Physics

Course summary

In the first year you will go beyond the one-dimensional world of GCSE mechanics, using vector formulations of Newton’s Laws of Motion to analyse and understand equilibrium and the dynamics of motion and opportunity to delve deeper into the intricacies of electricity and explore the fascinating and sometimes counter-intuitive world of wave interference. You will take your first steps in the quantum world, with its curious language of photons, electronvolts and wave-particle duality. In the second year you will start by focusing on the historically important and still highly relevant discipline of Newtonian physics: this will include applying Newton’s Laws of motion to gravitation, circular motion and oscillations as well as various aspects of thermal physics, from the gas laws to the kinetic theory and absolute zero. You will apply the ideas covered throughout the course, both classical and quantum, together with several new techniques such as exponential mathematics, to situations on the frontiers of physics. These include nuclear physics, medical imaging techniques, astrophysics and electromagnetism. WHY THIS COURSE? Small classes – Consistently high results – Modern laboratories – Link physics with real-world scenarios – Experienced and supportive teaching – Varied lesson content.