundamental of the three sciences, and as such it has a very wide range of uses in our society.
It is our aim to provide pupils with an appreciation of the role of physics within the natural world as well as in technology. We encourage pupils to be inquisitive, developing their skills of investigation through the processes of research, experimentation and analysis.
Programmes of Study Lower School Programmes of Study Upper School Enrichment
Dr D G Roberts (Head of Department)Mr N M Allott (Director of Science)Mr C E BarclayMr N R CleminsonMr J A GentonMiss R D Kettle
The Science Department currently follows the Edexcel IGCSE Double award science course in the Lower School.The physics component of this GCSE course provides pupils with an appropriate grounding on which to progress to further scientific study, but it also provides pupils with the knowledge they require to become well informed citizens, aware of the scientific issues that affect society and the techniques used to resolve them.
During the Shell (Year 9), we aim to build upon work carried out in the build up to Common Entrance, placing the topics covered in a variety of contexts in order to stimulate and promote a more general awareness of science. Topics covered include astronomy, the use of materials, thunder and lightning, energy and the environment, sound and ultrasound, and electromagnetic radiation.
The Remove (Year 10) year continues to build upon these ideas, whilst introducing new topics from the IGCSE syllabus. Examples of topics covered include ionising radiation, heat and insulation, properties of gases, mains electricity, electromagnetism, and space and the universe.
During their GCSE year, will study the remaining parts of the IGCSE syllabus. Topics covered include Forces and Motion, Work and Energy, electrical circuits, and further electromagnetism.
The AS and A2 Physics courses are essential for pupils wishing to study many sciences or engineering at a higher level, but are also useful for a wide range of non-science careers given the analytical and problem solving skills that our pupils acquire during the course of their studies. A Level mathematics is useful for those studying physics at this level, but is not essential.
In the Lower Sixth, pupils will have the opportunity to study the Advancing Physics AS course. This builds upon the Additional Science GCSE, covering topics such as Materials, Electrical circuits, Digital technology, Mechanics, Waves, and Quantum behaviour. The course also includes three items of coursework - a research task, a practical task, and some data handling - which help to develop pupils' investigative skills.
Pupils progressing to the Upper Sixth will finish the Advancing Physics A level course, studying topics such as Gravitational and Electromagnetic fields, Nuclear and Particle physics, Simple Harmonic Motion, and the Kinetic theory of gases. They will also undertake two major items of coursework: a research report into a topic of their choice, and a practical investigation also of their own choice. By the end of the course pupils will have received a well rounded scientific education, forming good preparation for a wide range of university courses.
Pupils in the Upper Sixth also have the opportunity to take the Physics Advanced Extension Award (AEA), which is assessed by a single examination, which takes place after the main A2 examinations have finished. Extra lessons are arranged during the year for pupils wishing to take the award.
During the Shell year a number of house visits to the Observatory are arranged, giving the pupils the opportunity to view and use the facilities provided there. The observatory is also open on several occasions during the week, and pupils are welcome to attend at these times.
Each year a number of talks are organised within the department, often in conjunction with Astronomy and the Radcliffe society. Some of these talks are directly relevant to the work being carried out by pupils, whilst at other times they are of a more general nature, often but not always to do with Astronomy.
Pupils in the Sixth Form also have the opportunity to take part in the British Physics Olympiad in the Michaelmas Term, and many pupils in the Hundred year take the Physics Challenge paper in the Lent Term. The department has a history of strong performance in both of these events.