Academic > Departments > Physics
The Physics Department has been recently fully refurbished (finished in 2003). Each of the six teaching laboratories is fully equipped with variety of teaching aids, including a video/DVD, desk video-camera and a computer which are all linked to a projection system. The computer network serves each laboratory and boys routinely use computers in their practical and theoretical studies.
Apparatus is largely laboratory-based, with a central store of more specialised equipment managed by the Department's two technicians. There is an emphasis on practical work in the Department and boys are encouraged to make full use of the apparatus available in their desks to improve their experiments during investigations. By arrangement, boys may use the laboratories in their spare time for project work, and to catch up with any practical work which they may have missed.
The Physics library is a valuable new asset to the Department and the boys have responded positively to the comfortable and peaceful environment that it provides. The library is well stocked with a range of academic and popular science books and with a number of magazines. A variety of physics videos are available and three PC computers and a laser printer provide further aid to a student's research. Boys have access to the library in the evenings by a keypad lock on the door.
In the Lower School the boys follow the Edexcel GCSE course either to a full GCSE in Physics or to a Double Award Science GCSE in combination with their Chemistry and Biology studies. All boys study the subject core defined in the National Curriculum and those aiming for the separate Physics GCSE also study two additional topic areas, Communication and Particle Physics. Coursework is allocated 20% of the final GCSE mark for which the boys find the laboratory-based equipment an advantage.
At A Level the AQA Specification A course is followed. The course reflects modern developments in Physics and its applications and provides a sound foundation for further study. There is the provision of optional topics and the assessment includes a coursework component. Quantum Physics, Mechanics, Electricity and Thermodynamics are studied during the Lower Sixth year for the Advanced Subsidiary (AS) examination. Nuclear Physics, Waves and Magnetism are studied in the Upper Sixth and there is the option to study Astrophysics, Medical Physics, Rotational Dynamics or Special Relativity to be examined in the A2 component which, together with the AS qualification, combine for the full Advanced Level award.
Boys who show the potential are encouraged to join extra classes in the Upper School to advance their study of Physics to Oxford and Cambridge entrance level.