Physics
Ipswich School - Suffolk
01473408300
Henley Road, Ipswich, IP1 3SG
Course summary

The A Level Physics course begins by giving students a solid grounding in the fundamental skills associated with quantities, units and measurements. Year 12 students then complete work on forces and motion, materials, electricity, waves and quantum physics. Year 13 begins with gas laws, circular motion, oscillation, gravity and cosmology. The course is completed with topics on capacitance, fields, particle physics, radioactivity, nuclear physics and medical imaging. Alongside this material, students are assessed on their ability to complete a series of standard practical tasks. Lessons typically involve the introduction of new concepts through delivery of theory and discussion with students. Often learning is reinforced through the use of practical work and demonstrations, and students have the opportunity to use advanced equipment. We make a great effort to offer a rich variety of activities beyond the curriculum. Students participate in many trips to lectures either in Ipswich or at the Cavendish Laboratories in Cambridge. Year 12 students visit the Diamond Light Synchrotron in Oxfordshire. Year 13 students join us for a day trip to the Large Hadron Collider (CERN) in Geneva. Students are also encouraged to help out with other Physics events so that they can enthuse younger pupils and also to enhance their own university applications. For example helping to run the LEGO robotics club, assisting with outreach events such as PhysicsFest and science activity days here at Ipswich School.

Entry requirements

For new students, entry to the Sixth Form is dependent on GCSE grades, an interview with the Headmaster and a school reference. To enter our Sixth Form and be successful, we like to see grade 7s in the GCSE subjects a student wishes to take at A Level (8s for Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths) or in relevant subjects, with at least six grades 6s overall. We also accept students onto BTEC Sport and Exercise Science plus one A Level. For this combination, we like to see at least six grade 5s at GCSE overall, with a 7 in a relevant subject for the A Level. Below this attainment level, it is likely that we are not the right match for a student, although we are happy to discuss exceptional circumstances.

How you'll be assessed

The course is assessed by three exams at the end of Year 13. To be successful at A Level Physics, students are strongly advised to take A Level Maths as well.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionEast of England
Local AuthoritySuffolk
Ofsted Rating
Gender TypeCo-Educational
ISI ReportView Report
Boarding FeeDay £12,705 - £19,704; Boarding £36,639 - £40,365
Sixth Form FeeUnknown
AddressHenley Road, Ipswich, IP1 3SG