Physics

Physics is the most fundamental of the experimental sciences, as it seeks to explain the universe itself, from the very smallest particles - quarks - to the vast distances between galaxies. 

Standard Level Topics

1. Measurements and uncertainties: Measurements in physics; Uncertainties and errors; Vectors and scalars
2. Mechanics: Motion; Forces; Work, energy and power; Momentum and impulse T
3. Thermal physics: Thermal concepts; Modelling a gas
4. Waves: Oscillations; Travelling waves; Wave characteristics; Wave behaviour; Standing waves
5. Electricity and magnetism: Electric fields; Heating effect of electric currents; Electric cells; Magnetic effects of electric currents
6. Circular motion and gravitation: Circular motion; Newton’s law of gravitation
7. Atomic, nuclear and particle physics: Discrete energy and radioactivity Nuclear reactions; The structure of matter
8. Energy production: Energy sources; Thermal energy transfer
9. Extended Topic: Astrophysics: Stellar quantities; Stellar characteristics

Additional Higher Level Topics

1. Wave phenomena: Simple harmonic motion; Single-slit diffraction; Interference; Resolution; Doppler effect
2. Fields: Describing fields. Fields at work
3. Electromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic induction; Power generation and transmission; Capacitance
4. Quantum and nuclear physics: The interaction of matter with radiation; Nuclear physics
5. Extended Topic Astrophysics: Stellar processes; further cosmology

Both Standard and Higher Level programmes are assessed by three exams at the end of year 13. In addition to this, you will plan and complete a major investigation in the third term of your first year which is worth 20% of your final grade.

The physics department has a fairly active trip schedule, with past excursions including the Institute of Astronomy; the Corpus Playroom theatre; Cavendish Laboratory; the Diamond Light Source; Jodrell Bank Radio Telescope and the Large Hadron Collider at CERN.

We have well equipped laboratories, and the physics course at Parkside Sixth has been praised by the IB as having “a thorough and varied practical programme."

Entry Requirements

Standard Level - GCSE Physics at Grade 5 and above, and GCSE Mathematics at Grade 5 and above

Higher Level - GCSE Physics at Grade 7 and above, and GCSE Mathematics at Grade 7 and above

For further information

Please contact Susanne Maclay: susanne.maclay@parksidecc.org.uk

“Physics at Parkside is really interesting because we do lots of practicals. You also get the opportunity to design your own experiment as a part of the coursework which really allows you to explore further into a topic you are excited about.”

Anisa

“I really enjoy learning Physics, and now that we’ve begun our IAs it’s really interesting to design our own experiments and see what other people come up with too.”

Grace