Physics (HL and SL)

Physics is a tortured assembly of contrary qualities: of skepticism and rationality, of freedom and revolution, of passion and aesthetics, and of soaring imagination and trained common sense. Leon M Lederman

Physics is the most fundamental of the experimental sciences, as it seeks to explain the universe itself from the very smallest particles - currently accepted as quarks, which may be truly fundamental - to the vast distances between galaxies.

Course content

Students will extend their understanding of all the familiar Physics topics, such as forces, electricity and nuclear physics. All the core topics build upon GCSE understanding and the four additional Higher Level topics build upon the core topics. There is one option topic, we study Astrophysics but there is the opportunity to study the Engineering option for those wishing to study Engineering at University.

Standard Level	Higher Level
Core: Measurements and uncertainties, mechanics, thermal physics, oscillations and waves, electricity and magnetism, circular motion and gravitation, atomic, nuclear and particle physics and energy production.
	Extension: Wave phenomena, fields, electromagnetic induction and quantum and nuclear physics.

Assessment

Standard Level

Higher Level

Internal assessment

Individual Investigation (20%)

External assessment

There are three papers: Multiple Choice, Longer answers and analysis and option (80%)

There are three papers: Multiple Choice,

Longer answers and analysis and option (80%)

Enrichment

Lectures, Institute of Physics competitions, Engineering Society .

Further study

Many of the students who study Physics choose related courses, in particular Engineering, at university level. The destinations are varied but are heavily weighted in favour of Russell Group universities. In recent years, some students have also chosen to study Engineering courses abroad.

Physics has captured me from a young age. It explains the underlying principles that govern the entire universe. The classes enable me to express my views freely and I can clear up any queries or obtain individual support. The department also offers many extra-curricular opportunities such as helping with the STEM Club for KS4 students. Studying Physics not only allows me to progress into Higher Education but it is also a useful subject to have. Si Ling