The Physics Department
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A Level >
The Department teaches the AQA Triple award Physics to GCSE and the Institute of Physics, Advancing Physics Course to AS and A2, it also covers the Physics element of the Dual Award Science course. The A level course represents a fresh and stimulating approach to Physics that provides all round interest at AS and increased challenge at A2.
The Department is well resourced with laptops and data logging equipment that provide stimulating activities to support the theory taught. Development of skills in ICT is a high priority within the Department and this is reflected in the coursework. At GCSE level Physics is taught in the context of the world around us and numerous practical examples are used in problem solving and developing ideas. At A2, there is flexibility in this area which results in a varied and interesting range of projects undertaken. All pupils enjoy the atmosphere in the laboratory and are fully supported throughout by good student/staff relationships.
The Academic Clinics held throughout the week are open to all pupils and enable them to seek any further help should they need it.
Head of Department: S H Malling



GCSE
Aims
It is easy to be left behind in a technological world that is changing fast. A grasp of basic physics provides the necessary understanding that will enable active participation in this dynamic world. The GCSE Physics Course at Stowe, and the Physics component of the Dual Award course, both make full use of the latest applications to make Physics a highly up to date and more relevant subject. It is an exciting time as Physics plays an increasingly important role in our everyday lives. ICT skills, an essential part of all careers, are developed in practical work and projects. Applications of Physics are studied in each topic, to ensure relevance in the subject matter. Whether there is a wish to study Physics to a further level or not, Stoics acquire a better understanding of the changes that are occurring around them and can participate in an informed way.

Content
For the Dual Award:
The AQA syllabus is taught in conjunction with Biology and Chemistry. The course is covered in three periods a week.

For the Triple Award:
The EdExcel IGCSE syllabus is followed. This course is covered in four periods a week. The IGCSE course provides solid groundwork for those wishing to keep AS/A2 Physics options open. At the end of the Fifth Form, Stoics will take a two hour written exam and a 1 1/4 hour exam on practical investigative skills.

Teaching
Both courses are taught by highly qualified Physics teachers in 4 well-equipped laboratories. The Department has excellent access to ICT facilities and the ICT lab and 24 laptop computers available.


Support
The Department offers 3 clinics a week for help with prep or general difficulties. This arises near examination time.

The Future
The course develops an excellent basic understanding of the physical world around us. It provides the key to survival as technology surges on. A GCSE/IGCSE pass in Physics gives recognition of scientific ability and understanding which unlocks a large number of doors to future careers. The course provides a solid foundation for scientific study at A-Level within a specialist set.

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A Level
Imagine you are visiting a class that is just starting the Advancing Physics course. You sit by astudent who "calls up" on a computer screen an image of the planet Mercury that was transmitted to Earth by the Voyager spacecraft. The image is speckled with noise that was introduced during the transmission. Deftly the student selects an option to process the image, and most of the random noise is removed. Nearby, another student looks at an X-ray image of a skull with a barely visible hairline fracture, and enhances the contrast of the image to bring the fracture into view. When quizzed about how the image processing works, the students talk confidently about images made of pixels, each storing and displaying one byte of data. The students know what they are doing because they have previously "looked under the bonnet" of image processing software, understanding how smoothing and edge detection work. Other images from medical physics, astronomy and space science are available on the student CD-ROM that is an integral part of the new course.
In another class, students begin studying the properties and uses of a wide variety of materials. These students are working towards the concept of "designer materials" in which an understanding of the relations between structure and properties enables new materials to be created to specification. You may walk into a class where you will hear a talk about fibres, or designing a semiconductor material, other students may have prepared posters or web pages about a chosen subject. Such is the nature of coursework where students decide what they want to do and are able to demonstrate skills in communication and the way they have set the science or technology in a wider context.
Computing plays an important and varied role in Advancing Physics. The CD-ROM provides access to more examples, readings, images and data. Students are provided with tools such as modelling software, and image and signal analysis software. All this is supplemented by a supportive website (http:/post16.iop.org) administered by the Institute of Physics linked directly with the Examination Board.
The Lower Sixth year is an AS course open to all students. Those wishing to take the subject further can opt to continue to A2 in their Upper Sixth year.
All necessary mathematics for the course is done as an integral part of the course. Therefore, although helpful, it is not necessary to take A-Level Mathematics with the Advancing Physics course.
Visits and outside speakers are arranged on a regular basis keeping you and us abreast of current developments as they occur. The new course will have much to offer and ensures your knowledge and experience of the modern world is right up to date.

Careers
Modern Physicists now run their own companies. You may feel that you would like to run your own business, working at the forefront of technology. Physics degree courses provide management training as part of the course. If you enjoy languages or would simply like to spend time abroad, many new 4-year Physics Degree courses, leading to MPhys, provide exciting opportunities to study at other universities in different countries for a whole year! Your ambition may be to become a Chartered Engineer. If this is the case then Physics is an essential course as part of your A-Level choices. Current applications of Physics are exciting and varied and many large companies flourish in Telecommunications, Power Generation, Space Technology, Electronics, Automobile Design and Manufacture, Aeronautical Design and Computing.
As a support subject, Physics provides essential background knowledge and skills to enable you to participate successfully in any environment. Scientific Journalism, Senior Management, Medicine, Chartered Engineering, Science Correspondents on Television and Radio, Sound Engineering and Modern Music, Environmental Monitoring and Control, Patent Law and Accountancy are all careers that make full use of advanced study in Physics.
If you would like to take Physics for A-Level and need to speak to someone about any aspect of the A-Level course, careers, or the Department, the Physics teaching staff would be very pleased to help you.

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