Physics

PHYSICS DEPARTMENT

Head of department: Mr John H Thomson

Other staff: Dr.Marshall

Technician: Mrs Alice Barnes

Introduction to Physics:

Physics is a fascinating subject which lies at the heart of our understanding of science.

It deals with really BIG questions such as:

• How was the universe  created ?
• What rules does it follow ?
• And can we begin to understand how it works?

We explore the relationship between cause and effect - the flow of charge in circuits, interactions between bodies, light and dark, heat and cold and look for solutions to global problems such as the supply of energy and the disposal of nuclear waste.
 
Science IS international. The units we use in our measurements are based on the International System. The theory of electricity and magnetism draws on work done by scientists on both sides of the Atlantic and modern theories of particle physics are based on work carried out by European scientists.

We are extending our interest in Astronomy via the SpacedOut-UK project and by using the recent innovation of robotic telescopes based in Hawaii and Australia via the Internet-driven Faulkes Telescope Project and the National Schools Observatory. We also work closely with astronomers at Jodrell Bank to promote the understanding of Space Science and Astronomy.

The future of Science is BRIGHT at William Hulme's.

In short - a brief outline of what is studied in each year group.

Year 7

Pupils in Years 7 and 8 follow the Exploring Science programme of study, in line with the National Curriculum at Key Stage 3.  Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught in modular units by the same teacher at 4 periods per week. Details of work can be found on the Biology and Chemistry pages. In Physics lessons, we study Electricity and Circuits as well as Forces and Motion. We introduce Astronomy by studying the Solar System and also an element of  Systems and Control via Electronics.

Year 8

As in Year 7 we follow Exploring Science at 4 periods per week and the Physics units cover Heat and Temperature as well as Light and Optics. There is increasing emphasis on practical work especially planning investigations and analysing and evaluating results. We make use of data-logging to obtain scientific evidence and computers are used to process data using spreadsheet and graph-plotting packages.

Year 9

Pupils in Year 9 are beginning to study material which leads towards Key Stage 4 and  GCSE in Year 11. There are 3 periods per week (3ppw) each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics which are taught separately by subject specialist teachers.  Physics topics include Waves and Sound, Forces and Motion, Electricity and Magnetism. Practical work is very important and data-logging is used alongside traditional apparatus to improve pupils' ability to collect and process evidence for conclusions.

Year 10

The emphasis in Year 10 is on preparation for the GCSE examination at the end of Year 11.  Physics continues to be taught (alongside Chemistry and Biology)  at 3ppw, with 2 periods taught as a double lesson in which practical work is carried out by pupils. This is preparation for GCSE coursework which will begin at the end of the summer term and completed early in Year 11. Topics include Mechanics, Energy, Electricity and Optics, as well as a study of the Earth by means of seismic waves and the theory of Plate Tectonics. Communications, by the transmission of analogue and digital signals is also studied, especially the advantages of fibre optic systems over conventional wire-based ones. Pupils are encouraged to make use of Internet and CD-ROM based resources to obtain additional information. There is a dedicated text book, AQA GCSE Science by Pruden & Hirst, which also has Internet support for teachers.

Year 11

Final preparation for GCSE takes place in Year 11 which continues to be taught at 3ppw. Coursework is carried out during the first half of the September term. Thereafter, pupils study Radioactivity, Energy Resources, including the problems of replacing fossil fuels with alternative sources, Electricity and Magnetism and the Birth and Death of Stars.  The Big Bang Theory of the Universe is considered in the light of the evidence provided by Astronomers. Trial examinations are held in January and the results are used to determine the level of entry. Most of our pupils are entered at the High level and over 80% pass with grades A* to C. This year 19 pupils decided to continue to study Physics at AS level.

Year 12

In the Lower Sixth, students study for 4 AS-levels at 8ppw. In Physics there is one set which is taught by both members of the Physics department. The objective is to enter candidates for their first examination in Electricity and Materials in January, with two further modules in Mechanics and Particle Physics taken in June.  There is a practical examination, also taken in January, instead of coursework (which reduces some of the burden on pupils). The atmosphere in the Sixth Form is more relaxed than at GCSE and pupils are encouraged and expected to take a greater share of the responsibility for learning and studying by themselves. Practical work is scheduled on a regular basis and ICT is incorporated  through data-logging and computer analysis of results. All pupils are expected to make use of appropriate software to process and analyse experimental data. There are opportunities for Internet-based learning and simulation of experiments in a virtual Physics Lab.

Year 13

In the final year, students study for their A2 examination which converts their AS grades into a full A-level qualification. There will be one modular examination in January which tests their knowledge of  Waves, Gravitation, Simple Harmonic Motion and Nuclear Physics as well as Electric and Magnetic fields. This is the largest and most demanding unit. It is followed by smaller units on Radioactivity and either Astronomy and Astrophysics, Modern Physics or Medical Physics taken as options. There is also a practical examination taken in June together with a synoptic paper which tests their recall of earlier units. It is also possible to re-sit units taken earlier in the course to improve grades required for entry to university. Details of specifications and examination papers can be obtained from the AQA website.

Astronomy

For the first time, two Year 11 pupils took the Edexcel GCSE Astronomy examination this
year by studying in their spare time at home and at lunch-times. They obtained A and
B grades and they are continuing their studies in the Sixth Form. Ten students are
currently studying Astronomy, making use of facilities offered by the Liverpool and
Faulkes Telescope Projects.

They are doing real science in real time and their results may lead not only to a GCSE in
Astronomy but also to significant discoveries in fields normally limited to professional
astronomers or those attending universities.

Physics Olympiad

Every year, several pupils from the Upper Sixth Form enter a National Competition to select a team of Physics students for International Competition. In the last few years, several pupils have been awarded with Certificates of Merit, including Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals. Shown here are three of this year's contestants who were awarded Bronze Medals.

Qualifications

GCSE  AQA Double Award Science - Exam 80%  Coursework 20%

GCSE Edexcel Astronomy - Exam 75%  Coursework 25%

GCE AQA Physics AS
Unit 1 : Particles & Quanta (30%)
Unit 2 : Mechanics & Kinetic Theory (30%)
Unit 3 : Current Electricity & Solids ( Written 25% + Practical Exam 15%)
An AS qualification is worth 50% of an A-level. The remaining 50% is accessible via A2 as below.
 
GCE AQA Physics AS+A2         
Unit 4 : Waves, Fields & Nuclear Energy (15%)
Unit 5 : Nuclear Instability + Optional Unit (10%) + Practical Exam (5%)
Unit 10: Synoptic Unit (20%)

Useful websites

In addition to the links already given in the text we recommend:

GCSE:
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/physics
www.fearofphysics.com
www.gcse.com
www.studystack.com

A-Level:
Put "Physics" into your browser and surf the net.