CAMBRIDGE HOUSE GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Physics Department

Aims and Mission Statement

Physics reveals the link between theory and experiment and informs pupils about how physics has developed and is used in present-day society.  Physics stimulates and excites pupils’ curiosity and their interest in, and knowledge of, phenomena and events of the world around them.

Our overall aims are:
To provide pupils with opportunities to acquire knowledge and understanding of Physics
Discover, develop and implement the skills needed to use Physics in new and changing situations;
Discover the ways in which different areas of physics relate to each other, study how scientific models develop;
Appreciate the importance of physics and how it interacts with social, philosophical, economic and industrial matters;
Sustain and develop their enjoyment of, and interest in, Physics;
Recognise the quantitative nature of Physics and understand how mathematical expressions relate to physical principles.

Our mission statement is:
To provide a quality learning environment and strive to achieve excellence in both the delivery of the NI Curriculum and in preparing pupils for the 21st Century.

Physics at KS3
Science is taught in an integrated fashion in Year 8 and 9.  In Year 10 pupils study Physics for 2 periods per week by specialist teachers.  They study the topics:

Physics at GCSE
At Year 11 and 12 pupils study Physics under the umbrella of Single Award Science, Double Award Science or Triple award Physics.  Coursework is a practical investigation 25%.

Physics at A- Level
This consists of 9 periods of Physics per week.  The department follows the CCEA Specifications.  There are 4 written modules and 2 practicals.  To support the students’ preparations for these examinations the department holds weekly, twilight revision classes throughout the year.

External links
The department has fostered strong links with Sentinus and Queen’s University.

D Shannon
Head of Department