Physics

Course summary

If boys wish to study Physics or Engineering at a university they must take Mathematics at least to A-level. Further Mathematics will give access to degrees at the best universities, as well as improving their chances of making a success of their studies there. Physics is very much the subject of the age. It has a reputation for being difficult because of its unique conceptual challenges combined with its mathematical nature. It requires a particular, often counter-intuitive way of thinking that can be difficult to acquire but which, once mastered, has innumerable benefits in the long run, such as enhanced problem-solving skills. This is the main reason why physicists are so highly sought after in the workplace in fields as diverse as engineering, finance, education, IT, communications and government research. The Physics and Astronomy Department at Harrow offers a uniquely broad range of additional academic opportunities for our A-level boys. We run a series of first-year-undergraduate-level engineering projects for up to 25 of our Lower Sixth boys every year targeted particularly for those who are considering reading Engineering at university (Engineering is now one of the most popular university courses among Harrovians). All Lower Sixth physicists follow a coding course, gaining invaluable computing experience before embarking on a university science course, where such a skill is essential. We also offer numerous other research project opportunities, including in Astrophysics with access to our state-of-the-art Rayleigh Observatory