The Physics department at the Abbey is friendly, dynamic and forward looking. We aim to combine academic rigour with cutting edge technological developments to best prepare girls for life in the 21st Century. Physics is taught as a subject in its own right the moment the pupil enters the Senior School and the three sciences co-ordinate the teaching of common skills and techniques to ensure consistency and continuity. We encourage girls to develop enquiring minds and to think for themselves by teaching the subject via a hands on approach wherever possible.
In UIII (Year 7) and LIV (Year 8) the emphasis is on developing skills, confidence and love of the subject. Topics covered include Electricity, Magnetism, Energy, Waves and Forces. We organise extra activities such as Rocket Club and Engineering Challenge Club to enhance, enrich and broaden the curriculum.
The girls begin to study the Edexcel International GCSE course in UIV (Year 9) where the emphasis is on real life applications and practical work. The girls take part in the UIV (Year 9) Applied Science and Engineering Day and the UV (Year 11) Enterprise of Physics Day and are encouraged to apply for residential ‘Headstart’ Engineering Courses in LV (Year 10). Physics is very popular and many girls choose to study the subject as one of their options at AS/A2, IB and at university on Physical Science courses or Engineering.
For current UV: http://www.wjec.co.uk/uploads/publications/6357.pdf
Physics specification: http://www.edexcel.com/quals/igcse/igcse09/physics/Pages/default.aspx
Double Award specification: http://www.edexcel.com/quals/igcse/igcse09/science/Pages/default.aspx