Physics

Name of Head of Department

Mr C Moore, BSc (Hons), MSc, PGCE

Statement of Intent

The DHSG science curriculum aims to provide an exceptional scientific education for students, through a wealth of inspiring opportunities within a nurturing environment, leading to outstanding achievements and facilitating further study and potential careers within the subject.

Our aim is to develop students’ curiosity, wonder and understanding of the world around them and equip them with the analytical skills needed to contribute to a global society.

High-quality teaching of an ambitious, sequenced and knowledge-rich curriculum promotes student understanding and addresses misconceptions. Theoretical work is supported by purposeful practical work that enhances understanding and develops critical thinking.

Physics is the study of the universe and all things in it, from the unimaginably small to the unfathomably large, to further our knowledge and understanding and develop the ability to solve complex problems using logic and reasoning. We aim to inspire students with the wonder of Physics through the teaching of five key areas: Waves, Energy, Electricity, Matter and Force, all of which are revisited throughout the lower, middle and upper years.

Practical Science

We have designed our practical science curriculum with eight fundamental principles on mind:

to develop scientific enquiry;
to develop knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts;
to develop practical competencies;
to prepare students to answer examination questions related to practical work with confidence;
to develop teamwork and collaborative skills;
to excite, inspire and develop student curiosity and ideas, so that they will rationalise and question further the world in which they live;
to prepare students for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world;
to raise awareness of STEM careers, provide visible role models and engage with external agencies where possible to create/be involved in STEM enrichment activities, e.g. links with Plymouth University etc.

Curriculum Programmes of Study

Year	Cycle	Content
Year 7	Cycle 1	Forces Energy
	Cycle 2	Energy Space
	Cycle 3	Space Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Year 8	Cycle 1	Electricity
	Cycle 2	Motion and Pressure Light and Sound
	Cycle 3	Light and Sound Thermal Physics
Year 9	Cycle 1	Energy
	Cycle 2	Forces 1
	Cycle 3	Waves 1 Electricity
Year 10	Cycle 1	Particle Model of Matter
	Cycle 2	Atomic Physics
	Cycle 3	Waves 2
Year 11	Cycle 1	Forces 2 Space Physics
	Cycle 2	Magnets and Electromagnetism
	Cycle 3	Examination preparation

Lower Years Assessment Framework

To view the Lower Years Assessment Framework for Science, please click here

Middle Years Exam and Specification Information

Middle years Triple Science Options: AQA GCSE Physics is delivered.

GCSE Physics students follow all the units 4.1 – 4.9 found on the GCSE Physics Specification link below. Practical skills are assessed throughout the course and examined as part of the final examination series.

Full details of the specification and assessment criteria can be found on the AQA website GCSE Physics specification

Middle years Double Science option: AQA Combined Science: Trilogy is delivered

Combined science students follow selected elements of units 6.1 – 6.8 found on the GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Specification link below. Practical skills are assessed throughout the course and examined as part of the final examination series.

Full details of the specification and assessment criteria can be found on the AQA website G CSE Combined Science: Trilogy Specification

Extra-curricular activities

The Physics department runs a number of activities throughout the school year, including an inter-school STEM day called the Faraday Challenge, as well as organising and running the annual GCSE Science Live trip in February. Sixth-form physics classes work with the Royal Institution to run and host primary school masterclasses during the summer term, which are regularly oversubscribed. We have previously worked with other local schools to run collaborative events for students to participate in including: Astronomy and Light, the Physics of Fire, Medical Mavericks and GCSE Physics Escape rooms.

Devonport High School For Girls