Physics

Physics

 

 

From the birth and death of stars to the fleeting interactions of tiny particles, Physics studies how our world works.  To do this it uses ideas ranging from Force and Energy, easily understood and everyday, to Strangeness and Charm, rather more abstract and fanciful! It is a fascinating subject, driven by the desire to find out how and why matter behaves the way it does.  

Physics is not only interesting, it is also highly marketable. With an A level in Physics you have proved that you possess a wide range of Key Skills, exactly what employers and universities are looking for today. Indeed there can be few subjects at A level that cover such a wide range of transferable skills - from the use of IT in data-logging experiments (downloading data from sensors to spreadsheets); to the numerical skills that are the bedrock of the subject, essential in problem-solving and in practical work; to skill in written expression needed to write explanations.


Who does it suit?

 

Physics suits someone who is fascinated by how things work, by fundamental questions about the way the world is and by the exactness of science which alone can try to uncover truths about the world.  Studying the subject you will feel that what you learn builds upon what you did at GCSE but in a more mathematical way.  You must practice the use of maths in the subject so that it becomes natural to you so you can begin to concentrate on the ideas themselves as they become more complex.

 

We will answer questions such as ‘Do you want a car to crumple or remain rigid in a crash?’, ‘How are harmonics created on a guitar string?’ and ‘Why does it get colder when you climb up a mountain?’ (If you can answer these questions now please move on to university!)


Physics is most often studied alongside Maths, Economics, Biology, Computing or Chemistry, but - as an AS or a full A level - it can give an analytical edge to any portfolio of subjects. It suits someone who enjoys problem-solving, is interested in explaining how the material world works and would like a practical subject.

 

We find that a grade B or above in Maths at GCSE is a good starting point to do well in Physics but it is not necessary to continue Maths at A level.  To get an idea of the increased level of Maths in the A level compared to GCSE, look through one of the standard A Lev el Physics texts such as that written by Tom Duncan or Roger Muncaster and say to yourself ‘I shall soon understand all of this!’

If you pursue the subject at university you will find that Physics graduates are in great demand, as pilots, engineers, accountants, management/computer analysts, in the City - anywhere where profound analytical skills are required; and starting salaries can be more than £2000 higher than across all subjects.


 

What will it be like to study Physics at d’Overbroeck’s


We chose the AQA syllabus because it has interesting, modern topics such as Particles Physics and Astrophysics; the ultimate study on the smallest and largest scale. 

 

Lessons generally begin with new ideas being given to you either using a whiteboard or projector.  The class then discuss the implications of what has been covered and solve standard questions to practise using the new formulae.  There is a worksheet that takes no more than 45 minutes to do after each theory lesson to make sure you have understood the ideas.

 

In practical lessons you either follow instructions to carry out important experiments to aid your understanding of the theory or, once coursework starts, you devise an experiment yourself to discover a formula or value.  This is when you really can use your imagination; coursework titles have varied from the obvious ‘What is the acceleration of gravity?’ to the obscure ‘Could the Bermuda Triangle be caused by changes in water density above faults in the ocean floor?’  You will soon get used to using data-logging sensors in practical work and realise how much they ease the process of writing up coursework.

 

The AS Content for 2007-2008


We follow the AQA Specification A:
Unit 1:  Particle and Atomic Physics, Refraction.
Unit 2:  Motion and Forces, Energy and Heat Theory.
Unit 3:  Electricity and the Elastic Properties of Solids. A Coursework Practical.

The AS/A2 syllabus has improved the course by making the transition from GCSE much smoother; Maths skills are built up during the AS year, with harder Maths only in the A2.

The A2 Content for 2007-2008

 

The units are as follows:
Unit 4: Simple Harmonic Motion and Waves, Gravitation, Electric Fields and Capacitors, Magnetism and Nuclear Energy.
Unit 5: Nuclear Instability and an Option Topic; we study Astrophysics. A Coursework Practical.
Unit 6: Synoptic Questions on any part of AS or A2 Physics except the Option Topic.



 

Exam strategy


AS Year: Module 2 in January
              Module 1 and 3 in June with a resit of Module 2 if necessary.  The exam papers are 1 hour long and contain about 6 structured questions.
A2 Year: Module 4 in January, 1½ hours multiple choice and structured questions.
              Module 5 and 6 in June, 1 1/4 and 2 hours respectively, structured questions, with a resit of any of the other modules if necessary. 
In each year, coursework is completed by Easter.

 

The Department

Paul Baily graduated with a degree in Physics and Philosophy from Oxford (many years ago!), gaining a CertEd before teaching for three years in a comprehensive, becoming Head of Physics before joining d'Overbroeck's in 1980.

Chris Carter graduated from Exeter University with a degree in Physics and Geophysics (much more recently!) coming to us after being Head of Physics at the Newbury College of Further Education.  Chris has written a revision text on Physics for the OUP.

 

 

Results

 

We provide a tremendous amount of support and structured learning, and our two-year students have obtained wonderful results over the period of the AS/A2 system. This year 63% of A level students achieved an A or B grade which is actually disappointing compared to 75% A or B grades that we had averaged from 2000-2006. We have now had two students placed in the top five in the UK and recently the top three students in the Physics Olympiad came to study with us.


Higher Education

 

Physics is a subject very well regarded by universities and is important if you want to study Engineering. It is also useful for Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science and Computing to name just a few degree subjects. Many of our Physics students have gone on to study Physics, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Computing, Mathematics and Engineering at universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, King's College London, Imperial College and Bristol.