This September saw 31 pupils embarking on the AS Physics course while members of last year’s Upper Sixth prepare to start degrees that include Natural Sciences, Physics and Engineering. There are 21 pupils sitting A2 this year with several hoping to go into similar degree courses.
The AS pupils will be working on a specification (Edexcel) which aims to continue to cover the laws of physics whilst demonstrating their relevance to everyday life and how they can be applied. In both AS and A2 there will be two exams (one in January, one in June) in addition to an assessed coursework module.
Module 1 covers mechanics and materials. Pupils will learn how to model and predict motion and forces in an increasingly complicated set of circumstances, armed with a more sophisticated methodology than at GCSE. Meanwhile the materials module teaches students how to compare, describe, and understand the properties of physical materials, and to judge which will be most appropriate for a given application.
In Module 2 pupils study wave phenomena such as superposition, total internal reflection, the creation of standing waves and their applications before moving on to wave particle duality and how it applies our interpretation of electrons and light. Students also study electricity and look in much greater depth at the what processes are involved in the flow of current.
By the end of their AS year pupils will have completed one piece of coursework comprising either a case study involving an application of physics and a related practical or a physics-based visit and a related practical.
Pupils who continue to A2 will sit exams in Modules 4 and 5 in addition to completing a second piece of coursework.
Module 4 covers further mechanics, electric and magnetic fields and particle physics. The mechanics course content includes conversation of energy and momentum, collisions and circular motion. Pupils will also learn how to mathematically describe electric and magnetic fields, model exponential decay and understand in detail the generation of electricity. The fundamental particles that make up all matter are investigated along with how they interact both with each other and with fields.
In Module 5 pupils study thermal energy, including introduction to the Kelvin scale of temperature and the behaviour of ideal gases. Nuclear decay and its applications and dangers are discussed, in addition to modelling oscillations such as Simple Harmonic Motion. Finally, the course covers methods of analysing data taken from space and a look at the beginning and ultimate fate of the universe.
Visitors & Prospectus 
The Fourth Form sets out to give a strong basing in the nuts and bolts of the subject. The year begins with a look at how we describe the forces that shape our world and can model everyday situations. Key topics such as waves and electricity are introduced followed by work on Space and a chance for the pupils to do their own research and improve their presentation skills. Throughout the year, work is done on experimental technique.