Physics

To foster and develop a lifelong curiosity in and enthusiasm for physics and related areas such as engineering

To develop a student's ability for independent thinking and to foster practical and problem solving skills.

To develop each student to the best of his ability and to achieve academic success commensurate with that ability  

To teach the elements of physics as a structured and enquiring enterprise and to integrate the learning experience into the world in which the student does and will live, for example by emphasising the applications of IT at all relevant stages

Key Stage Three
In Years 7 9, boys are taught Physics as a separate subject within their normal tutor groups. We follow the Physics programme of study as laid down by the National Curriculum, with an element of extra depth to account for the abilities of our pupils. A clear scheme of work is followed by all teachers in the department with regular module tests to assess progress. When possible, concepts are developed by means of practical activities. Teaching is supplemented by the use of Information Technology, including Data Logging and is supported by a library of up to date DVD programmes. Text books are issued to pupils In Years 8 and 9 Near the end of Year 9 boys are entered for the Key Stage 3 Science examination. They obtain a Science level which contains the Physics component within it. All boys are entered at Higher Tier which offers levels 5 to 7. Most of the boys achieve level 7 which is the highest possible.

Key Stage Four
Boys choose Physics as one of their optional subjects. We follow the AQA GCSE Physics specification. We have organised the specification into modules each taking approximately half a term and therefore lasting for 5 terms altogether, giving revision time in the summer of the second year. A test completes each module, with a common mark scheme. Marks are converted to an approximate GCSE grade to monitor pupil progress. One formal investigation is built into the scheme in Year 10.

Key Stage Five
There is a healthy take up of Physics to Advanced Level with typically 80 boys opting for the subject in Year 12 and 60 in Year 13. We follow the AQA Examination Board for GCE specification organised into six modules over the two years.

Results at Key Stage 3, GCSE, AS and A2 have been excellent over the last few years.

Additional classes are held to support Oxbridge applications and entry for the Advanced Extension Award paper.

The department is proud of its success in physics. This can be measured through exam grades and university places. However, we feel the best measure is that the students are presented with a challenging yet enjoyable experience, and many are encouraged to take their studies further.

As a department we try to balance the best of the traditional ideas (recognising the need for a solid foundation in the subject) with modern concepts. Modern physics means three things really - the physics of modern research such as quantum mechanics and cosmology, the physics of modern life such as telecommunications and engineered structures, and the use of modern techniques in physics, such as computer animations and models and datalogging.