Physics

Overview

Our Aims:

Equip pupils with the knowledge, skills and resilience needed to solve problems successfully and creatively either individually or collaboratively across a range of physics-related contexts;

Develop pupils' ability to carry out practical scientific inquiry by taking accurate measurements, processing data, identifying patterns and presenting findings using appropriate scientific and mathematical methods whilst thinking logically and systematically;

Encourage an interest in the physical universe and cultivate a sense of wonder and curiosity about the structure and form of the world around us.

Staff

Name	Role
Mr V Adamson	Head of Department
Mrs A McKay	Vice Principal (Pastoral)
Mr M Drennan	Teacher
Miss R Bell	Teacher

Curriculum

Senior school pupils follow the CCEA advanced-level curriculum that includes topics relevant to a fuller understanding of the physical universe and cutting-edge technology such as Forces, Electricity and Energy, Waves and Oscillations, Quantum physics and Astronomy, Thermal physics, Atomic and Nuclear physics, Force Fields, Capacitors and Particle physics.

The subject is available at two levels: AS and A2. Pupils can take the AS units plus the A2 units for a full GCE A level qualification. They can also choose to take the AS course as a stand-alone qualification. At both levels, there are three externally assessed units, including one focused on practical skills.

Pupils studying advanced physics acquire knowledge and understanding of many different areas of physics and how they relate to each other while being encouraged to develop their enthusiasm for the subject and an interest in further studies and careers in physics.

The course follows the AQA physics curriculum that covers eight areas of study. In Year 11, pupils learn about Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter; and Atomic structure. In Year 12 the course covers topics in the areas of Forces; Waves; Magnetism and Electromagnetism; and Space physics.

The Y11 and Y12 units are assessed by two written exams that include a combination of multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response questions. Both papers, each worth 50% of the final grade, are taken at the end of Year 12. Pupils are encouraged to use retrieval practice throughout their studying as a great way to chart their progress in the lead up to the final examinations.

Useful link: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/physics/gcse/physics-8463/specification/specification-at-a-glance

Key stage 3 physics encourages pupils to explore and learn about concepts such as gravity, friction, energy and electricity through a combination of demonstrations and experiments while being guided towards the development of an accurate understanding of core ideas by the explanations provided by their teacher.

Specific curriculum areas include Forces, Energy, Space, Light and Sound, Heat Transfer and Using Electricity. The development of practical science skills in taking and recording accurate measurements and presenting findings clearly is a key thread running throughout the key stage 3 course material. Pupils benefit from regular retrieval practice to consolidate their learning and help lay a solid foundation for successful progression to GCSE study.

Facilities

At Ballyclare High School, physics is taught as a component of science to all pupils in Year 8 and Year 9 and then as a separate subject from Year 10 to Year 14. The physics department consists of five specialist teachers who each have their own fully equipped laboratory. All laboratories are equipped with Interactive White Boards and data projection facilities. This encourages a practical approach to the subject with experimental work regarded as central to the curriculum across the key stages and carried out whenever possible to support pupil learning.