Physics
Physics Department is housed in three inter-linked, modern, well equipped laboratories. The subject is taught by three full time teachers, and supported by a technician. Our educational aim in the department is to encourage curiosity and enthusiasm for the subject, whilst at the same time ensuring that the boys are taught to a rigorously high standard, so that they can pursue the subject successfully as far as they would wish.
Junior Physics
From the moment boys enter the school in Forms 1 and 2 (Years 7 & 8) they are taught science as separate disciplines. All the Physics lessons are taught within the department by subject specialists, with the subject matter covered being taken from the Common Entrance Science specification. This is designed to foster an early interest in the subject, whilst also giving the boys the best possible preparation for entry into the Third Form.
Lower School Physics
All boys study Physics as a separate subject in the Third Form, and are taught in one of four sets depending on their ability in Mathematics/Science. The material covered in this year is taken from the OCR Gateway Physics specification, and enables the boys to get a head start with their GCSE study should they choose to continue with this subject. In the Fourth and Fifth Form boys have a choice between either two or three of the separate sciences, or instead they can opt for a combined science course. Those boys who choose to study Physics as a separate GCSE will follow the OCR Gateway Physics specification, which includes a blend of interesting modern topics, relevant and engaging practical work, and some challenging extension topics towards the end of the course. This specification contains a good deal more Physics content than traditional ‘GCSE Double Award Science’ courses and provides an excellent foundation for those boys who wish to study the subject further. Results in the summer of 2009 were very pleasing with more than a quarter of the boys achieving the top A* grade in GCSE Physics, whilst 96% achieved a C-grade or above.
A-level Physics
In the Sixth Form, our boys are prepared for the AQA Physics ‘A’ AS and A2 examinations. The subject is a popular choice amongst the boys, and we currently have two sets in both the Upper and Lower Sixth Forms. Recent A-level results have been very encouraging, with fully 50% of last summer’s (2009) Upper Sixth Form Physicists gaining an A-grade at A-level. Many of the boys who study Physics in the Sixth Form go on to read either Sciences or Engineering at University, and indeed it is a useful subject for those who wish to read Medicine, Veterinary Science, Psychology and Philosophy. It is a highly prized A-level subject since it shows that the candidate has a good level of numeracy, and the ability to think logically and analytically.
Ian Hart BSc PhD
Head of Science