Physics

Lessons take place in our two specialist Physics labs, which are excellently resourced with modern, innovative equipment, including items such as a PAScar dynamics system and an infra-red camera, which enable our students to understand the fascinating topics of motion and heat transfer.

We challenge the girls throughout their study of Physics. We begin to teach the IGCSE syllabus a year early, in Year 9, in order to allow additional time for more varied activities and deeper investigations into the topics at hand. Topics are often delivered through the study of real-lif applications e.g. the development of an electrical quiz circuit in Year 8 and how electromagnetic and sound waves are used in medicine in Year 9, and always include practical investigations, many of which involve the use of toys. Through this, we find our students’ understanding to be both enhanced and enriched.

Our teachers are dedicated to helping our students achieve the very best. Approachable at all times and on hand to help with extra revision or group work whenever required, the team also run a number of clubs and societies to further stretch and support the girls. These range from the Photonics Club, the Science Society, featuring speakers from top universities, the HISPARC Club, which investigates high energy cosmic rays, to our annual involvement in the British Physics Olympiad Physics Challenge competition.

Classroom-based teaching is further supported by a range of additional activities and trips throughout the year. These include going to the Institute of Physics Schools and Colleges lecture and attending the Science Live Conference, where our Year 10 students can listen to world-class speakers such as Professor Jim Al-Khalili and Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, the renowned space scientist, as well raise questions with the Chief Examiner of the GCSE syllabus.