'There is nothing that living things do that cannot be understood from the point of view that they are made of atoms acting according to the laws of physics'. Richard P. Feynman

What do we study?

We study physics for three main reasons: physics is interesting, physics is useful and physics enables a wide variety of careers. It can be as practical as calculating the stresses in a bridge or as abstract as mapping the curved space-time near a black hole. Physics studies systems ranging in size from the smallest elementary particles to the entire universe.

At Sacred Heart we follow OCR Physics A Level which aims to grow and enhance knowledge on the laws and principal of physics and applying them to solve problems. We provide opportunities to develop all the relevant practical skills such as planning, implementing, analysis and evaluation.

We study physical quantities, measurements,  motion, forces, work, energy, power, materials, newton’s laws of motion and momentum, waves, charge and current, electrical circuits, waves and quantum physics. In addition,  we extend knowledge of mechanics via the exploration of  thermal physics, circular motion, oscillations, gravitational fields and astrophysics.  The study of particles and medical physics which covers: capacitors, electric fields, electromagnetism, nuclear and particle physics, medical imaging also deepens.  

Studying Physics is exiting and interesting, it takes you in a learning journey about the universe from the infinite small to the infinity large. It explores and creates fundamental knowledge for innovation in technology and research and plays a decisive role in the future progress of humankind.

Beyond the Classroom

We encourage our students to participate in a broad range of extra-curricular activities in all fields of physics where they gain knowledge and practice skills. Extra-curricular opportunities include:

• Lectures and talks with scientist including CERN physics.
• Physics in action, an inspiring and engaging session of phenomenal physics led by the brightest in the field providing our students with the tools to excel.
• School trips where students gain new knowledge, skills and career advice in science during talks or workshops. This include places such as Institute of Cancer Research, and Royal Observatory.  
• Student STEM ambassador – give talks and help plan events for younger students.
• Engineering masterclass at Cambridge, where students learn about applications of physics in real-world situation such as communications and technology.
• Physics clinic is a weekly session where students get support and practice exam questions with their physics teachers
• Isaac Physics provides an additional platform to raise the attainment and develop problem solving skills.
• Support younger students in weekly session on Physics topics.
• Reading of scientific magazines such New Scientist, Science Focus, that are available from our library and Physics review that is available to read on line.

Where it Might Lead

Studying Physics equips us with deep knowledge and understanding of mathematics, physical principles and techniques, as well as transferable skills in analysis, rational argument and innovative problem solving. Their analytical skills and inventive thinking make physicists versatile, adaptable and desirable to work in a vast number of interesting career such as engineering, astrophysics, chemical physics, nanotechnology, medical physics, lecturer, research scientist, meteorologist, geophysicist, computer science and more: the opportunities are endless. 

In the last few years Alumnae have gone on to study physics and engineering courses at highly regarded Russell Group Universities.  Studying physics gives you an impressively diverse skill set, with significant links with other sciences and highly regarded by medical schools. There are strong interconnections between physics and other technical disciplines such as engineering, software design, nuclear medicine and materials science. The analytical and quantitative skills of a physicist are also widely applicable in areas such as management, law and finance.