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. Our close proximity to the University's Engineering Department also means we take advantage of lectures and seminars, including their timely Engineering for a Low Carbon Future series. Lectures at the Departments of Applied Mathematics and Chemistry are also enjoyed. Through the Wiles Society, speakers on physics-based topics are welcomed to the School, including previously 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 previous years we have made visits to ARM and PACE. We have also received generous sponsorship and support from local companies for whole-school engineering competitions.
Beyond Cambridge, the Physics department is regularly involved in the School's 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 are entered for OCR Advanced Subsidiary GCE in Physics (H158). Topics covered include Mechanics; Electrons, Waves and Photons; and internal assessment of their Practical Skills via three test papers. This course was new in 2008 and is very similar to those which we have delivered for the previous decade: we are therefore confident of continued excellence from our students.
Upper Sixth
Students are entered for the OCR Advanced GCE in Physics A (H558). The two units studied are The Newtonian World and Fields, Particles and Frontiers of Physics. Topics include the traditional (such as collisions and gravity) through to the more cutting-edge (diagnostic methods in medicine and nuclear fusion). Students also carry out internally assessed practicals to build up a portfolio of work.
Beyond A level, many students choose to continue into Physics-based higher education when they leave - we regularly send students to Oxford and Cambridge, but are frequently delighted at the success our students see at a wide range of universities.
Beyond Cambridge, the Physics department is regularly involved in the School's 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
In 2009, John Aylmer retired after 33 years of teaching Physics at The Leys. A fitting tribute to his time here was that he received a Teachers of Physics Award from the Institute of Physics. We wish him a long and happy retirement and thank him for all he has done for thousands of Leysian physicists over the years.
Staff
Andrew P Harmsworth MA (Oxon) FRAS - Head of Department
William P Unsworth Bsc PhD
Tomos L Reed MSci MA
Stewart A Newlove BSc PhD
Brian A Loveday - Technician