Physics
Introduction
The Physics Department at Stratford Girls’ Grammar School is dedicated to the education of girls in Physics. We aim to instil a joy of Physics in all of our students by producing an inquisitive mindset that is rooted in growth and intrigue of the world around us. From KS3 onwards, we deliver content that is designed to build upon the fundamental working of our universe and then allow our students to develop an understanding of everyday phenomena.
Key Stage 3 Curriculum:
Please see the separate information about Science in Year 7 and Year 8.
Year 9
In Year 9, girls will develop their interest in and enthusiasm for their chosen subjects out of Biology, Chemistry and Physics; developing a critical approach to scientific evidence and methods, acquiring and applying the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary for further study. Although we begin teaching Science as separate subjects at this point, students will have been introduced to many GCSE concepts already and will be able to draw on these ideas with confidence as they progress. In Physics, this takes the shape of investigating energy, electricity, particle model of matter and atomic structure; as well as forces, waves, magnetism/electromagnetism and Space.
Key Stage 4 Curriculum
Physics is the science of matter, energy, space and time. It describes the rules that govern the universe and the particles from which everything is made. It tries to explain how and sometimes why everything happens. As the foundation of all physical sciences, it is closely linked to other GCSE subjects including Chemistry, Computing and Engineering.
At SGGS, we believe in the use of practical work to reinforce the concepts that we will meet in class. This investigative work is designed to build confidence in their abilities as a scientist, but also to learn about the random errors that are present in many different aspects of Physics, and attempt to explain them in terms of the investigation. We help girls understand where energy comes from and how it changes, how and why things move or stay still and how it makes technology possible, from a simple lever to state-of-the-art electronics. Students study topics including mechanics, electricity, heat, waves and nuclear physics.
As part of our extended curriculum offer, we often enter students for the Physics Olympiads, university visits and lectures as well as lunchtime support sessions – all of which are designed to extend what takes place in our classrooms.
For more information, please view the latest resources available below.