Physics

Course summary

Physics is for all those who are interested in understanding how things work from the smallest sub-atomic particle to the largest conceivable distances in the universe. Physics is the basis for much of the present and future technology and hence qualifications in this subject are well sought after in the world of work. Physics has the reputation of not being an easy subject to study but you will develop valuable skills in thinking logically, solving problems, handling very large and very small numbers and finding things out during experimental work. Due to the broad range of topics we study at A Level, our students have gone on to a wide range of careers. In the first year, students will study the relatively new topics of particle physics (that includes hadrons, leptons, quarks and other strange particles) and quantum theory. We also study topics such as electricity, waves, mechanics and materials that students should be aware of from IGCSE level but we obviously investigate in greater depth. Students will have two physics teachers who concentrate on different aspects of the course. Class sizes are generally quite small which allows us to look at problems in detail and discuss the solutions that each student has produced. This helps develop the necessary thinking and calculation skills that are needed. In the second year of the A Level course, we cover the major topic of fields (gravitational, magnetic and electric) that involve anything from the motion of the planets to the physics of amusement rides. We also cover nuclear physics, thermal physics and an option topic that is normally engineering physics.