Physics

Specialist Physics teachers deliver the curriculum from Year 9 onwards. The majority of girls study AQA Physics GCSE, and the rest study Physics as part of the AQA Core and Additional Science GCSEs. We offer Edexcel Astronomy GCSE to girls as an optional after school activity.

The Department has a thriving Sixth Form with many girls going on to study Physics and Engineering at Oxbridge and other top universities. Girls follow the Edexcel Salters Horners Advanced Physics course at AS and A2 level. Our top students are frequently among the examining boards’ prize-winners. We regularly enter girls for the Advanced Extension Award.

Physics is fun at WGGS. The courses are very hands-on, with practical sessions and teacher demonstrations during most lessons. Girls develop thinking skills through practical investigation and problem solving, while visual, audio and kinaesthetic activities help girls develop learning skills. Lessons are interactive. Students are assessed regularly and track their own progress with regular use of Assessment for Learning. This pupil-based approach helps and encourages motivation to achieve.

The courses of study are supported by the annual visit of the Astrodome Mobile Planetarium, lectures by visiting speakers, and organised visits and competitions. Activities such as Crest, Physics Challenge, AS Physics Competition, and the Physics Olympiad are used to extend students’ abilities and interests. Students are also encouraged to attend external lectures, masterclasses and Summer schools.