Physics

Subject Team

Mrs Wilson (Head of Department): Physics and Astronomy

Dr McCavigan: Physics and Astronomy

Mr Hunter: Physics (GCSE)

Mr McCourt: Physics (GCSE)

In our department we aim to help all students to develop the skills of Physics: the logical approach, the ability to build and test models and the numerical and problem solving skills. These are high-level skills which are inherent in a Physics student. An Astronomy student will be able to develop their curiosity and enthusiasm for astronomy and to take an informed interest in current astronomical investigation, discoveries and space exploration.

Physics and Astronomy basically can mean Rocket Science, but there’s a lot else besides that. We explore questions like how did the universe start? What is a black hole? Is time travel possible? Can our Energy Supplies last forever? How does and MRI machine work? If you have an enquiring mind, always asking why things happen, then Physics will help you find the answers. It forms the basis of most modern technologies and holds the future to global well-being.

GCSE

GCSE Physics

Examination Board: CCEA

What is GCSE Physics about?

From the smallest parts of the human body to the great clusters of galaxies, Physics helps us understand how our world works. A typical Physics student is confident both numerically and practically and loves to get to grips with how things work. This GCSE course encourages students to develop their curiosity about the physical world and provides insight into and experience of how science works. So, if you have an enquiring mind, enjoy a challenge and like solving problems, studying Physics can give you the best chance of success.

What will I study and how will I be assessed?

Content	Assessment	Weighting
Unit 1: Motion, Forces, Moments, Energy, Density, Kinetic Theory, Radioactivity, Nuclear Fission and Fusion	External Examination	37.5%
Unit 2: Waves, Light, Electricity, Magnetism and Electromagnetism and Space Physics	External Examination	37.5%
Unit 3: Practical Skills	Practical Assessment task (in class) Practical Applications Written Examination	7% 17%

What can this subject lead to?

The career opportunities using Physics are almost infinite. You might want to pursue a career in science, the media, education, business or a host of other fields and Physics can help give you the edge by providing a good initial training. Physics students can end up in academic and industrial research, working in Physics-based industries such as electronics, alternative energy development or communications, and the critical and growing area of Medical Physics. Physicists are also in demand, particularly for their analytical skills; within the finance sector in a range of financial, fund management and research roles; in the law; in management consultancy; as weather forecasters; computer programmers and, in a major shortage area, as Physics and Science teachers.

A Level

Examination Board: CCEA

What is A Level Physics about?

Studying Physics deepens our understanding of the smallest detail of the world around us. Physicists are at the forefront of the pursuit of solutions to some of the biggest questions facing science and technological sectors today. A-Level Physics students develop competences in a range of research, practical problem solving and mathematical skills. All of these are highly regarded in further and higher education as well as in the workplace.

What will I study and how will I be assessed?

AS Content	Assessment	Weighting
Unit 1 Forces, Energy and Electricity	External Assessment	40% of AS 16% of A Level
Unit 2 Waves, Photons and Astronomy	External Assessment	40% of AS 16% of A Level
Unit 3 Practical Techniques and Data Analysis	Two 1 hour Externally Assessed papers (90 marks). One paper to assess practical / experimental skills, another paper requiring analysis of experimental data.	20% of AS 8% of A Level
A2 Content	Assessment	Weighting
Unit 1 Deformation of Solids, Thermal Physics, Circular Motion, Oscillations & Atomic and Nuclear Physics	External Assessment	40% of A2 24% of A Level
Unit 2 Fields, Capacitors and Particle Physics	External Examination	40% of AS 24% of A Level
Unit 3 Practical Techniques	Two 1 hour Externally Assessed papers (90 marks). One paper to assess practical / experimental skills, another paper requiring analysis of experimental data.	20% of AS 12% of A Level

Are there any particular qualities or skills I should have to study this course and to what kind of careers can it lead?

The first measure of suitability for A-Level Physics is a proven Physics ability. This means having a good grade B (min. 300 marks) at Higher Tier in GCSE Physics or AB in Double Award Science (or Core and Additional Science as a Double Award). Due to the mathematical nature of many aspects of the course, it is essential that potential students have at least grade B in GCSE Mathematics T4/T6 (higher tier or equivalent) combination, with GCSE Further Maths also being desirable.

*Any form of GCSE Foundation or Intermediate Level Mathematics is NOT a suitable platform for progression into the study of Advanced Level Physics.

There is a wide range of careers for which Physics provides a good initial training. The more obvious career directions for a Physics student include academic and industrial research, working in Physics-based industries such as electronics, alternative energy development or communications, and the critical and growing area of Medical Physics. Physicists are also in demand, particularly for their analytical skills; within the finance sector in a range of financial, fund management and research roles; in the law; in management consultancy; as weather forecasters; computer programmers and, in a major shortage area, as Physics and Science teachers.

Department News / Events

Celebrating Excellence

The College is delighted to be honoured by inaugural awards in memory of two of Northern Ireland’s most famous and forward thinking scientists, Sir Hans Sloane and Sir Allen McClay.

The Hans Sloane (Memorial Fund) Trust, in partnership with National Museums NI, was established in 1960 to commemorate the life and work of the celebrated physician, scientist and collector. This year, in partnership with Almac Group, The Hans Sloane Memorial Fund established a new award, the Sloan McClay Award, to celebrate the visionary entrepreneur and businessman, Sir Allen McClay. The award recognises excellence in GCSE level in science and mathematics by Northern Ireland’s brightest GCSE students and their teachers.

At a prestigious ceremony in the Ulster Museum, the Sloane McClay Award for first prize was presented to Matthew Vennard who achieved the highest combined marks in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics at GCSE level in Northern Ireland in 2017. Principal, Mr Simon Harper, also received a Sloane McClay Award in recognition of excellence in teaching at Portadown College. Both awards were presented by Professor Tim Harrison, Vice President, Drug Discovery, Almac Group.

The College is exceptionally proud of both awards which recognise Matthew’s remarkable individual success, as well as the collective achievement of his teachers.

Photograph courtesy of Press Eye/ Darren Kidd

What’s on in the Physics and Astronomy Department?

There’s always plenty going on in the Physics Department so here is a quick overview of the typical Physics and Astronomy year:

September – Celebrate GCSE and A-Level results

October – Year 12 start Controlled Assessment

November – British Physics Olympiad Competition for A2 and AS-Level students

December – The Physics Department Domino Rally

January – School Examinations

February – Portadown College borrows the Moon. GCSE Astronomers get to see samples taken by the Apollo mission Astronauts.

March – 2015 saw a 90% eclipse in the UK, naturally we got very excited about that.

The year 11 GCSE Astronomers were slightly less excited when visiting Oxford Island’s sundial on a rainy day!

April – Year 13 Physicists get a talk from an Optician on Lenses

May – Examinations start with the AS and A-Level practicals,

June – Year 11 students visit Queen’s University for a “Horizons in Physics” day.

Educational Visits / Trips

Astrophysics inspires Physics Students

Mrs Wilson and Dr McCavigan escorted 30 A Level students to a Public Engagement Workshop hosted by the Armagh Planetarium on Gravitational Waves. A team from Cardiff University’s Astrophysics Dept and The Armagh Observatory delivered and facilitated a fascinating session with presentation, practical and theoretical elements. Our students were thoroughly engaged and enthused by the activities that helped them gain an insight into this emerging field of Astrophysics research. A truly inspirational day out!

Year 11 GCSE Astronomers visited Oxford Island’s sundial.

In June – Year 11 students visit Queen’s University for a “Horizons in Physics” day.

CEIAG Links

Your future matters. So, if you have an enquiring mind, enjoy a challenge and like solving problems, give yourself the best chance by studying physics – the subject of the future. From the smallest part of the human body to the great clusters of galaxies, physics helps us understand how our world works. The applications, like the career opportunities, are infinite. Employers today actively seek out people who can prove their ability to think logically, understand complex ideas and apply them to the real world. Whether you want to pursue a career in science, the media, education, business or a host of other fields, physics can help give you the edge.