PHYSICS

“Science is the belief in the ignorance of the experts”

Richard Feynman, Nobel prize winner for Physics.GCSE Physics

Physics is a fundamental science which is concerned with the study of natural phenomena from the cosmological scale (galaxies, black holes, quasars) to the sub-nuclear scale (quarks, gluons, neutrinos). Physicists play a vital role in the development of many new technologies, and the fundamental laws of physics find application in almost every branch of science, engineering and technology. For example, the development of graphene or the study of aerodynamics around a Formula One car to the stresses acting on a bridge – all are subject to the laws of physics. In order to make advances in any branch of science it is necessary to have a thorough grasp of basic principles. The students of today will become the physicists of tomorrow, helping to solve to world’s energy problems, developing new materials or exploring the deepest parts of the Universe.

GCSE Physics

We follow the AQA specification and this qualification is linear, meaning that students will sit all their examinations at the end of the course. At the end of Year 11 students will sit two examinations. Each examination will be 1 hour 45 minutes in length and worth 50% of the final grade. Students can be entered at either Foundation or Higher Tier.

Subject content:

  • Energy
  • Electricity
  • Particle model of matter
  • Atomic structure
  • Forces
  • Waves
  • Magnetism and electromagnetism
  • Space physics (physics only)

Spacer

A Level Physics

From what is the Universe made of and how did the Universe begin?

Physics deals with matter, energy and how they interact. Matter comes in the form of the smallest particles to the largest galaxies, while energy takes the form of motion, light and electricity amongst others. Physics strives to understand the laws of the Universe, therefore allowing us to improve the quality of human life.

Physicists are needed to help tackle the great challenges that the world is facing today, including climate change and energy supply. They need to be logical thinkers, highly numerate, creative and excellent at solving problems. With new technologies, like the particle accelerator at CERN, allowing us to delve deeper than ever into the structure of matter and resources like the Hubble Telescope orbiting the Earth, there has never been a more exciting time to study Physics.

We deliver the AQA Physics course. Students are examined at the end of the course in the summer of Year 13, taking 3 x 2 hour examinations.

Course content:

  • Measurements and their errors
  • Particles and radiation
  • Waves
  • Mechanics and materials
  • Electricity
  • Further mechanics and thermal physics
  • Fields and their consequences
  • Nuclear physics
  • Astrophysics

Students are also required to complete 12 required practical activities which will also be assessed in the written examinations. A separate endorsement of the practical skills is awarded alongside the A Level grade. This will be assessed by teachers and based on direct observation of students’ competency in a range of skills that are not assessable in written examinations.

Spacer

Key Information

Spacer

Science Department

Spacer

Mr Rush

Curriculum Leader for Science

Miss Atherton

Subject Leader for Core Science

Mr Kaye

Subject Leader for Chemistry

Miss Barson/Mrs Wilson

Subject Leaders for Biology

Mr Williams

Subject Leader for Physics & Astronomy

Spacer

Teachers of Science

Mrs Billington
Mrs Edey
Mrs Harding
Mrs L Thorne
Mrs Wilson
Mrs Wilson

Science Technicians

Miss Johnston (Senior Technician)
Mrs Dagnall

Spacer

Contact Us

Spacer

Useful Links

Spacer

Spacer

Spacer

Careers Corner

Spacer

There is a wide range of possible career and higher education opportunities if you choose to study a Science at A Level.