Physics

At its core, the study of Physics seeks to empower individuals with the ability to make informed predictions about the world around them, enabling a profound comprehension of the underlying principles that govern reality. This pursuit of knowledge fosters a profound intellectual curiosity and inquiry, instilling in students the importance of lifelong learning and exploration.

Our curriculum emphasises cultivating essential skills that are highly sought after at university and in the workplace. As students delve into the intricacies of Physics, they develop and hone critical aptitudes such as logical reasoning, advanced numeracy, creative problem-solving, effective teamwork, and precise communication.

At Sir Thomas Rich's, we are committed to nurturing these foundational skills in our students. Our aim is to empower learners to thrive and flourish in an ever-evolving world where career changes are likely to be a common aspect of their journey. By promoting intellectual inquiry and fostering a deep understanding of Physics, we equip our students with the tools to adapt, grow, and succeed in a dynamic and unpredictable future.

On This Page

Year 7 students follow a general Science course, before studying Physics, Chemistry and Biology as three separate disciplines from Year 8. Year 8 pupils cover and expand significantly on the Key Stage 3 National Curriculum. Year 9 work focuses largely on starting the GCSE course, laying the foundations for further study in Key Stage 4. Students are taught for two periods a week, with one homework task set every week. Year 8 examinations take place in March and Year 9 in June.

Year 8

Seeing and hearing. Electricity. Motion and forces. Astronomy. Energy. Matter.

Year 9

Waves. Magnetism. Energy stores and transfer. Heat transfer. Motion. Static electricity. Particle model, density and pressure.

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Students follow the Edexcel GCSE specification and are taught for four periods a fortnight in Year 10 and five periods a fortnight in Year 11. Two homework tasks are set every week, and include revising for regular topic tests and accessing Isaac Physics and Grade Gorilla online activities. There is a trial examination in November of Year 11 and two final examination papers are sat at the end of Year 11.

Year 10

Electricity. Forces. Energy resources. Astronomy. Waves and light. Domestic electricity. Energy and work. Radioactivity.

Year 11

Momentum. Uses of radioactivity. Electromagnetism. Springs and fluids. Energy and temperature. Electromagnetic induction. Moments and gears. Waves.

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Students follow the AQA A Level course for nine periods a fortnight in Year 12 and ten in Year 13. Weekly homework tasks are set, and there are regular topic tests with two internal examinations in Year 12 and a trial examination in the Spring Term of Year 13. Public examinations are sat at the end of Year 13, comprising three, two-hour papers. Practical work is carried out leading to a competency, recorded as Pass on the examination certificate. Studying A Level Mathematics alongside Physics is a popular combination, as studying A Level Physics without A Level Mathematics limits the university options open to students.

Entry requirement

Grade 8 GCSE Physics and 7 in Mathematics; or 7 in Physics and 8 in Mathematics; or 8-8 in Double Award Science and 7 in Mathematics.

Year 12

Particles and radiation. Waves. Mechanics and materials. Electricity. Gravitational fields. Quantum physics. Thermal physics and ideal gases.

Year 13

Kinetic theory. Circular motion and SHM. Radioactivity. Capacitance. Orbital motion. Electric fields. Magnetic fields. Option topic chosen to fit with the interests of the class from astrophysics, medical physics, engineering physics and turning points in physics.

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The Phyiscs Department runs regular clinics to help students who have missed work or who are struggling, along with extension clinics to prepare students for University STEM applications. The Department regularly enter students into the various Physics Olympiad competitions throughout Key Stages 4 and 5. Recent years have seen record numbers of gold and silver awards attained by Rich's students.

Head of Physics

Stuart Cooper [email protected]