Physics is best studied by those who enjoy both experimenting (investigating, understanding and predicting events in the material world) and theorising (precise logical reasoning and problem-solving of an abstract kind, similar to that met in mathematics). The subject demands a high level of mathematical and written communication skills. If you wish to better understand the world around you Physics is the subject for you. At the end of the course, you will be able to explain what the fundamental constituents of all matter that form everything on Earth are and why the Earth has an atmosphere and many other bodies do not. A-level Physics allows you to study a core of key concepts in greater detail, some of which have been met at GCSE level. Over the course, a minimum of 12 core practicals will be carried out to develop and test practical competency for which you will keep a lab book. The specific topics studied are: Core • Measurements and their errors • Particles and radiation • Waves • Mechanics and materials • Electricity • Further mechanics and thermal physics • Fields and their consequences • Nuclear physics Options • Astrophysics • Medical Physics • Engineering Physics • Turning points in physics • Electronics The Physics Department follows a strategy of flipped learning and this means that there is an expectation for pupils to complete a large degree of prior study (or preparation) before each lesson and a timetable is supplied for pupils to assist them in this. This allows lessons to be geared towards the higher-end content and skills that are found in the course. You will find that your lessons will be split largely between ones where you are practising, and improving, your problem-solving skills within the context of your current topic and others where you are completing practical work (including data analysis). We do not spend valuable lesson time making notes that can be found in our textbooks.
Sixth Form candidates are encouraged to apply in the Autumn Term of the year preceding entry and are generally required to have a minimum of two 7 and three 6 grades at GCSE, and a minimum of grade 5 in Mathematics and English, with some subject-specific requirements, as listed in our Sixth Form Curriculum Guide. In addition to the ‘traditional’ A Level offer, in September 2023, the School introduced BTEC in Sport. This pathway was open to elite performers who are linked with our Saracens Partnership. Grade 7 in GCSE Physics or 7-7 in Combined Sciences. If taking Combined Science we would expect your mark in the Physics component to be of at least 7 standard. Although our A-level Physicists are not strictly required to take A-level Mathematics we would strongly advise pupils considering A-level Physics to include A-level Mathematics in their combination.
The assessment involves six hours of terminal written papers which will be roughly divided into the following units: • Paper 1 – Measurements, Particles, Waves, Mechanics and Electricity (~35%) • Paper 2 – Thermal Physics, Fields and Nuclear Physics (~35%) • Paper 3 – Practical Skills and Data Analysis and Turning Points in Physics (~30%) All papers will consist of a mixture of multiple choice, short open-response, extended open-response, calculations, data analysis, practical techniques and synoptic-style questions. A separate assessment of ‘practical competency’ assesses the ability of pupils in practical skills at A-level over a series of 12 core practicals. The Practical Grade will be reported as ‘Pass’ or ‘Not Reported’ but does not affect the overall A-level grade awarded.
About Education Provider
| Region | London |
| Local Authority | Barnet |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | £36,795 - £43,590 |
| Sixth Form Fee | £25,800 |
| Address | The Ridgeway, Mill Hill Village, London, NW7 1QS |
Physics is best studied by those who enjoy both experimenting (investigating, understanding and predicting events in the material world) and theorising (precise logical reasoning and problem-solving of an abstract kind, similar to that met in mathematics). The subject demands a high level of mathematical and written communication skills. If you wish to better understand the world around you Physics is the subject for you. At the end of the course, you will be able to explain what the fundamental constituents of all matter that form everything on Earth are and why the Earth has an atmosphere and many other bodies do not. A-level Physics allows you to study a core of key concepts in greater detail, some of which have been met at GCSE level. Over the course, a minimum of 12 core practicals will be carried out to develop and test practical competency for which you will keep a lab book. The specific topics studied are: Core • Measurements and their errors • Particles and radiation • Waves • Mechanics and materials • Electricity • Further mechanics and thermal physics • Fields and their consequences • Nuclear physics Options • Astrophysics • Medical Physics • Engineering Physics • Turning points in physics • Electronics The Physics Department follows a strategy of flipped learning and this means that there is an expectation for pupils to complete a large degree of prior study (or preparation) before each lesson and a timetable is supplied for pupils to assist them in this. This allows lessons to be geared towards the higher-end content and skills that are found in the course. You will find that your lessons will be split largely between ones where you are practising, and improving, your problem-solving skills within the context of your current topic and others where you are completing practical work (including data analysis). We do not spend valuable lesson time making notes that can be found in our textbooks.
Sixth Form candidates are encouraged to apply in the Autumn Term of the year preceding entry and are generally required to have a minimum of two 7 and three 6 grades at GCSE, and a minimum of grade 5 in Mathematics and English, with some subject-specific requirements, as listed in our Sixth Form Curriculum Guide. In addition to the ‘traditional’ A Level offer, in September 2023, the School introduced BTEC in Sport. This pathway was open to elite performers who are linked with our Saracens Partnership. Grade 7 in GCSE Physics or 7-7 in Combined Sciences. If taking Combined Science we would expect your mark in the Physics component to be of at least 7 standard. Although our A-level Physicists are not strictly required to take A-level Mathematics we would strongly advise pupils considering A-level Physics to include A-level Mathematics in their combination.
The assessment involves six hours of terminal written papers which will be roughly divided into the following units: • Paper 1 – Measurements, Particles, Waves, Mechanics and Electricity (~35%) • Paper 2 – Thermal Physics, Fields and Nuclear Physics (~35%) • Paper 3 – Practical Skills and Data Analysis and Turning Points in Physics (~30%) All papers will consist of a mixture of multiple choice, short open-response, extended open-response, calculations, data analysis, practical techniques and synoptic-style questions. A separate assessment of ‘practical competency’ assesses the ability of pupils in practical skills at A-level over a series of 12 core practicals. The Practical Grade will be reported as ‘Pass’ or ‘Not Reported’ but does not affect the overall A-level grade awarded.