During their first and second years in Science, pupils will study the following Physics topics:

• S1: Energy, Electricity
• S2: Forces & Space, Light & Sound

All topics are a skills based course encouraging the pupils to discover, investigate and develop the knowledge and skills for them to become confident young scientists. Literacy and numeracy tasks are included for pupils to be able to understand the widely scientific and technological world that they are living in.

At National 3/4/5 level, pupils will draw on their knowledge, understanding and skills to investigate, through experimentation, the Physics related to the following concepts:

• Electricity and Energy

This unit covers key areas involving: heat as a form of energy, transformation of energy, electricity, heat energy calculations, matter is made of particles, and applications of electrical energy transfer.

• Waves and Radiations

This Unit covers the key areas involving: the physics of waves, sound and light, nuclear radioactivity, and motion application.

• Dynamics and Space

This Unit covers the key areas involving: how forces affect motion, transformation of energy and cosmology (the position of the Earth in our universe).

An experimental and investigative approach is used to develop knowledge and understanding of Physics concepts. The course develops learners’ interest and enthusiasm for Physics in a range of contexts. Skills of scientific enquiry and investigation are developed throughout the Course by investigating the applications of Physics.

At S5/6 level there are a variety of courses on offer which accommodates a range of levels. We currently offer: -

Higher Physics

The course is divided into 3 units:

• Mechanics & Properties of Matter
• Electricity & Electronics
• Radiation & Matter

The Higher Physics course has been designed to provide progression from both the Standard Grade Physics and Intermediate 2 Physics courses. Through a deeper insight into the structure of the subject, the course aims to provide an opportunity for reinforcing and extending the learners’ knowledge and understanding of the concepts of physics and developing problem solving skills and investigative work. The course will also provide those who wish to proceed beyond Higher Physics with a suitable basis for further study.

Advanced Higher Physics

The course is divided into 3 units:

• Mechanics
• Electricity
• Waves

The Advanced Higher Physics course has been designed provide a progression from the Higher Physics course. Through a deeper insight into the structure of the subject, the course aims to provide a challenging experience for those who wish to study the subject to a greater depth and to assist candidates towards an understanding of the use of mathematical models and techniques for describing the behaviour of nature.

The course can be seen as an ideal preparation for University both in terms of the topics covered by the course and by the development of student’s independent learning and investigative skills which are required at University.