Years 7 & 8

Students are taught in their form groups, and are given two 35 minute single periods per week, with one homework.  Students are not given a textbook to take home, however one can be provided for extra support if necessary for catching up.

Year 9

Students are taught in classes of roughly 24, and are given one double period (1hr 15min) per week.  In addition to completing the Key Stage 3 curriculum, a solid grounding in electrical and optical techniques and measurements is given which sets the students up well for GCSE as well as providing interesting diversions into the world of imaging and sensing.  The 2003 edition of Keith Johnson's Physics for You textbook is issued to each student.

Years 10 & 11

Students are taught in classes of roughly 24, and are given one double period (1hr 15min) and one single per week. Students are prepared for the EdExcel 360Science GCSE in Physics, with all examinations taking place in the Summer of Yr 11.  There is no coursework, but a series of tests and practical work administered in class makes up 30% of the total mark.  Students have personal copies of the course-specific CGP Workbook, and use this in conjunction with the 2006 edition of Keith Johnson's Physics for You in class.  The teachers in the department have prepared extensive additional material to enhance the students' learning on this new course.  The Specification can be found on the EdExcel website at http://360science.edexcel.org.uk/home/specifications/.

Current Years 12 & 13

Students are taught in classes of about 15 students, and have three double periods and one single each week.  Students are prepared for the EdExcel A/S and A-level in Physics - the specification for this course can be found on the EdExcel website at http://www.edexcel.org.uk/quals/gce/physics/adv/9540/. 

In Year 12 the topics covered include mechanics, electricity, radioactivity, thermal physics and a choice of topic from astrophysics, materials science, medical physics and particle physics.  The topics are taught in a lecture/tutorial style which encourages the students to take a greater role in organizing their learning.  There is no coursework, but a practical examination ensures that practical skills are an integral part of the course.  All examinations are sat in the Summer.

In Year 13 the topics covered include rotational motion, oscillations and waves, quantum physics, basic cosmology, an introduction to fields, and some aspects of particle accelerator physics.  Module 4 (waves, quantum, cosmology and circular & oscillatory motion) is examined in January, the other parts of the course are examined in the Summer.

Year 12 starting in September 2008

Next year, with the development of new A-level courses, we are switching examination boards.  Accordingly all physics students in Year 12 will study physics using the OCR Specification A.  Further details about the course can be found on the examination board's website at http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/asa_levelgceforfirstteachingin2008/physics_a/