Physics

Physics is at the heart of everything and is a highly rewarding discipline to study at school, university and beyond. Physics explores questions like how did the universe begin? How will it end? What is a black hole? Is time travel possible? If you have an enquiring mind, always asking why things happen, then physics will help you find the answers. It forms the basis of most modern technologies and holds the future to global well being.

PHYSICS AT KEY STAGE THREE

In years 7 and 8, we contribute to an integrated science course, which is taught in forms and it is allocated four lessons per week. As from September 2008 we are phasing out the Spectrum Science course and launching the Nelson Thornes Fusion course.

The Fusion course has been written specifically to embrace the principles of the new 2008 KS3 science curriculum and enables us to teach the KS3 curriculum in two years with the aim that pupils complete their SATs examinations in year 8 so that we can begin the teaching of GCSE in year 9.

Also, this course is designed to increase focus on personalised learning, introduce a more practical approach to science through 'How Science Works' and overall making learning motivating, engaging and fun!

In year 9 subject specialists carry out all science teaching. They will study Physics two lessons per week. Pupils are taught as forms. The current year 9 pupils will sit the external SATs examinations, followed by an introduction to the GCSE course in the summer term.

PHYSICS AT KEY STAGE FOUR

Students follow the AQA Physics (4451) specification. Groups are taught by subject specialists. Both Higher Tier (giving access to grades A*- C) and Foundation Tier (C-G) examination papers are available from the AQA website. Candidates are entered for the papers which best suit their ability- this decision is made by the head of department following each trial examination. In practice, the majority sit Higher tier papers.
The programme of study is designed around the Nelson Thorne's text books and places an emphasis on understanding biological concepts, developing practical and investigating 'How Science Works'.

GCSE students of physics study a range of topics as shown below.

Unit 1a Energy and Generating Electricity.
Unit 1b Radiation and The Universe.
Unit 2 Force and Motion. Electricity. Radioactivity and Nuclear Physics
Unit 3 Force and Stability. Gravity. Light and Sound. Electromagnetism. Life and Death of Stars.

PHYSICS AT A LEVEL

Physics is at the heart of everything and is a highly rewarding discipline to study at school, university and beyond. Physics explores questions like how did the universe begin? How will it end? What is a black hole? Is time travel possible? No other subject covers such a breadth of scale - from theconstituents of the atom to the shape of the universe. If you have an enquiring mind, always asking why things happen, then physics will help you find the answers. It forms the basis of most modern technologies and holds the future to global well being. The course has a good balance of practical and theory, mixed with a wide range of teaching and learning styles.
We teach the AQA Physics course

Resources and Facilities

· Two dedicated Physics labs and a computerised laboratory

· Almost every topic is supported by practical investigations

· Pupils are taught by two IOP award winning Physics teachers who share the A-level teaching.


Progression Opportunities

Not just a wide range of scientific, medical and engineering careers, but anywhere a logical, thorough approach is valued.


Assessment

Module Title/Code

Nature of Assessment

Notes

Year 12 AS

Unit 1 - Particles, Quantum Phenomena and Electricty (PHYA1)

Written exam (1¼ hours)

40% of AS, 20% of A Level marks

Unit 2 - Mechanics, Materials and Waves (PHYA2)

Written exam (1¼ hours)

40% of AS, 20% of A-level

Unit 3 - Investigative and Practical Skills in AS Physics (PHYA3)

Centre Assessed Unit

20% of AS, 10% of A-level

Year 13 A2

Unit 4 - Fields and Further Mechanics (PHYA4)

Written exam (1¾ hours)

20% of A-level

Unit 5 - Nuclear and Thermal Physics and one of theses options:
A - Astrophysics (PHA5A)
B - Medical Physics (PHA5B)
C - Applied Physics (PHA5C)
D - Turning Points in Physics (PHA5D)

Written exam (1¾ hours)

20% of A-level

Unit 6 - Investigative and Practical Skills in A2 Physics (PHYA6)

Centre Assessed Unit

10% of A- level

Website created by Rippleffect