Welcome to the Physics Department

The Physics department is growing fast, due to the newly acquired specialist status. We are lucky to have six qualified Physics teachers all with Physics or Engineering degrees. We have three fully equipped laboratories for Physics with interactive white boards and laptop computers. One of the laboratories can be adapted as a dark room.

Years 8 and 9

In Years 8 and 9, modules broadly follow but also extend the national framework for science produced by QCA. Study is also introduced of the AQA core GCSE Science Units which count towards the final GCSE examination grade. It is then the intention that all students will take the three separate sciences at GCSE.

The first module discusses heat transfer, efficient use of energy, why electrical devices are useful and how electricity is generated, the uses and hazards of the waves of the electromagnetic spectrum, and the uses and dangers of emissions from radioactive substances.
The second module discusses the way things move, how we make things speed up or slow down and movement energy, momentum, static electricity, electrical current, mains electricity and using it safely, power of electrical appliances, radioactive substances, nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.
The third module discusses the turning effect of forces, What keeps bodies moving in a circle, the centripetal force for planets and satellites, mirrors and lenses, is sound, ultrasound, how electricity makew things move, how generators and transformers work, and the life history of starts.

Core GCSE Science and Additional GCSE Science

This GCSE covers all three areas of science: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. A co-ordinated approach is used to teach the syllabus and each class is taught by a subject specialist. The level of difficulty is the same as in the three separate sciences and it is a good preparation for A Level Sciences. Some of the more challenging ideas deal with topics traditionally covered at the start of A Level courses. The practical coursework includes an investigation, and the course overall stimulates interest in scientific phenomena and raises levels of understanding.

GSCE Physics

Physics is a much sought-after qualification for higher education and your future employment. It not only teaches about the world around us, but also helps to develop important analytical, investigative and numerical skills. Students will study a wide range of interesting topics from the Evolution of the Universe to Rockets and Jets.

GCSE Physics develops an understanding of technological and environmental applications of Physics and will question the economic and ethical implications of advances in the Twentieth Century.

A Level Advancing Physics

The Advancing Physics course has been developed with the aid of the Institute of Physics to bring post 16 Physics into the 21st Century. The course aims not just to teach the basic content, but also how Physics fits into the modern world and how it is used by Scientists in the world of research today. Specific areas of study include "The Rise and Fall of the Clockwork universe", "Fields and Particles" and "Physics in Action".

AS involves two small coursework projects. A2 involves two pieces of coursework: a research report and a practical investigation. Both pieces of coursework allow students to explore the Physics that they are interested in. Previous projects have included 'Is time travel possible?' and 'How runny is golden syrup?'.

All students are issued with a textbook and CD that accompanies the course. The CD contains information, exercises and interactive software packages to enhance students' learning. It is an exciting course for the modern world, ideal for students wishing to study Physics, Engineering, Medicine or other related subjects at University.

Click here to view the examination board specification

Extra-curricular activities

Lego Robotics Club for all year groups
The Engineering Education Scheme.
For information see www.engineering-education.org.uk
The Nuclear Group - looking at local cosmic ray activity
Robotics and Indoor Aircraft Day for Year 9
Regular trips to Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum for engineering challenges with the Royal Navy
We send students on Headstart courses.
For information see www.headstart.org.uk
Residential trip to Exeter University Physics Department in Year 12

Links

The Institute of Physics at www.iop.org