Physics

Course summary

why study this subject? It all began with Physics! Physics encompasses the study of the universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles. Physics is crucial to understanding the world around us, the world inside us, and the world beyond us. It is the most basic and fundamental science. Physics challenges our imaginations with concepts like relativity and string theory and it leads to great discoveries, like computers and lasers, that led to technologies that change our lives - from healing joints to curing cancer, to developing sustainable energy solutions. There are countless more examples of research in physics leading to the development of important technologies. It is hoped that today’s research on nanostructures (structures a billion times smaller than a meter), quantum information or photonics (basically electronics with light) will lead to the next generation of technologies including faster and more robust computers and communication systems - you could do that research. In Year 12 (and AS) physics students will study: Physical Quantities and Units; Making Measurements and Analysing Data; Nature of Quantities; Motion; Forces in Action; Work, Energy and Power; Materials; Momentum; Charge and Current; Energy, Power, and Resistance; Electrical Circuits; Waves; Quantum Physics. For the full A Level, all of the above topics are studied, plus: Thermal Physics; Circular Motion; Oscillations; Gravitational Fields; Astrophysics and Cosmology; Capacitors; Electric Fields; Electromagnetism; Nuclear and Particle Physics; Medical Imaging. During sixth-form lessons, you will experience various teaching methods and styles such as demonstrations, practical work, lectures, handouts/notes, ICT work and one-to-one support. You will be expected to work much more on your own than you did at GCSE and to take greater responsibility for your own organisation and learning. There are five main areas that A Level students need to be prepared for: organizing time, coping with workload, note-taking, reading around the subject and self-motivation.