Physics

What is Physics? 

Physics is fascinating and fun and is an essential subject for further studies in many areas of science, engineering and medicine. It forms the basis of our present and future technology.  If you are inquisitive, observant, love solving problems, are always wanting to know why things happen and how things work, then PHYSICS is for you!  Physics investigates the Whys and Hows of all aspects of the Physical world. It ranges from the tiny fundamental building blocks of matter to the structure of the universe!

Who does this subject?

The study of Physics develops skills of problem solving and analysis, logical thinking, clear and concise communication, practical skills, efficiency in organisation and mathematical skills.

Physics is an essential subject for any engineering degree and is highly desirable for medicine or medical related careers, particularly if it has not been studied as a separate science at GCSE.

An education in Physics can take one into an enormous range of careers from professional physicist, engineer, materials’ scientist, meteorologist, teacher or lecturer, to work as a lawyer or barrister, a doctor or veterinary surgeon, optometrist, food scientist, forensic scientist, civil servant, archaeologist, broadcaster, science writer or various jobs relating to mathematics and finance.  There are more than 300 university degrees requiring a study of Physics and/or Mathematics.

 

Qualification: 
AS Physics
Length: 
Level 3 one year course, 4 periods per week
Unit 1: 
Students will study the nucleus of atoms including particles, antiparticles and photons, hadrons, leptons and the quark model of the nucleus.
They will also study quantum effects such as photoelectricity, energy levels and wave particle duality.
Studies will also include the further development on work on electricity from GCSE.
 
Unit 2: 
Mechanics includes the study of motion, Newton’s Laws, and work, energy and power.  The study of waves includes the different types of waves, their many properties and uses in every day life.
The study of materials looks at the various properties of different materials and how these properties affect their use.
 
Unit 3:
Practical work and investigative skills are developed and assessed throughout the year using a variety of experiments relating to the work studied. 
Investigative skills are then assessed by a practical exam, normally consisting of 3 practical tasks followed by a written paper on the practical tasks.
 
 
What the department specifically offers that is noteworthy...: 
  • Physics at Loreto is taught by very experienced and highly qualified A level teachers in modern, well equipped laboratories.
  • Students studying Physics at AS/A2 have many opportunities to visit universities, attend Masterclasses and other lectures, and take part in a variety of visits and activities relating to Physics, Engineering and Medical related fields. 
  • Students can also take part in various competitions relating to Physics, Engineering and Medicine, including participation in the Rolls Royce award involving a Science communication project and the STEM Engineering/Technology Challenge.
  • It is also possible to be involved in a mentoring programme, in which an industrial scientist, university graduate or postgraduate act as mentors to our students.  The College also takes part in the Nuffield Bursary scheme, in which students have the opportunity to undertake some real scientific research during the summer vacation at the end of their AS year. They then have the opportunity to present their findings at university and possibly to the British Association in London. 
  • Work experience has also been arranged for some students in the areas of engineering and medical related employment.  A careers convention, “A Physical Affair”, was recently arranged by the Department and held at Loreto. 40 representatives from careers in the Physical Sciences in Industry or University attended the event and students had the opportunity to hear the representatives’ experiences of working in these areas and were able to ask questions and receive information on the wide variety of careers represented.
  • Comments from previous students have described the teaching as ‘excellent and really interesting’, and the subject as ‘enjoyable though challenging’ and ‘very interesting and thought provoking’. Several students, who have come to Loreto with very fixed ideas about their future careers have changed their minds during the course because they have enjoyed the challenge of the subject and gone on to study Physics or Engineering at university. In recent years several students from the department have gone onto Oxford and Cambridge to continue their studies in Natural Sciences, Physics or Engineering.
Exam Board: 
AQA
GCSE Requirements: 
General College entry requirements. You will also have the opportunity to discuss additional requirements at inverview evening.