Welcome to Physics at Dean Close School. The department is made up of three well-equipped laboratories and full use is also made of the outside environment to teach Physics by way of interesting and novel practicals and demonstrations. Physics is a challenging but enjoyable subject and we recognise the importance of practical Physics as a method of enhancing the understanding of the principles behind the theories.
In the Physics department we teach a two year IGCSE syllabus. A full specification of the Edexcel IGCSE course, can be accessed by the following link: http://www.edexcel.com/quals/igcse/igcse09/physics/Pages/default.aspx
The AS and A2 Physics courses follow the OCR syllabus. Sixth formers will be taught by two different teachers who will offer help and guidance throughout the course. We follow the OCR Advancing Physics syllabus which can be found on the following link: http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/type/gce/science/physics_b/
GCSE and A level pupils undertake a number of projects during their studies, some of which include:
Year 9 Bridge Project: Groups research various bridge designs and then, using the materials available, design and build their own bridges which are then tested to find the strongest.
Lower Sixth Form Mathematical Modelling: Once exams have finished students will work on a number of simple practical experiments and then try to mathematically model the outcomes. The Lower Sixth also work on investigating sensors as part of their AS course.
The Upper Sixth Form perform a more advanced project during their A2 course, where they are encouraged to research their own physics related project, perform the practical, manipulate data and formally evaluate their project.
Upper & Lower Sixth Form Individual Projects: As part of their Advancing Physics course, students will carry out individual projects.
Results
We were really proud of the results our pupils earned in 2011 where 71% of all GCSE grades were A*/A and 65% of A level grades were A*/A.
Keep up to date with us on Twitter @deanclosephys