Physics is a fascinating and stimulating area of study and demands creative thinking. Many questions remain to be answered about the Universe in which we live. For example: What exactly is ‘space’? Why must we forever travel through time in one direction? What is mass, and why do particles have the masses they do? Why is there no antimatter in the Universe? What are Dark Energy and Dark Matter? If you are interested in these questions, then maybe A-level Physics is for you. Physics is not a soft option, but success is immensely rewarding. Students are expected to work hard and are closely monitored. They are supported through weekly small group tutorials where they can come and discuss individual problems. The use of past examination materials, both theoretical and practical is an important aspect of the course. The first year of A level (AQA) develops familiar themes from GCSE. These include electricity, mechanics, materials science and wave motion. In all cases, the emphasis is on placing these topics on a more rigorous mathematical and theoretical footing and, importantly looking at their applications and implications for society. The year concludes with an introduction to a more cutting-edge field of particle and quantum physics allowing students to appreciate some of the most recent research work being carried out at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. Whilst some of these ideas can be a little novel and certainly counter-intuitive, they underpin so much of our modern world and current research, they form an important part of any physicist’s education. In the second year, there is further development of mechanics dealing with circular motion and oscillations, together with a detailed study of a powerful area of physics – that of fields: gravitational, electrical and magnetic. It is at this point that many ideas learnt in earlier courses begin to tie up. We then move on to consider radioactivity and nuclear physics together with a study of heat and gases. The course concludes with a survey of the ‘big ideas’ in physics over the last 500 years, and the discoveries that have had a profound influence on our understanding of the world, leading finally to an introduction to Einstein’s theory of Special Relativity. They will even learn how the famous equation E= mc² is derived and used. The final examinations are synoptic which means students must develop an overall view of the subject matter they have studied and understand how the different topics are connected and interrelate. Practical work can illustrate a new concept and also helps to develop the skills of data collection and critical analysis. Therefore, throughout the course, there is a wide range of experimental and investigative activities, which allow practicing and improving practical work as well as give meaning to the theories studied. Computers and data logging equipment are used to collect and analyse data from experiments. These skills are continually assessed leading to an additional practical competency endorsement of the final result. Additionally, about 20% of the marks on the written papers will be available for questions dealing with practical work, data analysis and evaluation. At GCSE, we deliver Edexcel International GCSE in Physics in conjunction with the other science departments who work closely together. This is a linear course with two end-of-year examination papers. Practical work, forming an integral part of the course, will develop skills in planning, data analysis and evaluation which will be tested in these papers. There is however no practical test, or internal assessment task to do.
To clarify our admission policy, we do not adopt a rigid policy. Our primary criterion is the ability to demonstrate the motivation and commitment as well as the background skills, knowledge and aptitude necessary to complete the A-level courses successfully. These cannot always be easily defined and our preference is to evaluate these factors on an individual basis, where possible. However, in general, we would expect at least grade B passes (or grade 6) at GCSE across the range of subjects, particularly those relevant to A-level subject choices. The exception to this is Mathematics, Modern Languages and Science where we expect at least A grades. The academic profile of our A-level students varies, although the majority have obtained at least A and B grades at GCSE.
About Education Provider
| Region | London |
| Local Authority | Barnet |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | Unknown |
| Address | Lodge House, Lodge Road, London, NW4 4DQ |
Physics is a fascinating and stimulating area of study and demands creative thinking. Many questions remain to be answered about the Universe in which we live. For example: What exactly is ‘space’? Why must we forever travel through time in one direction? What is mass, and why do particles have the masses they do? Why is there no antimatter in the Universe? What are Dark Energy and Dark Matter? If you are interested in these questions, then maybe A-level Physics is for you. Physics is not a soft option, but success is immensely rewarding. Students are expected to work hard and are closely monitored. They are supported through weekly small group tutorials where they can come and discuss individual problems. The use of past examination materials, both theoretical and practical is an important aspect of the course. The first year of A level (AQA) develops familiar themes from GCSE. These include electricity, mechanics, materials science and wave motion. In all cases, the emphasis is on placing these topics on a more rigorous mathematical and theoretical footing and, importantly looking at their applications and implications for society. The year concludes with an introduction to a more cutting-edge field of particle and quantum physics allowing students to appreciate some of the most recent research work being carried out at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. Whilst some of these ideas can be a little novel and certainly counter-intuitive, they underpin so much of our modern world and current research, they form an important part of any physicist’s education. In the second year, there is further development of mechanics dealing with circular motion and oscillations, together with a detailed study of a powerful area of physics – that of fields: gravitational, electrical and magnetic. It is at this point that many ideas learnt in earlier courses begin to tie up. We then move on to consider radioactivity and nuclear physics together with a study of heat and gases. The course concludes with a survey of the ‘big ideas’ in physics over the last 500 years, and the discoveries that have had a profound influence on our understanding of the world, leading finally to an introduction to Einstein’s theory of Special Relativity. They will even learn how the famous equation E= mc² is derived and used. The final examinations are synoptic which means students must develop an overall view of the subject matter they have studied and understand how the different topics are connected and interrelate. Practical work can illustrate a new concept and also helps to develop the skills of data collection and critical analysis. Therefore, throughout the course, there is a wide range of experimental and investigative activities, which allow practicing and improving practical work as well as give meaning to the theories studied. Computers and data logging equipment are used to collect and analyse data from experiments. These skills are continually assessed leading to an additional practical competency endorsement of the final result. Additionally, about 20% of the marks on the written papers will be available for questions dealing with practical work, data analysis and evaluation. At GCSE, we deliver Edexcel International GCSE in Physics in conjunction with the other science departments who work closely together. This is a linear course with two end-of-year examination papers. Practical work, forming an integral part of the course, will develop skills in planning, data analysis and evaluation which will be tested in these papers. There is however no practical test, or internal assessment task to do.
To clarify our admission policy, we do not adopt a rigid policy. Our primary criterion is the ability to demonstrate the motivation and commitment as well as the background skills, knowledge and aptitude necessary to complete the A-level courses successfully. These cannot always be easily defined and our preference is to evaluate these factors on an individual basis, where possible. However, in general, we would expect at least grade B passes (or grade 6) at GCSE across the range of subjects, particularly those relevant to A-level subject choices. The exception to this is Mathematics, Modern Languages and Science where we expect at least A grades. The academic profile of our A-level students varies, although the majority have obtained at least A and B grades at GCSE.