Physics
Physics looks at some of the most fascinating and challenging aspects of Particle Physics, Quantum Phenomena and Turning points, a topic referring to all theories that have changed Physics across the centuries.
Practical work is at the heart of Physics and features heavily within the A Level curriculum; pupils will have to keep a practical lab book and will be assessed on their investigative skills in a written exam.
The Physics A Level course content is split into three sections, taught across the two years of the course. Pupils in the Upper Sixth also do an optional topic; the school believes that the historical study of some of the key discoveries in this subject is the most suitable as this offers pupils a deeper understanding of how science works.
To find out more about Physics at GCSE Level, please see our GCSE Science page.
Curriculum
A Level - Physics
A Level Physics not only expands on the topics covered at GCSE but goes on to look at some of the most fascinating and challenging aspects of this subject, including Particle Physics, Quantum Phenomena and Turning Points, a topic referring to all theories that have changed Physics across the centuries.
Potential pupils will need to have achieved a 7 in GCSE Physics or 7-7 in Double Award Science and should be confident in using Mathematics, a 7 is recommended at GCSE.
Find out more about our Physics A Level, including course content and assessment, here: Sixth Form Subject Options Brochure.
Enrichment
In the Science Department, learning does not stop when pupils leave the classroom, and we provide a multitude of extra activities for interested pupils to get involved with. We believe that it is vital that pupil enthusiasm be fuelled, and that some of the best learning happens outside of the classroom when pupils are passionate about the subjects they are studying.
Physics-based activities have included astronomy workshops; the Bloodhound engineering project; trips to the Big Bang Fair, McLaren and Rutherford Appleton Laboratory; building and design projects (previous Sixth Form pupils built a functioning Ruben’s Tube) and Sixth Form physicists compete in the Physics Olympiad.
In addition to subject-specific activities and events, the department facilitates an ever-evolving programme of activities designed to inspire and enthuse. Recent examples of these include:
- STEM Club: Pupils are given the opportunity to take part in a variety of experiments from across all areas of STEM, with activities ranging from extracting essential oils, electroplating and tardigrade hunting. Pupils also investigate pseudoscience, and the situations that lead people to misinterpret the scientific method.
- Local trips to Oxford Science Museum for 4th Form, Cadbury World for 3rd Form and New Scientist Live for the 1st and 2nd Forms.
- All Sixth Form scientists and psychologists attended the 2021 UNESCO virtual conference celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science: “Women Scientists at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19".
