Physics

A century ago, at the start of the twentieth century, some physicists thought they just about fully understood their subject.  But now, just over 100 years later, we can appreciate just how much there still is to discover.

Einstein once said:

‘If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.’

Physics tries to make sense of everything around us from the cosmic distances across the universe to the unimaginably small scales of sub atomic particles.  Physicists create models, which they make as simple as possible, using logic and their imaginations. Contrary to some students’ ideas, it is an ever-changing and evolving science.  As new discoveries are made, Physics must adapt to provide the best possible explanation.

At Kingswood, Physics is taught in modern, well-equipped specialist laboratories.  We feel that practical experience is vital for learning at all levels and experimental work is undertaken by students on a regular basis.  The department provides a wide range of learning experiences, both in and out of the classroom.  We are keen to provide educational visits or visiting speakers to show applications of the Physics studied.  Recent excursions have included a visit to the Large Hadron Collider at CERN in Switzerland, a trip to the Science Museum in London and a day studying the Physics behind rollercoaster rides at Thorpe Park.  These have proved popular with students and staff!

All students study Physics at GCSE level.  Our results at GCSE for the last few years have compared very favourably with national averages, with large numbers of A* and A grades.

The numbers of students studying Physics at A level has grown slightly over recent years and results have been good.  In recent years, students have gained places to study Physics or related subjects at top universities.