Physics

The Subject

Physics is an intellectually rewarding subject, which will appeal to anyone interested in the physical world and the principles behind the remarkable technological developments of our era.

 

“God does not play dice”

(Albert Einstein) Physics is nothing less than an attempt to discover and explain the fundamental workings of the entire physical Universe – from the unimaginably small scale of "quantum strings", through to the world we know and live in, and out to the amazing enormity of distant galaxies and the strangeness of black holes. This may sound dauntingly abstract, but every time you turn on a light bulb, catch a plane, use a computer, have an x-ray, play a CD, cross a bridge, wear glasses or open the fridge, you are benefiting from the practical results of the work of physicists. Our understanding of Physics has transformed the world we live in, and the technological development it drives can only accelerate in the coming years.

 

The course

We teach the new AQA ‘Physics A’ specification (2450). The AS level course comprises the study of particles, quantum phenomena, electricity, mechanics, material and waves in two modules with a practical exam as a third. Students continuing to A level have another two modules covering fields, further mechanics, nuclear and thermal physics, and a choice of one of four options, together with another practical module. All exam papers have either structured or multiple-choice questions. The modular course provides a clear structure throughout the year, and allows well-paced learning goals.
The Physics department has a fully equipped laboratory, with a library of basic and specialist texts, a computer, data-logging equipment and a data projector. Lessons involve many experimental demonstrations of the phenomena to be examined and students are taught to deepen their understanding through much individual practical work. Clearly, studying the subject at AS/A level opens the door to an immense and interesting range of work and university options. Computer Science, Medical Physics, all Engineering possibilities, Acoustics and Recording, Telecommunications, Archaeology and Astronomy are some of the more straightforward paths – but skills in both logical and inventive thinking that a student will learn from the course make Physics a valuable qualification for many more options – such as Economics, Law, Philosophy and Business. Physics makes a good companion to all other science subjects and a stimulating complement to Arts, Business and Language courses. The course is open to anyone with GCSE Maths and Physics. We recommend that students also study Maths to at least AS level, although this is not absolutely necessary.

 

Preferred Board: Edexcel