Welcome to the Physics Department
Physics General Aims
- In the Physics department we aim to provide knowledge and understanding which can be used not only in the classroom but in the environment around us.
- To help students appreciate some of the most profound questions. How was the Universe formed? What is matter made from and how does it behave? How can we prevent climate change?.
- To help students appreciate the main issues around the behaviour and use of energy, both in the present day and the future.
Student participation in extracurricular activities is encouraged, such as Science Club, the National Water Rocket Competition or entry into various competitions.
Curriculum Content
Key Stage Three
Each pupil has one lesson per week, covering topics such as the physics of the solar system, basic dynamics, electrical circuits, wave mechanics and energy transfers. Much of the theory is supported by practical work which also feeds into the topic ‘How Science Works’.
Year 7 Scheme of Work
Students start by studying fuels and renewable energy resources. They move on to the use of energy by plants. Following this they study circuits and the use of electricity at home. Finally they study forces and the solar system. Work is assessed by tiered end of topic tests.
Year 8 Scheme of Work
Students start by studying temperate and warming and cooling. Within this topic they study conductors and insulators, expansion and contraction and convection. This is followed by magnetism and light. Assessments are by end of topic tiered tests.
Year 9 Scheme of Work
Year 9 starts with speed and acceleration. This is followed by force, area and pressure. Assessments are by end of topic tiered tests.
Key Stage Four
GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy - AQA Code: 8464 - Specifications
Course Content - What Will I Study
- This course leads to two GCSE's.
- Subject Content is organised into a component called ‘How Science Works’ and is comprised of two Biology Sections, two Chemistry sections and two Physics sections.
How will my progress be tested and examined?
- There are six written examination papers, two in each of the three sciences.
- There are at least two controlled assessment units.
- Each controlled assessment unit comprises an Investigative Skills Assignment (ISA) involving planning, practical work and a written assessment test.
- School tests and examinations will be set throughout the two year course to monitor progress. Each girl will be prepared for the level of examinations most suited to her individual aptitude.
GCSE Physics - AQA Code: 8463 - Specifications
Course Content - What Will I Study
Subject content is organised into four sections:
- How Science Works.
- Physics 1.
- Physics 2.
- Physics 3.
How will progress be tested and examined?
- There are three written examination papers.
- There is a controlled assessment involving planning, practical work and written assessment tests.
- School tests and examinations will be set throughout the course to monitor progress.
- Each girl will be prepared for the level of examination most suited to her individual aptitude.
Progression - How will the study of Physics benefit students’ future education and career?
- GCSE Science courses aim to provide students with the skills to become scientifically literate young people.
- Training in analysis, understanding, evaluation, application of knowledge and data handling provide foundations for many AS/A Level subjects as well as sciences.
- Increasingly a minimum grade C in sciences is required for a variety of courses and training, not necessarily those related to pure sciences, at university, in further education or in the workplace.
- The study of Physics at AS/A level requires a grade A in GCSE Physics or A grades in GCSE Science and Additional Science.
