Physics
The Physics Department occupies one floor of the Thomson Building, the School's second purpose-built Science building, opened by J J Thomson in 1927. The original Science building, the Kelvin Building, one of the country's first purpose-built school science buildings, was constructed in 1893 and opened by William Thomson (Lord Kelvin).
This is a Department which believes strongly in taking advantage of the School's geographic location: the heart of Silicon Fen. We have strong links with the University of Cambridge's Cavendish Laboratory, attending lectures with Sixth Formers each month. Pupils also visit their annual 'Physics at Work' exhibition and attend the Institute of Astronomy's annual Astronomy Conference for Schools. Lectures at the Departments of Applied Mathematics, Chemistry and Engineering are also enjoyed. Through the Wiles Society, regular speakers on physics-based topics are welcomed to the School, including such dignitaries as Professor Stephen Hawking, Nobel Laureate Professor Antony Hewish and HM Govt.'s Chief Scientist, Sir David King.
Outside of the University, we have a number of close ties with Cambridge's world-class science-based industries. In addition to visits to ARM and PACE, the School's annual Year 10 Challenge - which we run with Queens' College undergraduates - receives generous sponsorship and support from local companies.
Beyond Cambridge, the Physics department is regularly involved in the annual Science Tour of Canada, taking in Montreal, Toronto and Niagara. For many years, we have sent a representative on the History department's visit to Greenwich, taking Year 8 pupils around the Old Royal Greenwich Observatory. We have also enjoyed wind technology trips to Swaffham and Downham Market. In 2005 and 2007 we sent successful Sixth Form delegations to the National Science Showcase in Warwick and Oundle.
Years 7 - 8
Our own science course contains grounding in basic physics, together with Biology and Chemistry. The Physics content covers forces & motion, sound & light, energy resources & energy transfer. In Year 8, Earth & beyond and more sound & light are included.
Years 9-11 (GCSE)
From September 2006, pupils have studied Physics as part of the AQA Single Sciences Suite, leading to a single qualification in GCSE Physics.
In year 9, pupils finish off remaining KS 3 topics as we smooth the transition into the GCSE by consolidating skills of graph plotting, communication and problem solving. We also enhance their experimental skills of planning, investigating, analysing and evaluating in safety. They then start work on the new GCSE course. This includes studying electric circuits and describing motion.
In year 10, pupils study heat and energy, waves and radioactivity, the generation of electricity as well as stars and the universe. In addition, pupils are prepared for the Individual Skills Assignment (ISAs) as part of the Centre Assessed Unit which replaced traditional coursework.
At the end of year 11, pupils sit the three AQA GCSE Physics papers, completing the course. By this time, they will have studied Mains Electricity, Turning Forces, Light and Sound, Electromagnetism and Nuclear Physics. They will also have completed at least two ISAs.
All pupils have the opportunity of taking the higher tier papers for Physics, although in practice there are usually a few who take a Foundation tier paper. This helps pupils achieve their potential in these examinations, and equips them with scientific knowledge that will be useful in later life. It also lays foundations for those who wish to study Physics beyond GCSE.
Sixth Form
Lower Sixth
Students currently enter for the OCR Advanced Subsidiary GCE in Physics A (3883). Topics covered include Forces & Motion, Electron & Photons and Wave Properties, together with an assessment of their Experimental Skills.
From September 2008 students will be entered for OCR Advanced Subsidiary GCE in Physics (H158). Topics covered include Mechanics; Electrons, Waves and Photons; together with internal assessment of their Practical Skills.
Upper Sixth
Students currently enter for the OCR Advanced GCE in Physics A (7883). Topics covered include Forces, Fields & Energy and Unifying Concepts. Students also elect to study one topic from Cosmology, Nuclear & Particle Physics and Materials.
From September 2009 students will enter for OCR Advance GCE in Physics (H558). Topics will include the Newtonian World; Fields, Particles and Frontiers in Physics as well as internal assessment of their Practical Skills.
Beyond A level, many students choose to continue into Physics-based higher education when they leave - we regularly send students to Oxford and Cambridge. Students currently enter for the OCR Advanced GCE in Physics A (7883). Topics covered include Forces, Fields & Energy and Unifying Concepts.
Staff
Andrew P Harmsworth MA (Oxon) FRAS - Head of Department
John H Aylmer MA
Tomos L Reed MSci MA
Stewart A Newlove BSc PhD
Brian A Loveday - Technician