Skip to main content

Physics

Staff

  • Mr D Ewart (HOD)
  • Mr D Brennan
  • Mr D Carleton
  • Mr L Mathison

The Physics Department aims to inform, stimulate and challenge pupils of all abilities, providing them with the opportunities necessary to improve skills that will be useful not just in their academic careers but also in everyday life.

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3 Physics is taught as part of a general Science programme.

Topics covered at Key Stage 3 include: Forces, Energy, Earth & Space, Speed & Moments, Sound & Light, Pressure & DensityElectricity & Magnetism.

Key Stage 4

GCSE Physics

At Key Stage 4 Physics is studied as part of the CCEA GCSE Double Award Science specification. Physics is also taught as a separate GCSE in which students follow the CCEA specification. Physics also forms part of the BTEC Applied Science and Science qualifications offered.

The CCEA GCSE Physics specification has three units:

  • Unit 1: Motion, Force, Moments, Energy, Density, Kinetic Theory, Radioactivity, Nuclear Fission and Fusion
  • Unit 2: Waves, Light, Electricity, Magnetism, Electromagnetism and Space Physics
  • Unit 3: Practical Skills

Post 16 Study

A Level Physics

At Post-16 we follow the CCEA A Level Physics specification. The CCEA AS Physics specification has 3 units:

  • AS 1 – Forces, Energy and Electricity (Written Exam – 1 hour 45 mins)
  • AS 2 – Waves, Photons and Astronomy (Written Exam – 1 hour 45 mins)
  • AS 3 – Practical Techniques and Data Analysis (2 x 1 hour components)

The CCEA A2 qualification is made up of the AS units plus 3 additional units which are studied at a higher level for A2:

  • A2 1 – Deformation of Solids, Thermal Physics, Circular Motion, Oscillations and Atomic and Nuclear Physics (Written Exam 2 hour)
  • A2 2 – Fields, Capacitors and Particle Physics (Written Exam 2 hours)
  • A2 3 – Practical Techniques (2 x 1 hour components)

Extra-Curricular Activities

  • Science Club

Career Pathways

  • Nuclear Physicist
  • Medical Physicist
  • All types of Engineering (e.g. Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical, Electronic, Civil, Structural, Aeronautical etc.)
  • Physics Teacher/Lecturer
  • Lab Technician
  • Astronomer
  • Meteorologist
  • Software Designer
  • Forensic Physicist
  • Music Technologist