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 (discoverer of the electron). 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 – who amongst other things built the first transatlantic telegraph).
The department 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 (Physics) 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 former Chief Scientist to HM Govt., 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. In 2005 and 2007 we sent successful Sixth Form delegations to the National Science Showcase in Warwick and Oundle. We also encourage students to participate in national competitions, such as the Physics Olympiad, and have had Highly Commended awards in the Institute of Physics annual Environmental Physics essay competition.
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)
Pupils study Physics as part of the AQA Single Sciences Suite, leading to a single qualification in GCSE Physics. The specification was fully revised in autumn 2010 for the current year 9 onwards.
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.
In year 10, pupils study electrical energy and its generation, forces and kinetic energy, stars and the universe, momentum, waves and radioactivity, mains electricity, and mirrors and lenses. In addition, pupils are prepared for the Individual Skills Assignments (ISAs) as part of the Centre Assessed Unit (the successor to 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 static electricity, torque, electromagnetism, sound and ultrasound, circular motion, power 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 some take a Foundation tier paper as our experience shows that their final mark and grade are better as a result. 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). Units studied are Mechanics as well as Electrons, Waves and Photons. Internal assessment of their Practical Skills is carried out with a maximum of 9 test papers. We are extremely proud of our students’ performance in the practical course, with most achieving an A-grade in this component. Our students’ overall performance in AS Physics is also very pleasing indeed.
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.
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
Tomos L Reed MSci MA (Cantab)
Stewart A Newlove BSc PhD
William P Unsworth BSc PhD
Theresa M Shanks - Technician