Introduction

The aim of Physics is to understand how nature works. Developing this understanding begins with careful observation and experimentation, followed by tentative hypotheses and eventually formal theories to explain the phenomena.

We emphasise the relevance of the subject in today’s society and the importance of a working knowledge of scientific enquiry. We challenge our students to ask ‘how?’ and ‘why?’ and by doing so we foster a lifelong interest in the subject.

Weekly Science clubs and societies and Physics clinics encourage pupils in their science learning at every stage.

Years 7 to 9

At KS3, students follow a broad and exciting syllabus, deepening their knowledge of how science works and learning through questioning and investigation. Students are taught by a specialist Physics teacher from year 7. Topics covered include:

• Light and sound
• Energy stores
• Forces and motion
• Electrical circuits
• Space

GCSE

At KS4, all students take Edexcel GCSE separate sciences. The GCSE course introduces pupils to these universal theories and to develop an understanding of how engineers have used them to build the structures and machines that have revolutionised our lives. Pupils will also develop their own practical and investigative skills through experiments.

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

A LEVEL

We have a high number of students who continue studying Physics at A level with great success, many of them going on to attend top Universities to read Physics and Engineering. Students take the Edexcel A level Physics and a separate practical endorsement will also be awarded as either Pass or Fail. This is based on practical assessments over the two year course.

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