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    • Academic

    Physics

    Introduction to Department:

    In Physics we seek to discover and understand the laws of nature. At BWS the Physics Department aims to give students the ability to understand the physical world around them, from the minute kingdom of sub-atomic particles to the colossal scales of our solar system and the wider universe. We seek to create well-informed and thoughtful decision makers who can contribute to scientific debate and feel confident when experimenting and testing hypotheses. 

    Physics at BWS offers a knowledge-rich curriculum with significant mathematical challenge, providing all learners with opportunities to develop their understanding of scientific processes. Practical skills are built through regular hands-on experimentation, while theoretical and mathematical problem-solving lies at the heart of the subject. We aim to develop enthusiastic and passionate physicists who enjoy tackling complex ideas and applying them to real-world situations. 

    The 9–1 AQA GCSE course provides students with an excellent foundation for further study. The department has a strong history of high performance, regularly achieving over 80% of grades at 7–9, with around 40% graded at 9. At A-level, Physics is a popular choice, with typically over 60 students studying the subject in each year group. Results are consistently strong, with around 50% achieving A* or A grades and approximately 80% achieving A*–B grades. Many students progress to study Physics, Astrophysics, Engineering, and related courses at university. 

    Recommended reading list: 

    • The Time and Space of Uncle Albert, Russel Stannard, KS3
    • Surely You're Joking Mr Feynman, Ralph Leighton, KS3,4,5 
    • A Brief History of Time, Stephen Hawkin, KS4,5 
    • Cosmos, Carl Sagan, KS4,5 
    • In Search Of Schrodinger's Cat, John Gribbin, KS5 
    • Six Easy Pieces, Richard Feynman, KS5 
    • The New Science of Strong Materials: Or Why You Don't Fall Through the Floor, J E Gordon, KS5 

     

    Extra and Super-curricular:  

    There is a wide array of science enrichment opportunities available throughout the year to further the interest of the students, for example: 

    • Tricky Physics (sixth form extension group) 
    • Lunchtime STEM Club (year 7 & 8) 
    • British Physics Olympiad (sixth form) 
    • STEM Careers Day (sixth form) 
    • Planetarium Visit (year 7) 
    • Electric Go-Karting (year 8) 
    • Institute of Mechanical Engineers (iMechE) Lecture (year 10 and 11) 
    • CERN Trip (sixth form) 

    Learning by Key Stage  

    KS3

    In Year 7 students have one, or in some cases two, science teachers who deliver an engaging, practical-orientated and knowledge-rich overview of all three sciences through twelve modules including Cells and Organisms, Acids and Alkalis and The Earth in Space. The course follows the content of the National Curriculum and students are assessed through end-of-topic assessments that include synoptic questions drawing on knowledge from across the three sciences. 

    In Year 8 students are taught Physics by a specialist teacher. We follow our own dedicated course aligned with the National Curriculum. Topics studied include Waves, Energy, Electromagnetism and Forces. Students are assessed through end-of-topic assessments which include synoptic questions drawing on knowledge from across the three core sciences. 

    KS4 

    From year 9 to year 11 all students are taught by specialist staff who deliver the AQA 9-1 GCSE Physics specification. The course is studied over three years and is assessed through two written examinations taken in the summer of Year 11. 

    The topics studied are Energy, Electricity, Particle Model of Matter, Radioactivity, Forces, Waves, Electromagnetism and Space. 

    The course deepens students’ understanding of a wide range of scientific processes and problems. It provides a challenging framework for developing ideas while embedding practical work and real-world applications within the theoretical content. The course prepares students both for further study of Physics at A-level and for participation as scientifically literate members of society. 

    KS5

    We follow the OCR Physics A Course (code H556). The course provides a broad range of topics, strong practical skill development, and an excellent preparation for further study at university. Classes are taught by two specialist teachers and practical skills are integrated throughout the course. 

    The A-level Physics curriculum builds on the knowledge and skills developed at GCSE and is designed to deepen students’ understanding of physical principles while further developing practical and mathematical skills. 

    There are some important differences between GCSE and A-level Physics. Concepts that are introduced qualitatively at GCSE are explored in greater depth and with increased mathematical rigour at A-level. Approximately 60% of the course involves mathematical content, and for this reason the entry requirement for A-level Physics is a grade 7 in both GCSE Physics and GCSE Mathematics. 

    The A-level is structured into six modules: 

    Module 1: Development of practical skills in physics 
    A range of experiments completed over the two-year course. This module forms the Practical Endorsement and is reported separately as a pass or fail. 

    Module 2: Foundations of physics 
    Core principles including units, measurements and the scientific method. 

    Module 3: Forces and motion 
    Newtonian mechanics and the analysis of how objects interact through forces. 

    Module 4: Electrons, waves and photons 
    Electricity, circuits, wave behaviour and the nature of light and electrons. 

    Module 5: Newtonian world and astrophysics 
    Circular motion, oscillations, gravitation and the physics of planets and stars. 

    Module 6: Particles and medical physics 
    Particle physics and the applications of physics in medical imaging and treatment. 

    Physics is widely regarded as a challenging facilitating subject by UK universities, and strong performance is highly valued by leading institutions. Many BWS students progress to study Physics, Astrophysics, Engineering and other related disciplines at university. 

    Staff

    Head of Department: Dr M French mmf@bws-school.org.uk 

    Teachers of: 

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