Physics

Physics is the most fundamental of the experimental sciences, as it seeks to explain the universe itself, from the very smallest particles, quarks, to the vast distances between galaxies.

Physics is the natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through space and time, along with related concepts such as energy and force. Many students who take Physics at A-Level go on to study Engineering, Architecture, Astronomy and Physics related courses at university.

The Physics department is committed to providing a supportive and purposeful environment in which students are well supported and encouraged to peruse opportunities to beyond the taught syllabus. All lessons are taught by subject specialists and in dedicated teaching laboratories. Lessons and topics have been developed with an emphasis on a student centred approach to learning, with lessons usually built around investigative practical work.

The Physics department is also committed to developing our practice as educators and are a member of the Institute of Physics.

Years 7 and 8

In Years 7 and 8, students have one double lesson per week and one piece of homework. The course has been designed to enable students to develop an understanding of underlying concepts as well as cultivate practical skills.
The topics which students will study are:

We provide students with a core textbook and topic checklists in the Lower School.

GCSE

At GCSE, Physics is a core subject in the curriculum and is taught by subject specialists in our fully equipped laboratories. Students begin the Edexcel IGCSE course in Year 9 and the majority of students will continue to follow this course in Year 10 and 11. During the course, students learn about mechanics, thermal physics, waves, nuclear physics, space and electricity. The IGCSE is a challenging but interesting course and an ideal foundation for A Level.

All students will begin their GCSE Science courses in Year 9, following the Edexcel International GCSE syllabus for each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. When classes have completed the majority of each course, and following their mock examinations in January of Year 11, the option remains for some to follow the Dual Award syllabus to completion. This is the normal course for most in the UK, where they will be assessed on approximately two thirds of each separate science course, learned so far, leading to two GCSE combined science grades rather three separate science grades. This system provides the best opportunity for each student to show their ability and develop their skills through Years 9 to 11, yet sufficient time to prepare for the appropriate examinations that will allow them to achieve their best possible grade outcomes.

Students have one double and one single lesson in Year 9 and two doubles in Year 10 and 11 and typically set one piece of homework per week. Further details can be found in the specification, but topics studied include:

The course is examined by two exams at the end of Year 11. Paper 1 is 2 hours and Paper 2 is 1 hour and 15 minutes

In addition to our teaching there are a range of opportunities to support the development of Physics knowledge including:

• Faraday Day Challenge (Year 8)
• Lego Robotics League (Year 7 and 8)
• UKSDC Galactic Challenge (Year 9)
• GCSE Physics Challenge (Year 11)
• GCSE Science Live (Year 11)

• Mr A Hindocha BSc (Head of Physics)
• Mr A Chan MEng
• Dr M Cianciaruso PHD
• Mr J Crowley BEng
• Mrs E Goakes BEng MA (Head of Junior School and Lower School Science)
• Mr G Hammond MEng PGCE
• Mr S Whittaker MSc (Head of Science)
• Mr E Wright MA (Deputy Head)
• Mr G Ward (Physics Technician)