Why do we learn physics?
To discover and to inspire curiosity. Our core purpose is to provide students with:
- The tools to discover the truths of the world that we live in
- The opportunity to discover new ideas by investigating and drawing evidence-based conclusions
- The skills to access analytical and technological careers
- Employable skills such as problem solving, modelling, and reasoning
Head of Department
Ms S Mehmi
Year 12
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Particles and radiation This section introduces students both to the fundamental properties of matter, and to electromagnetic radiation and quantum phenomena. Waves GCSE studies of wave phenomena are extended through a development of knowledge of the characteristics, properties, and applications of travelling waves and stationary waves. Topics treated include refraction, diffraction, superposition, and interference. Mechanics and Materials This topic underpins many applications in engineering, transport, technology and continues Electricity All electrical engineers start their training with the basic principles of electricity. This section provides knowledge and understanding of electrical circuits, internal resistance and potential dividers. Skills in AS Physics Physics is a practical subject. The development and acquisition of practical skills, applying experimental methods and techniques for analysing empirical data is fundamental. |
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January assessment- internal AQA past paper questions (Chapters 1, 2, 6, 7 & 8) June Paper 1- internal but AQA past AS paper 1 (Chapters 1-16) June Paper 2- internal but AQA past AS paper 2 (Chapters 1-16) |
Year 13
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Further Mechanics This section provides knowledge and understanding of circular motion (and important concepts such as centripetal force and acceleration) and simple harmonic motion (forced oscillations and resonance). Thermal Physics This section provides knowledge and understanding of temperature, mater, specific heat capacity and specific latent heat with contexts involving heat transfer and change of phase. It also provides an opportunity to discuss how Newton’s laws can be used to model the behaviour of gases. Fields The concept of field is one of the great unifying ideas in physics. The ideas of gravitation, electrostatics and magnetic field theory are developed within the topic to emphasise this unification. Practical applications considered include planetary and satellite orbits, capacitance and capacitors, their charge and discharge through resistors, and electromagnetic induction. These topics have considerable impact on modern society Nuclear Physics This section builds on the work of Particles and radiation to link the properties of the nucleus to the production of nuclear power through the characteristics of the nucleus, the properties of unstable nuclei, and the link between energy and mass. Astrophysics (option) Fundamental physical principles are applied to the study and interpretation of the Universe. Students gain deeper insight into the behaviour of objects at great distances from Earth and discover the ways in which information from these objects can be gathered. |
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| AQA External paper 1: (Chapters 1-18)
AQA External paper 2: (Chapters 19-27*) AQA External paper 3: Section A - Practical skills and data analysis Autumn paper 1 – internal AQA past paper 1 Autumn paper 2 – internal AQA Practical methods (past paper exam questions covering content from Chapters 1-18) Spring paper 1 – internal AQA past paper 1 Spring paper 2 – internal AQA past paper 2 |