Physics and Electronics
Head of Department: Mr. S. Worth
In a technological age the relevance of a subject such as Physics may at first seem self-evident but in our teaching we aim to make it stimulating and exciting and KC students who have taken Physics at A Level are now engaged upon research projects around the world.
The skills which Physics develops make it a useful partner for many other subjects, especially Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths, Music and Technology. University departments also regard it highly because it develops excellent powers of critical thinking and our students will typically go on to higher education courses in Architecture, Economics, Engineering, Law and Medicine as well as all the pure and applied Sciences.
Physics is studied as a separate subject from Year 9, when we begin teaching the OCR Gateway course which is continued into Years 12 and 13 for A-level, using OCR Physics Syllabus A, or the International Baccalaureate at both Higher and Standard levels.
Electronics is taught alongside Physics. Year 9 receive a practical introduction to the subject as part of the Technology suite and the subject is available at GCSE if there is sufficient demand.
The department occupies three laboratories which are fully equipped for teaching all age ranges. All rooms have electronic whiteboards with DVD/video facilities linked to the school network, which complement the class sets of data loggers and sensors used for investigations at all levels and which are a requirement of practical assessment within the IB.
Physics has proved to be a popular and successful choice and we are especially pleased that students of all backgrounds have the confidence to study the subject up to the highest possible levels. Last year 54% of A-Level candidates gained a grade A*, A or B and all candidates passed.
Students are regularly prepared for Oxbridge entry and from time to time have been entered for the British Physics
Olympiad, a national competition, gaining 1 gold medal (top 10), 2 silver (top 50) and numerous bronze.
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Non-Newtonian Fluids
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Rocket Balloons
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Looking towards the stars
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“Physics at Kent College is enjoyable and challenges me to look at the world from a different perspective.”
Michelle, Year 10
“Our Physics teachers are very pleasant. When there is anything we do not understand, they always use ingenious and interesting ways to help us grasp key ideas.”
Jackie, Year 13
