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| INTRODUCTION The Physics Department lies in the heart of the school and works closely with the Chemistry and Biology Departments, which together make up the Science Faculty. Physics is the fundamental science of Matter and Energy and how they interact with each other. For example, Einstein’s famous equation E = mc2 states that there is a direct link between matter in and energy E. It was this discovery that led to the development of the nuclear bomb and the use of nuclear energy to supply electricity. Recently on the news it was said that “Physics is dying out in schools and in 10 years time will be off the National Curriculum”. Not if we have anything to do with it! Physicists and Engineers will be in very short supply unless we act NOW. The only way to encourage pupils to study Physics at ‘A’ Level and university level is to enthuse them in school. That is the job of the Physics Department and their prime resource – the teachers. Yes Physics is hard, but hugely rewarding. STAFFING Mr P R Robinson BSc Liverpool CURRICULUM KS3 At present Years 7, 8 and 9 study Physics, Chemistry and Biology as one subject “General Science”, under the direction of a single teacher from the Science Faculty. The beauty of the independent sector is that teachers are not strait jacketed by the National Curriculum. As a result in Years 7, 8 and 9 new ideas in Physics are introduced, initially in Year 7, and then re-inforced in more detail in Years 8 and 9. By the end of Year 9 they should be well prepared to tackle the more demanding work at GCSE. EXAMINATIONS GCSE At GCSE in Years 10 and 11 most students study Double Award Science (OCR) which is taken as two examinations, one at the end of Year 10 (worth 25% of the overall work) and the final examination at the end of Year 11. The Physics part of the Double Award is taught by a specialist Physicist. The whole Science examination is worth a double GCSE. Coursework, which is undertaken in Year 10, also contributes 20% to the final grade. Strict deadlines are set which all students are expected to adhere to. AS/A2 Level AS/A2 Level Physics is still popular. At AS Level we have 9 students, and 6 carrying on to study at A2 Level. The School follows the OCR Syllabus A. Again, part of the overall examination at both AS and A2 Level is taken in January, so that the load is not too great in the summer. Currently, coursework is undertaken at AS Level, but at A2 more mature students are expected to take a practical examination instead. All good Physicists should have practical as well as theoretical ability. The argument for coursework over practical examinations is ongoing and may change in future years. In September 2006, the GCSE Syllabus will change in line with changes to the National Curriculum. It is anticipated that most of the content of the Physics component of the GCSE will remain unchanged, but that the structure of the course will change fairly significantly. |
