Studying Physics expands your options. Needed for many careers in science and engineering the skills and knowledge that you can develop by studying physics keeps the door open to doing just about everything else.
Physics is an exciting subject, providing insight into the world around us. It has been developed by some of the greatest minds through the ages, with brilliant breakthroughs even in the last few years. Physics challenges our imaginations with concepts that range from tiny inter-molecular particles to huge things like entire solar systems. Physicists jobs lead to great discoveries, like computers and lasers, that lead to technologies which change our lives. It is fascinating how much we already know about how the Universe behaves, yet mindboggling how much we don't.
Our aim as a department is to provide students with opportunities to have a clearer understanding of motion, energy, electricity, magnetism and the laws that govern the physical universe. Studying Physics enables students to develop their analytical and problem-solving skills. Physics concepts challenge students to be curious and to ask the question 'how do things happen?' We take the mathematical tools that students have learnt and apply them to real world problems. There is an emphasis on developing investigative skills in order to confidently complete a number of required practicals throughout KS5.
From cancer treatment to tackling climate change, gaming to robotics and artificial intelligence, physics and physicists are on the front line, helping to shape the future. At a time when jobs are changing, physics offers a vast and expanding range of career paths. Therefore, we aim to not only learn the content and skills needed for examinations and further study, but to encourage our students to be critical and creative thinkers and problem solvers.
During Year 12 the following subject areas are covered:
Measurements and their errors, Particles and radiation, Waves, Mechanics and energy, Electricity
During Year 13 the following subject areas are covered:
Further mechanics and thermal physics, Fields including gravitational, electric and magnetic Nuclear Physics, Astrophysics is included as an optional topic.
A bi-annual visit to CERN to see the Large Hadron Collider
Students may be awarded a ‘pass’ in their Practical Skills Endorsement, at the end of Year 13, if they have passed the Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC) across 12 required practicals.
An appreciation for how the world around you works, and understanding some of the fundamental discoveries and principles lead to some obvious science-based career paths. However, the skills that you develop studying Science actually opens doors to a variety of surprising careers.
Either a Grade 6 in GCSE Physics, or a Grade 6-6 in GCSE Combined Science. A Grade 6 in maths is preferable to reflect the mathematical content of the course.
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