Physics

Physics is everywhere. It can be used to explain almost everything and answer some of the easiest or most complex questions in everyday life. Physics in the Lower School gives our pupils an opportunity to start their journey to a greater understanding of the world around us and beyond!

Lower Third (Year 7)

We follow the broad Key Stage 3 curriculum during the Lower Third, to ensure that our pupils are learning the same material as their contemporaries in other Schools but delve into GCSE material at every opportunity in order to stretch and challenge our pupils and to introduce key concepts and skills as early as possible. Pupils have one double lesson per week, with a heavy emphasis on stimulating and engaging practical work. The following topics are covered over the course of the year:

• Electrical Circuits
• Energy Resources
• Solar System
• Forces
• Particle Model
• Heating and Cooling

Upper Third (Year 8)

In the Upper Third, pupils complete the materials required for Key Stage 3, but are also extended well beyond the restrictions of the specification. The focus on practical work remains a priority and pupils are encouraged to further their interest in the subject by attending the Lower School Science Society. Topics covered in the Upper Third are:

• Light
• Hearing and Sound
• Electricity and Energy
• Magnets and Electromagnets
• Pressure and Moments

Trips and Extra-curricular

There is a Science Society, which is aimed at our Lower School pupils, in which they can do some more hands on Science, which may be beyond the scope of the syllabus. This is also a forum for exploring new topic areas that catch the imagination of our pupils. The Physics department is also a regular contributors to the school's Scholars' programme and has delivered a variety of lectures to Lower School pupils, including the "Physics of Sport".