Physics

The Philosophy

Is that of the ethos underpinning the original Nuffield Physics. Physics should be taught through a series of experimental experiences, aiming for an understanding through an enjoyment of practical work.

The Team

Paul Burton, Russell Newlands and Peter Rankin and technician Robert Mackenzie provide the full compliment to this thriving, exciting and energetic department.

The Space

Physics - 1 seats 24
Physics - 2 seats 22 and was refurbished in August 1990
Preparation room
Some lessons are taught out of the department in Science -1 a general purpose science laboratory, built and fitted August 1998.
All laboratories are fitted with data projectors and AV equipment and wireless internet access.

Solar car

Course Curriculum

Year	Curriculum Content During the Term
7	Materials, Crystals, Measurement: Mass, Length, Time, Density, Forces, Centres of Mass, Moments, Pulleys & Cantilevers, Bridges. 3 periods per week
8	Energy and Energy Sources, Expansion in Solids, Liquids & Gases, Energy Transfer, Static Electricity, Introduction to simple circuits. The Magnetic, Heating and Chemical effect of a current. 2 periods per week
9	Introduction to the AQA/Edexcel IGCSE Course Introduction to Astronomy, Waves, Sound, Energy transfers, Energy resources, Density & Pressure. 3 periods per week
10	AQA/Edexcel IGCSE Physics A rigorous treatment of Physics for those serious about studying it to A-level and beyond. The topics covered in Lower Senior include: Motion, Forces, Momentum, Electricity, Work & Power, Solids, Liquids & Gases. No course work 4 periods per week
10	AQA Science Heat Transfer, Energy, Electricity, Electromagnetic Spectrum, Radioactivity and The Origin of the Universe. Course work in the form of an ISA 3 periods per week of Physics, Chemistry and Biology
11	AQA/Edexcel IGCSE Physics A rigorous treatment of Physics for those serious about studying it to A-level and beyond. The topics covered in Upper Senior include: Magnetism & Electromagnetism, Radioactivity, Particles. No course work 4 periods per week
11	AQA Additional Science Motion, Work, Energy & Momentum, Static Electricity, Current Electricity, Nuclear Physics. 3 periods per week of Physics, Chemistry and Biology
12	OCR Physics A (AS) Unit G481: Mechanics: Kinetic Theory, Motion, Vectors, forces & Motion, Work, Energy 7 Power, Deforming Solids. Unit G482: Electrons, waves & photons: Current, Resistance & Resistivity, Kirchhoff’s Laws, Waves, Superposition, Quantum Physics, Spectra. Unit G483: Assessed Practical Course Work 8 periods per week
13	OCR Physics A (A2) Unit G484: The Newtonian Word: Momentum, Circular Motions, Gravitational Fields, S.H.M., Thermal Physics, Ideal Gases. Unit G485: Fields. particles and Frontiers of physics: Electric & Magnetic Fields, Electromagnetic Induction, Capacitors, Atomic Structure, Radioactivity, X-rays, Diagnostic methods in Medicine, Ultrasound, Nature & Evolution of the Universe. Unit G486: Assessed Practical Course Work. 8 periods per week