Physics is crucial to understanding the world around us, the world inside us, and the world beyond us. It is the most basic and fundamental science. Physics challenges our imaginations with concepts like relativity and string theory, and it leads to great discoveries, like computers and lasers, that lead to technologies which change our lives—from healing joints, to curing cancer, to developing sustainable energy solutions.
Physicists look for all the hidden laws that explain why all matter and energy in the known universe exists, where it comes from and how it behaves the way it does. So, if you’re wondering how forces of nature, like gravity, work or how aircraft stay up in the air, Physics might provide you with answers.
The topics covered are: motion, forces and energy, thermal physics and waves.
The topics covered are: waves, electricity and magnetism, nuclear physics and space.
The aims of the course are to enable students to:
Regular end of topic tests in each subject every term allow students to measure their progress through the course. There are end of year examinations to ensure students are on the correct course route.
Physics is an experimental science and therefore practical work will be an important part of the syllabus. There is no coursework, but numerous experiments and class demos to develop practical skills and complement theory.
Students will sit all their exams at the end of the course in Year 11.
Three papers assessing knowledge and understanding from different topics:
Physics brings a broad perspective to any problem. Because they learn how to consider any problem physicists are not bound by context. This inventive thinking makes physicists desirable in any field. A bachelor’s degree in physics is a great foundation for careers in Science, Engineering, Medicine, Computer Science, Economics or Finance.