Physics
Staff
​
Ms M Duffy (Head of Department)
Mrs P Bolger
Mrs D Hutton
Mrs A Wynne (Head of Upper School)
Miss S Evans (Technician)
Key Stage 3
Years 8 and 9
​
Year 8 students are taught Physics as part of a General Science course – 5 periods a week. Students are introduced to Measurement, Light, Electricity, Magnetism and Forces through practical and theory work.
Year 9 students are taught Physics as part of a General Science course – 4 periods a week.
Year 8 topics are developed and new topics such as Sound and Earth in Space are introduced
Year 10
​
Students have 2 periods of Physics per week.
Students continue to develop their knowledge and skills in previous topics. New topics such as Electromagnetism, Moments and Pressure are introduced. This course provides a sound foundation for GCSE Physics and the Physics aspect of Double Award Science.
​
W5, Armagh Planetarium, Sentinus and the Researcher in Residence programme (QUB) are some of the external agencies that the Physics Department use.
Key Stage 4
Exam Board is CCEA
Students complete 2 X 1 hour 45 min terminal papers – 75%
Students complete Physics Coursework in School – 25%
This course provides an excellent foundation for Physics at AS/A2 Level
Post 16
Exam Board is CCEA
Students complete 2 X 1 hour 30 mins written exams and 1 practical exam paper at the end of Year 13 to achieve an AS grade.
Students complete 2 X 1 hour 30 mins written exams and 1 practical exam paper at the end of Year 14 to achieve an A2 grade.
Careers
Physics graduates enter a wide variety of careers. Many enter Scientific Research and Analysis e.g. Scientific Officer, Technology Analyst, Laboratory Investigator.
Other opportunities for Physics graduates include Management, Business and Finance, Teaching and Further Study. A significant proportion of Physics graduates go on to study for a higher degree e.g. MSc or PhD.
​
​