Physics

Course summary

Physics is a key part of science and technology; Physics is used to solve problems and understand how the world works in every detail at the deepest level. An understanding of physics helps to solve environmental, social, health and technological challenges. Physics is at the heart of everything, from the tiniest building blocks of all materials up to the largest scales possible: in elementary particles, nuclei, atoms, molecules, macromolecules, living cells, solids, liquids, gases, plasmas, living organisms, the brain, complex systems, supercomputers, the atmosphere, planets, stars, galaxies and the universe itself. For careers in engineering and technology physics is essential. A-level physics is a highly sought-after qualification in scientific and engineering communities. It is classed as one of the top facilitating A Levels by the Russell Group; it is also a very good supporting A Level for many different degree courses at university such as Economics. Alongside the A Level course, there are numerous enrichment opportunities available. There is the very popular annual trip to CERN, Geneva to visit the Large Hadron Collider. At home we do trips for lecture tours across the UK, for example, in recent years this has included a Medical Physics trip at RD&E hospital and went to Birmingham for lectures from top Physicists and known names like Jim Al-Khalili. We have also had a lot of success in the national Physics Olympiad competitions with numerous golds and a pupil representing the UK in the International Astrophysics Olympiad Team.