BA (Hons), PGCE, Head of Physics
Mr Jonathan Leigh, Head of Physics
Accreditations
Physics
Subject Overview
Our aims are to develop knowledge and understanding of the universe, from short-lived unstable subatomic particles, microscopic electronic circuits, to macroscopic everyday phenomena, up to the almost unfathomable scale of stars, galaxies and the Universe. We encourage students to think for themselves and develop their own informed opinions about controversial issues, such as nuclear power and radiation.
We encourage students to participate in a number of national competitions including the Senior Physics Challenge, Physics Olympiad and Eureka Competition. We also encourage participation in the British Astronomy photography competition, the Physics in Advent challenge and the International Physics Bowl. Through Isaac Physics and other platforms we encourage students to challenge themselves well beyond the confines of examination specifications.
Physics can involve fields or phenomena that cannot be perceived by the human senses, so we employ technology including mobile phones and data-logging devices to make measurements to support students understanding. Interactive simulations also help students to visualise activities that may be hazardous or imperceptible. Experimentation allows students to develop practical skills and problem-solving, encouraging resilience.
Students wishing to apply to competitive universities and are supported through extra-curricular activities, for example the Physics Olympiad.
Programme of Study
Key Stage 3:
Year 7
- Forces and their Effects
- Energy Transfers and Sound
Year 8
- Exploring Contact and Non-Contact Forces
- Magnetism and Electricity
Year 9
- Motion on Earth and in Space
- Physics in Advent competition
- Waves and Energy Transfer
- Institute of Physics Eureka competition
Key Stage 4:
GCSE Physics or Combined Science/Physics
Examination Board: AQA
Studying Physics gives an insight into the fundamental way the universe works. Physics helps you to understand the world around you, and satisfy your curiosity. Studying physics develops your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Physics drives technology advancements, impacting society, the environment and the economy.
A scientifically literate citizen should be equipped to question and engage in debate on the evidence used in decision-making. Students understand how major scientific ideas contribute to technological change, impacting on industry, business and medicine which improves the quality of life. Students recognise the cultural significance of Physics. They learn to question and discuss physics-based issues that may affect their own lives, the direction of society and the future of the world.
The aims of this qualification are to enable students to develop:
- Knowledge and understanding,
- Skills for working scientifically, including investigating, observing, experimenting or testing out ideas and thinking about them.
- Talking, reading, writing about and doing Physics, and representing science in its many forms both mathematically and visually through models.
Course Content
1. Paper 1 (50%)
- Energy
- Electricity
- Particle model of matter
- Atomic structure
2. Paper 2 (50%)
- Forces
- Waves
- Magnetism and Electromagnetism
- Space physics (Physics only)
A Level Physics
Examination Board: OCR (Physics A)
Physics spans a range from the far smaller than the elementary atoms in Chemistry, past the scale of Biological cells and organisms, to the greatest objects in the universe including galaxies and the universe itself!
The aims of this qualification are to enable students to:
- Develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other.
- Develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods.
- Develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills.
- Develop interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject.
- Understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.
Course Content
Module 1 – Development of practical skills in physics
1.1 Practical skills assessed in a written examination
1.2 Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement
Module 2 – Foundations of physics
2.1 Physical quantities and units
2.2 Making measurements and analysing data
2.3 Nature of quantities
Module 3 – Forces and motion
3.1 Motion
3.2 Forces in action
3.3 Work, energy and power
3.4 Materials
3.5 Newton’s laws of motion and momentum
Module 4 – Electrons, waves and photons
4.1 Charge and current
4.2 Energy, power and resistance
4.3 Electrical circuits
4.4 Waves
4.5 Quantum physics
Module 5 – Newtonian world and astrophysics
5.1 Thermal physics
5.2 Circular motion
5.3 Oscillations
5.4 Gravitational Fields
5.5 Astrophysics and cosmology
Module 6 – Particles and medical physics
6.1 Capacitors
6.2 Electric fields
6.3 Electromagnetism
6.4 Nuclear and particle physics
6.5 Medical imaging
Extra-curricular:
Physics Olympiad, International Physics Bowl, web and in-person talks and dialogue with scientists, Physics in Advent, F1 in Schools, Engineering club, and Astronomy club.