Aims
- To present pupils with a challenging yet enjoyable experience.
- To stimulate and encourage questions about the physical world.
- To develop observational and analytical skills, with a firm emphasis on practical work.
Why study Physics?
Physics investigates the most fundamental issues, from the creation and development of the universe, to the smallest particles making up the atom. The products of physics affect our everyday lives. We consider how satellite communications and computers have revolutionised how we organise our lives and the ways in which advances in medical physics continue to improve diagnosis and treatment.
How much time will I spend on this subject per 10 day cycle?
- Lower School (First Year to Third Year) – 3 lessons (3 hours) with 30 minutes of homework
- GCSE – 5 lessons (5 hours) with 1 hour of homework
- A Level – 10 lessons (10 hours) with additional homework
Staff and facilities
Physics is taught as an individual science by one of our6 specialist physicists. All lessons take place in one of our 5 modern, well-equipped Physics laboratories, each with its own computing facilities and digital projector. The department prides itself on its resources and range of modern equipment. We are supported by three Physics technicians. The Physics block, which opened in September 2005, has been purpose built and was designed to satisfy our demands for state of the art resources. There is a mixture of traditional ideas and modern concepts. We recognise that pupils need a sound foundation in the subject but we also explore modern applications.
Homework
During the first 3 years, homework will be set once each week to be completed that evening and handed in for marking the following morning. It will usually relate directly to the work in class and will give an opportunity to practise and help advance understanding. Pupils might also be asked to research a topic and, perhaps, present their findings on a poster for a display.
In each of the three years there is a major independent research project which involves library lessons. In the First Year pupils are asked to research and then create a space poster about a planet or other space object of interest to them.
Physics in the Lower School
In the Lower School pupils will develop an understanding of the key areas such as light and sound, the earth and space, energy, forces, electricity, electronics, magnetism and simple nuclear physics. Each year builds on the previous year’s work. There is an emphasis on practical work and the subject’s relevance to everyday situations.
Physics further up the school
GCSE
At GCSE we follow the IGCSE. We feel this is very well suited to the needs of our pupils and provides a sound basis for further study. It allows us to teach Physics with a modern approach and carry out a variety of practical work.
A Level
At A Level we follow the modern Advancing Physics course developed by the Institute of Physics. All of the resources come on a CD which is available on the school network and pupils can also have a copy to take home. The course allows the study of the most up to date scientific developments and technology. We have laboratories fully equipped for this course and its significant IT dependence. Pupils have some opportunity to tailor the course to their own interests and coursework counts for 20% in each year.
What else can I expect?
We have a popular Astronomy GCSE option. This is done as an extracurricular activity in the Second and Third Year. We have an optical telescope kindly donated to the department and we have recently purchased a radio telescope.
We enter a team for the Physics Olympics at Liverpool University each year. It is a fun event and we have won the gold medal 4 times in 10 years.
Each year we enter several pupils for the British Physics Olympiad. We have had a number of pupils in the top 15 in the country (they attend a presentation at the Royal Society). Former pupil Stephen Miller came in the top 5 and represented the country in the international olympiad in Reykjavik. Our pupils have also won awards for the top A Level Physics performance on a number of occasions.
We have a set of laptops and a colour laser printer so that all years will have ICT fully integrated into their course.
