Physics
We seek to open our students’ eyes to nothing less than the mysteries of the universe and the wonders of the physical world. Our team of specialist Physics teachers follows a highly attuned curriculum that includes both practical opportunities for exciting discovery and rigorous, comprehensive assessment of progress.
There is an emphasis on scientific literacy, methodology and independent research, which encourages students to explain, apply and evaluate the concepts they are taught.
If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it? Albert Einstein
Support clinics are available both to reinforce difficult concepts and to challenge advanced thinkers in all year groups. Each year, we enter Olympiad competitions and visit the Bayfordbury Observatory. We encourage students to take up the opportunity to apply for Arkwright Engineering Scholarships in Form 5.
Physics: Senior
Course Description
We seek to open our students’ eyes to nothing less than the mysteries of the universe and the wonders of the physical world. Our team of specialist Physics teachers follows a highly attuned curriculum that includes both practical opportunities for exciting discovery and rigorous, comprehensive assessment of progress.
In Forms 1 and 2, students follow the popularly acclaimed Activate Course. This course, which encourages an investigative and questioning mindset in students, is taught in modules of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, fostering an awareness of the interconnected nature of these disciplines. There is an emphasis on scientific literacy, methodology and independent research, which encourages students to explain, apply and evaluate the concepts they are taught.
If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it? Albert Einstein
The GCSE course begins in Form 3 and follows either the AQA Physics (Separate Science) or AQA Trilogy (Combined Science) route. These widely-respected courses offer a robust foundation of scientific understanding and help students to make steps towards advanced level study, if that should be their choice. Between the end of Form 4 and the beginning of Form 5 we advise the best course of study for each student. We have an annual speaker from the NHS who gives a talk to Form 5 on careers in Medical Imaging, a good example of how the department seeks to contextualise students’ learning.
Curriculum Overview
- Energy
- Forces and motion
- Electricity
- Radioactivity
- Waves
- Magnetic fields
- Space
- 10 Required practical activities
What are the unique selling points of this subject at St Columba’s College?
- Lunchtime physics clinic
- Small pupil to teacher ratio
- Entry into Physics Olympiads
- Entry to Arkwright Engineering Scholarship (F5 only)
- Extensive practical opportunities
How are the students assessed?
Two terminal examinations taken at the end of F5
Home Learning
Once per week
Students are expected to consolidate independently at home
How can parents/guardians support their child’s learning?
Encouragement and engagement with pupil attainment in End of Topic Tests as a means to understanding the best entry (separate or trilogy) is best for their child.
