Physics: GCSE, IGCSE, IB & A level

Through studying Physics pupils develop the ability for innovative thought and problem-solving.

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Through studying Physics pupils develop the ability for innovative thought and problem-solving. Their interest is stimulated so that they feel encouraged to continue their studies in the subject.
The philosophy of the Physics Department is to encourage pupils' analytical skills, rather than their ability to recall factual knowledge. The approach is to ensure that they are given as much first-hand practical experience as possible.

In the Foundation Year (Year 9) the study of Physics as an independent subject is compulsory. 

An introduction to all the GCSE physics topics is provided, and there is a strong emphasis on practical work. 

In the Remove (Year 10) and Hundred (Year 11) Physics is offered as a separate IGCSE or as part of the Dual Award Science IGCSE (which also contains elements of Biology, Chemistry and Earth Science). In either case the emphasis on practical work continues where the syllabus material allows. 

In the Sixth Form pupils study the OCR A level or the International Baccalaureate Physics courses. Each of these routes expand on the knowledge and understanding from the IGCSE course with a much larger mathematical focus. Practical skills remain central to the study of Physics as we seek to understand the world around us by taking measurements. A few new topics are also studied such as quantum physics, relativity and the concept of ‘fields’, which really push our pupils by challenging their perceptions of what they thought they knew of the world they live in. 

We have our own observatory with a modern Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, as well as several smaller Newtonian reflector telescopes. We regularly run astronomy sessions in the Winter where pupils are able to view the planets, nebula and galaxies in our night sky. 

Physics Curriculum: Course Specifications

GCSE: Physics

Aims & Course Content

The physics in this course provides a good preparation for both International Baccalaureate and A Level and is stimulating and challenging with plenty of good opportunities for interesting practical work in an independent school setting. As well as the university courses that require Physics, such as Engineering, Material Science and Computer Science, it is also useful for entry into careers in the world of business, finance, law and politics because of the analytical, mathematical, logical reasoning and problem-solving skills involved in GCSE Physics at a private school.

The subject is examined in two written papers, with practical ability being assessed within these papers rather than by coursework.

The topics you will study are briefly listed below:

  • Forces and motion
  • Electricity
  • Waves
  • Energy resources and energy transfer
  • Solids, liquids and gases
  • Magnetism and electromagnetism
  • Radioactivity and particles
  • Astrophysics

The main topics are the same whether you do Double Award or Separate Award Science, but if you do Separate Award Sciences each topic is looked at in slightly more depth.

Assessment Details

International Baccalaureate: Physics

Standard & Higher Level

Aims

Physics seeks to explain the universe – from the Big Bang to the nature of time. At our independent school, our physics course develops skills in logical reasoning, mathematical analysis and experimental technique, preparing students for future study in Physics, Engineering, Materials Science and related fields, while also supporting broader academic and professional pathways.

Course Content

Physics is offered at both Standard and Higher Level. All students study core content, while Higher Level students explore topics in greater depth. Practical work is central to the course and includes a 10-hour Individual Investigation and a 10-hour Collaborative Science Project.

The syllabus is structured into five main topics:

  • A. Space, Time & Motion – Mechanics, with Higher Level extension into rotational motion and relativity
  • B. The Particulate Nature of Matter – Thermal physics, gases, electricity, and Higher Level thermodynamics
  • C. Wave Behaviour – Wave models and phenomena; studied in more depth at Higher Level
  • D. Fields – Gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields; Higher Level includes electromagnetic induction
  • E. Nuclear & Quantum Physics – Atomic structure, radioactivity, fission/fusion; Higher Level includes quantum theory

Assessment Details

Standard Level

  • Paper 1 (90 mins, 35%) – Multiple-choice and data-based questions
  • Paper 2 (90 mins, 44%) – Short-answer and extended-response questions
  • Internal Assessment (20%) – 10-hour scientific investigation with written report

Higher Level

  • Paper 1 (2 hrs, 35%) – Multiple-choice and data-based questions
  • Paper 2 (2.5 hrs, 44%) – Short-answer and extended-response questions
  • Internal Assessment (20%) – Same as Standard Level

Further Information

Physics is a highly mathematical course. Students considering Higher Level should ideally have at least Grade 7 in GCSE/IGCSE Physics (or equivalent) and Grade 7 in Mathematics. Students with a Grade 6 in Physics may be considered but should expect a challenging course.

A level: Physics

Aims

A level Physics is ideal for students who enjoy problem-solving, critical thinking and understanding how the universe works in an independent private school that values academic rigour. It explores everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space and develops analytical, mathematical, and practical skills.

This course is excellent preparation for further study in physics, engineering, medicine, architecture, or data science—and is highly valued in many non-scientific careers for its intellectual rigour.

Course Content

The course is structured around key concepts that link theory with real-world applications:

  • Foundations of Physics
    Physical quantities and SI units, measurements, and uncertainty.
  • Forces and Motion
    Kinematics, Newton’s laws, motion in two dimensions, work and energy, projectile motion.
  • Electrons, Waves and Photons
    Electric current, resistance, electrical circuits, wave properties, refraction, quantum physics.
  • The Newtonian World
    Thermal physics, circular motion, oscillations, gravitational fields, and Newton’s laws in broader contexts.
  • Astrophysics and Cosmology
    The physics of stars, black body radiation, dark matter, and the evolution of the universe.
  • Particles and Medical Physics (optional)
    Nuclear and particle physics, imaging techniques (e.g. PET scans, ultrasound), and diagnostics.
  • Practical Endorsement
    A range of required practical experiments develop skills in planning, analysis, and evaluation.

Assessment Details

  • Paper 1: Modelling Physics (37%) – 2h 15m
    Topics: Mechanics, materials, and electric circuits.
    Includes multiple choice, short and long answer questions.
  • Paper 2: Exploring Physics (37%) – 2h 15m
    Topics: Thermal physics, fields, nuclear physics, and astrophysics.
    Includes multiple choice, short and long answer questions.
  • Paper 3: Unified Physics (26%) – 1h 30m
    Synoptic paper covering content from the whole course.
    Emphasis on problem solving and linking concepts across topics.
  • Practical Endorsement (Non-examined)
    Assessed throughout the course via 12 required practical activities.
    Reported as Pass/Not Pass on the final A Level certificate.

The Syllabus

Full specification: OCR Physics A (H556)

Further Information

A level Mathematics is strongly recommended as many topics are highly mathematical.

Experience has shown that in order for students to have a strong enough base from which to study Physics with confidence in the Sixth Form, they should have a grade 7 or higher in GCSE/IGCSE Physics (or the equivalent in Dual Award Science), although students will be accepted on the course with a grade 6. Physics A level is very mathematical and so students should ideally have a grade 7 or higher in GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics.

Physics Trips

Recently, the Physics Department took Sixth Form pupils to Geneva to visit CERN, home to the Large Hadron Collider. They also toured the ALICE detector, which recreates Big Bang conditions, and learned about superconducting materials research with real-world applications. The trip also included curling, exploring Geneva's old town, and visiting the Ariana museum.