Physics

Through the Physics curriculum we teach many transferable skills and how science works, contributing to the cultural capital of the students; for example modelling complicated situations, understanding abstract concepts using analogies, using measuring instruments accurately, discussing important issues around national decisions on energy strategy and climate change, problem solving, manipulation of apparatus, data interpretation and evaluation and planning investigations.

The Physics Curriculum

• Years 7 and 8 – the aim of the course is to provide a suitable basis for GCSE studies in Physics and to fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum Key Stage 3.  This requires each student to develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through progression; science enquiry though physics practical work, and to become equipped with the scientific knowledge about the uses and implications of science. Topics are developed from previous knowledge from KS2 and prepare students to step up to the challenge of GCSE work in Year 9. Practical work forms a large part of the KS3 curriculum, allowing our students to develop a scientific attitude, experimental skills, analytical and evaluation skills, as well as measurement and appropriate mathematical skills. Topics include: Energy, Motion and Force, Electricity, Space, Light, Sound, Heat and Temperature and the Electromagnetic Spectrum.
• Years 9 to11 – the course follows the Edexcel 1Ph0 specification, providing continuity from KS3 and spread across 3 years.  In Year 9 many of the key concepts of GCSE are introduced, building on previous knowledge and time is spent looking at how physics is applied in a wide range of situations. This is designed to consolidate students’ understanding. The course allows sufficient time for practising calculations and problem solving which are important skills when answering physics questions. Students have opportunities to work scientifically and develop the deeper understanding needed to continue with Physics beyond GCSE. New topics are covered at a good pace, while allowing opportunities to revisit previous content and allowing time for revision and examination practice. Topics include: Waves and Sound, Waves and the Electromagnetic Spectrum, Space, Energy, Forces and Motion, Electricity, Nuclear Physics, Solids, Liquids and Gases.
• Year 12 and 13  – the A Level Physics course follows the OCR Physics A specification. This builds on topics met at GCSE with a greater level of mathematical sophistication, but also introduce new areas of physics such as Quantum Physics and Materials Science. Practical skills are further developed to meet the demands of the A Level practical endorsement. Topics include: Forces and Motion, Projectiles, Energy, Springs and Materials, Momentum, Quantum Physics, Electricity, Waves, Particle Physics, Astrophysics, Nuclear Decay, Nuclear Fission and Fusion, Circular Motion, Gravitational Fields, Oscillations, Thermal Physics, Medical Imaging, Capacitors, Electric Fields, Magnetic Fields, Electromagnetism.