Physics
Physics is an exciting and interesting subject which is the
basis of much of the technology that increasingly pervades our
world. It is essential for those who intend to work in
engineering or physical science or its applications in industry,
medicine or everyday life. A good background in Physics is
useful also for non-scientists so that they can operate efficiently
in a modern world. Physics allows students to develop problem
solving and analytical skills.
During Years 7 to 9 a basic knowledge of the main branches of
Physics is taught, for example light, electricity and forces, using
much practical work. We assess the students with an internal
exam at the end of each year.
Some pupils continue to take Physics as a separate subject at
GCSE, while others take it as part of a co-ordinated science
course, although it is taught separately throughout. Most of the
GCSE students follow the Edexcel IGCSE course, with the top sets
taking separate Physics and the other set taking double award
IGCSE. The lower sets follow the AQA GCSE course. In the AQA course
only, coursework takes the form of practical investigations,
followed by a short exam, set externally, and taken in class
time. It is worth 25% of the marks for the final grade.
There is no coursework element to the Edexcel IGCSE. Whichever
course the student takes, the syllabus is an extension of the key
stage 3 syllabus covering all the main topics you would expect from
physics, and gradually increasing in mathematical
complexity
In the Sixth Form we usually have three sets taking the subject
to A level. We follow the OCR modular syllabus. At the end of
the first year the students take the first two modules which
qualify them for an AS award. They continue into the second
year where they take the two remaining modules in June to gain the
final A level qualification. The content builds on the GCSE work
with greater depth for AS and a more algebraic treatment for the
final modules. There is a small amount of coursework but this is
done in lesson time.
All Physics lessons are taught by highly skilled and experienced
staff. This means that a firm foundation for future study is
laid early in the school curriculum. There are five well-equipped
laboratories, and IT is used where appropriate to enhance learning,
including Smartboards in nearly every lab.
For the last few years, teams of sixth form students have taken
part in the Engineering Education Scheme, working with an engineer
from BAe Systems on a real design project. This scheme, which
now runs in the lower sixth, has encouraged a number of students to
take up engineering. There are also enrichment trips to various
physics-based places of interest around the country.
This year there was an 93% pass rate at A level with 50% grade
A* or B, and at GCSE there was a 100% A* to C pass rate with 62%
achieving A or A* grades.