Aims
Staff
Dr K Quinn (Head of Department)
Mr S Cooper
Mrs C A McCarey (Job Share)
Mrs C V Soper (Job Share)
Mrs S J Torrens
Aims
WHERE THE WALK OF WONDER AND DISCOVERY BEGINS
All students have the opportunity and encouragement to enjoy and succeed in physics, regardless of ability or gender. The study of Physics is an important opportunity for pupils to discover how the world works from the beginning of time to the many scientific and technological advances.
The study of physics takes everyday experience and common sense as its starting point, with all pupils in year 9 and 10 studying Physics. They then can choose it as a GCSE subject and then carry on their journey of discover to AS and A2 level.
The aims of the Physics Department are:
- To stimulate curiosity, interest and enjoyment in Physics and its methods of enquiry
- To acquire a systematic body of scientific knowledge and to develop an understanding of Physics, including its power and its limitations
- To enable students to acquire sufficient understanding and knowledge to become confident citizens in a technological world, able to take or develop an informed interest in matters of scientific import
- To develop skills and abilities which are relevant to the study and practice of Physics, are useful in everyday life, and encourage safe practice and effective communication
- To develop an understanding of the nature of scientific ideas and activity and the basis for scientific claims
- To develop attitudes relevant to Physics, such as initiative, inventiveness, objectivity, integrity and a concern for accuracy and precision
- To promote an awareness of the technological and environmental applications of Physics and of their economic, ethical and social implications
About the Department
The Physics Department has 4 refurbished laboratories completed with new interactive whiteboards. The Physics department is well equipped.
Pupils at all levels complete practical activities to support the topics. At Key Stage 3 and GCSE there is formal assessment of specified practical work. At AS and A2 level there are formal practical examinations.
All the teachers in the Physics Department are enthusiastic about their subject.
KS3
Year 9
(The Adventure Begins)
- Skills of a Physicist
- Destination – The Solar System
- Forces
- Crew Safety - Pressure
- Magnetism
Year 10
(Discovering More)
- Sound
- Wind Turbine Investigation
- Shadows and Light
- Reflection
- Refraction and Dispersion
- Heat and Heat Transfer
- Electrostatics
- Electricity
GCSE
GCSE Physics
Awarding Body CCEA
| Unit 1: | Motion, Force, Density and Kinetic Theory, Energy, and Atomic and Nuclear Physics | (37.5%) |
| Unit 2: | Waves, Light, Electricity, Magnetism, Electromagnetism and Space Physics | (37.5%) |
| Unit 3: | Practical Skills | (25%) |
Please refer to the 'Subject Choice for GCSE' Information Booklet for further information on full course details and criteria for entry.
GCE
GCE Physics
Awarding Body: CCEA
Year 13 AS Physics
AS 1: Forces, Energy and Electricity (40% of AS, 16% of A level)
AS 2: Waves, Photons and Astronomy (40% of AS, 16% of A level)
AS 3: Practical Techniques and Data Analysis (20% of AS, 8% of A level)
Year 14 A2 Physics
A2 1: Deformation of Solids, Thermal Physics, Circular Motion, Oscillations and Atomic and Nuclear Physics (24% of A level)
A2 2: Fields, Capacitors and Particle Physics (24% of A level)
A2 3: Practical Techniques and Data Analysis (12% of A level)
Please refer to the 'Subject Choice for AS/A Level' Information Booklet for further information on full course details and criteria for entry.
Homework
Years 9-10
Usually one per week which could involve:
- Answering questions
- Completing classwork
- Revising for a test
- Internet research
- Completing worksheets
- Learning homework
- Usually 2 formal homeworks every half term.
Years 11-12
One homework which could include the following:
- Answering questions
- Completing class work
- Revising for a test
- Internet research
- Completing worksheets
- Completing past paper questions
- Learning homework
Usually one formal homework every fortnight. It is expected that pupils will put additional time into personal study every week to consolidate work covered in class.
Years 13-14
One homework which could include the following:
- Answering questions
- Completing class work
- Revising for a test
- Internet research
- Completing worksheets
- Completing past paper questions
- Learning homework
Usually one formal homework every week. It is expected that pupils will put additional time into personal study every week to consolidate work covered in class.
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