Physics

Physics is the study of the universe, from the smallest sub-atomic particles to the largest galaxies. The GCSE course provides a foundation in the fundamentals of Physics and opportunities for pupils to develop their investigative and analytical skills. The A Level course builds on these concepts and allows students to gain the problem-solving skills valued by university admissions tutors and employers.

Physics Programme of Study

GCSE

Our students are following the new AQA 9-1 GCSE syllabus. The GCSE course begins in Year Nine and covers the key concepts necessary for study at GCSE level, including Waves, Forces and Motion and Energy. In Year Ten, pupils study Heating, Electricity, Pressure and Nuclear Physics. The key concepts are reinforced with practical work where relevant, and students can expect to develop strong practical and mathematical skills. The Year Eleven curriculum includes Electromagnetism, Newton’s Laws, Momentum, Space, Light and Sound. 

A Level

Physics A Level is an excellent preparation for further study of Physics, other Scientific disciplines, Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science. It also supports applications for apprenticeships in finance and engineering and allows students to demonstrate important transferable skills to employers.

The first year of the course covers Investigative Skills, Electricity, Waves and Mechanics, extending students’ GCSE knowledge and understanding and developing their analytical skills. The second year introduces more challenging topics, including Electric, Magnetic and Gravitational Fields, Thermal Physics, Oscillations, Cosmology and Medical Physics.

Throughout the course, students will keep a laboratory book for their practical work and will receive a Practical Endorsement subject to the successful completion of the required practical tasks. Practical skills will also be assessed in the examination papers.

Exam Boards

GCSE - AQA

A Level - OCR

Extra Curricular

• British Physics Olympiad Y10 Challenge
• British Physics Olympiad GCSE Challenge
• British Physics Olympiad AS Challenge
• British Physics Olympiad Y13 Competition
• Support with university applications, including personal statement advice and entrance exam clinics.
• Physics Olympiad Practical Challenge (Y12)
• GirlsGetSET project with GE Aviation (Y12)
• Attendance at summer schools is encouraged, eg. Isaac Physics bootcamp, Headstart, Smallpeice
• GirlsGetSET project with GE Aviation (Y7, 8 and 12)
• Raytheon Junior Cyber Day (Y7)
• Flying Start Challenge (Y8)
• Tomorrow’s Engineers Robotics Challenge (Lower School)

Teaching Staff

• S John - Head of Physics
• A Hall
• A Croft
• J Boon
• M Nicholl