The Scanning Electron MicroscopeAAAS Annual Meeting Physics
Head of Department: Mr M.N. Wells
The Physics Department is housed in the Needham building, a two storey block which contains seven teaching laboratories, an ICT room with twenty four computers, a library/seminar room which has another twelve computers a project room, a store-room and a preparation area. SciTec is built around the present building so that Physics will be linked more closely to the other science departments.
Physics is a core subject from the 1st to 5th forms and there is a high number of pupils taking the subject at AS and A2. Physics is taught in a traditional way with a strong emphasis on experimental work: the large teaching laboratories mean that pupils can expect to do practical work each week.
Many pupils go on to study Engineering and Physics at university and we have a good record of successful Oxbridge applications. Physics is also a highly respected supporting subject for other subjects including Chemistry and Medicine. A significant number of pupils study A level Physics with other science and arts subjects.
Electronics, as a separate subject, is also taught within the department. This is useful for those wishing to study Engineering and because of the importance of instrumentation those interested in Medicine have also found it helpful.
The department is staffed by:
Mr A.B. Burrows MAEd BSc
Mr P.C. Clark BSc ARCS CPhys MInstP FRAS
Mrs L.E. Kirk BSc
Mrs J.E. Lane BSc
Mr M.J. Meatyard BA
Mrs T.E. Raftery BSc
Mr H. Roberts BSc MSc CPhys MInstP
Miss M.E. Shea BSc (Yale)
Mr M.N. Wells MA
Course content
IGCSE
The Edexcel IGCSE specification is followed. Pupils from the top sets follow the Triple Award specification and all others follow the Dual Award specification. There is an emphasis on the carrying out of experiments and on learning by doing. Some pupils also take the Physics Challenge in March of the 5th year: this is helpful in developing thinking skills.
AS and A2
The AS course covers Mechanics, Electricity, Materials and Waves and includes some of the more recent developments in Physics including Fundamental Particles and Quantum Phenomena.
The A2 course covers Fields, more complex Mechanics, Nuclear and Thermal Physics and an option from one of the following:
Option A: Astrophysics
Option B: Medical Physics,
Option C: Applied Physics,
Option D: Turning Points in Physics
Experimental work is important and pupils are assessed on their practical work throughout the course by their teacher. There is also a practical examination as part of the AS and A2 course. Project and research work outside the syllabus is encouraged, especially for those wishing to study Physics or Engineering at university.
The structure of the course enables teachers to cover the ideas in a traditional
way but also explore their own interests and specialities in more depth. The
scheme of work has been designed such that pupils are ready to take their
AS modules in the January of the U6th. Some A2 level work will be covered
in L6th in an order that we feel is beneficial to the pupils' learning.
AAAS
Each year members of the Lower and Upper Sixth studying any of the sciences have the opportunity to attend the annual convention of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. This gives them the chance to hear about the latest developments in a wide range of disciplines from leaders in the field from around the world.