In years 7 and 8, students study science in three one hour lessons per week. In year 9 this increases to four one hour lessons per week. Each teaching group is taught in separate biology, chemistry and physics lessons. In year 7 students are taught in mixed-ability form groups. Students are placed into sets in years 8 and 9. Assessment is achieved by means of regular end-of-topic tests, practical investigations and extended written work. Students begin the formal study of GCSE material towards the end of year 9.

At Key Stage 4, students are placed in sets on the basis of their progress in year 9. All year 10 students study the AQA Science course leading to a GCSE award. They are taught in four one-hour lessons per week. In year 11, most students study AQA Additional Science leading to a second GCSE science award. Some students study 3 separate GCSEs in biology, chemistry and physics, in six lessons per week in years 10 and 11. A small number of students opt out of further study of science after completing the GCSE science course in year 10.

At Key Stage 5, the faculty offers AS/A2 courses in biology, chemistry and physics.

AS/A2 PHYSICS

What will you learn on this course?

Students are challenged to expand their understanding of the physical world from Quasars to Quantum Particles. Following this brand new and up to the minute syllabus (AQA – Physics A), students will study all the classical physics needed for careers such as engineering, architecture and medicine. At both AS and A2 level students develop their practical and experimental skills through selected experiments.

What other courses go well with this one?

Combining physics with chemistry and maths will equip you for the widest range of options, including careers in science, medicine, engineering and technology. Physics also complements biology well. Physics can be useful for those who wish to study environmental science and archaeology. Students of art or photography with an interest in the technical aspect will find physics useful for developing that interest. Physics may be combined with relatively unrelated subjects, like law or business studies, for it develops skills in numeracy, reasoning, problem solving, communication and research.

What could you go on to do at the end of the course?

Study for a degree in physics, environmental science, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary science, engineering, radiography or some related area, or use it as a general academic qualification. An AS or A Level in Physics develops and demonstrates many transferable skills appreciated by many employers in non-physics careers as well as science-based careers in the health service or industry.

Currently, the exam board for both AS and A2 is AQA and the specification will be Physics A.

Course Content

• Particle Physics
• Astrophysics
• Radioactivity
• Mechanics
• Electricity
• Quantum Phenomena
• Waves
• Fields
• How Science Works

AS and A2

The course consists of six units. Each unit is well supported by accessible books written by the examiners. The units contain exciting topics such as astrophysics, universe and radioactivity along with traditional areas of magnetism, electricity, waves and energy.

Learning Methods and Assessment

AS and A2

The aim is to enable students to gain enjoyment and satisfaction from their study of Physics. The course is taught by a physics specialist.

A variety of teaching methods are used including research, discussions, formal notes, worked examples, practice questions and use of video and computers. Experimental work is an important part of the course, providing back-up to theoretical ideas and developing necessary scientific skills. The mathematics involved will be kept to a minimum and will be taught as and where appropriate, and will be no more difficult than at GCSE grade B. There is always the opportunity to seek help at the weekly Physics club. The department subscribes to New Scientist and Focus magazine to encourage students to read around the subject.

Students have the opportunity to attend free physics lectures from the University of Hertfordshire, Cambridge Physics Centre and Open University.

Clubs/Activities

AS and A2

Students attend the yearly physics conference in London (£20) and have the opportunity to go to the physics lectures at the University of Hertfordshire (free).

Expectations of Students

AS and A2

A lively interest in the physical world around us and the ability to work both in a group and independently.

Careers Implications

There are many opportunities for qualified physicists, of whom there is a national shortage, in a range of fields including: education / engineering / communication/ medicine / research / Civil Service.