Contact Name: MR C. HOYLE
Who's who:
Mr C. Hoyle | Head of Physics |
Mr T. Hanson | 2nd i/c of Physics |
Mr D Collyer | Science (Physics) |
Mr L. Hinchliffe | Science (Physics) |
Ms S McLellan | Science (Physics) |
Details of KS3:
In Years 7 Physics is taught to form-groups, along with Chemistry and Biology. Topics include work on Forces & Space and Energy & Electricity. In Years 8 and 9, Physics is taught in groups that are partially streamed according to ability with groups of higher and mixed ability, as are the other two Sciences. Previous topics are re-visited and expanded upon, and practical work is used wherever possible to enhance learning and develop skills. Throughout Key Stage 3 the AQA course is followed, with a comprehensive bank of resources and activities that cater for all interests and ability-ranges.
Work is leveled throughout the year using tests and APP activities to gauge progress and provide feedback.
Details of KS4:
In Year 10 and 11 Physics is taught by specialist Physicists wherever possible in groups that are streamed according to ability. The AQA course is followed, which deals with topics like Energy & Electricity, Radiation, Radioactivity & the Universe, and Forces & Motion. Experimental work is used wherever possible, as well as demonstrations, to enhance understanding and further develop skills, and a diverse range of teaching and learning styles are adopted to this end. For Y11, practical skills are assessed using mini-investigations called ISAs that are carried out within 3 of the normal time-tabled lessons, and a number of these are done during Key Stage 4 so that the best combination of marks can be used. New Year 10 students will be assessed using the new controlled assessments.
Along with Year 10 Physics Club, which has run through February, March and April, trips out and visits from outside agencies also add to the Physics experience at Key Stage 4.
Details of KS5:
In the Sixth Form, groups are taught by two Physics specialists over 5 periods each week in Year 12 and 4 periods each week in Year 13. We follow the AQA Physics A course, which is made up of three separate modules for the AS qualification, and another three for the complete A2.The AS modules cover some established areas, such as Electricity and Forces, as well as new areas like Fundamental Particles and Quantum Physics. The A2 course includes work on Fields, Waves & Nuclear Energy plus a final module which includes Relativity and the Nature of Light.In each year there is the opportunity to take one of the module examinations in January, too, reducing the workload during the main examination period in June.
Practical work, used whenever possible to nurture essential skills and reinforce learning and understanding, is assessed by coursework completed during lessons. To gain valuable practice at examination-style questions, we also use question-booklets in class and for homework to provide regular feedback throughout the course.
To expand the course further, we have also visited nearby Universities such as Manchester and Leeds in recent years.
Forthcoming Events:
Starting in early February and running for 10 weeks, Year 10 Physics Club usually takes place in Lab 52 through collaboration with the University of Leeds 'Science into Schools' programme. If you want to know how to make a pan out of paper and even boil water in it without it catching fire, how to take pinhole photographs that you can keep, how to build a flashing electronic circuit, or just fancy taking the bowling-ball challenge, then this is the place for you.
In recent years "Rocket Club" has run, giving KS3 students the chance to build, launch and retrieve a solid fuel rocket in the school grounds (unless prevailing winds affect the flight)
