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Physics Department

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About the Physics Department

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WHAT IS PHYSICS?

The official definition:

The study of the interaction of matter and energy

Our definition:

An adventure - exploring our amazing universe: from the unimaginably tiny particles that make up everything around us to the mind-boggling enormity of space.

It's the journey of a lifetime, so pack a large imagination and an outrageous sense of wonder.

MEMBERS OF DEPARTMENT

Simon Rhodes, Head of Physics

Joined HCS in 2004 after teaching for 2 years at John Beddoes School, Powys.

Gained his first degree in Materials Science and Engineering at Liverpool University and a Ph.D in Biomaterials at Royal Liverpool University Hospital. Worked for 5 years in industry as a metallurgist and a production manager.

Chris Jones

Joined HCS in 2010 from Hereford Sixth Form College. Studied at Exeter University, obtaining a degree in physics and a Ph.D. in Semiconductor physics. Worked for two years as a research scientist at GEC Marconi Materials technology, then went on to do a PGCE at the University of Oxford.

Christine Morris joined the department as our technician in 2004. She had 10 years experience as a laboratory technician in industry, and 15 years working in a family business. She gained a BSc (Hons) degree in Science from the Open University in 2003.

Physics in Year 8

We are keen to introduce you to a variety of fun and interesting topics in year 8. You will, for instance, learn about the physics behind the Fosbury Flop high jump and how to make and test a fruit battery. You can explore electric circuits; make a heat-activated switch and even learn why a sachet of ketchup can be made to dive and then float in a bottle full of water!

At the same time, we like to give our pupils the opportunity to use their own initiative wherever possible, and we have included investigations and challenges into the scheme of study: to develop your skills in the areas of problem-solving, research, presentation, and experimental-design. For example, how do you think you would use a laptop connected to temperature probes to investigate how loft insulation, or double-glazing could keep a model house warmer?

As part of the new generation of environmentally aware and concerned young people you may also be interested to know that we study the advantages and disadvantages of different types of renewable energy. We look at how the electricity you need for all those gadgets in your life: the Nintendo Wii, I-pod, Blu-Ray DVD player, phone charger…etc. can be produced from renewable and non-renewable sources and the importance of making the most of energy.

We look forward to opening your eyes to world of fascinating physics!

Physics in Year 9

As a student of Physics in year 9 you will be exposed to a wide range of topics which are designed, not only to keep you excited and interested by learning about amazing phenomena like magnetism and light (to name but two!), but also help prepare the way for your GCSE in Science. Rather than throw you in at the deep end in year 10, we begin building up your understanding on a gentler ‘learning curve’ by introducing you to certain key GCSE topics like Waves, Light and Optics at an early stage.

During the year you will learn why objects float or sink and how to tell if a ‘gold bar’ is really made of gold in the Density topic.

In the Magnetism topic you can compete with your friends to see who can build the strongest electromagnet; and in the Motors topic you will build your own motor – from scratch!

You can investigate a pinhole camera and build a telescope in the Light and Optics topic as well as use a laser to explore the way light travels through transparent materials.

In the Waves topic you can discover how water waves behave by observing them in wave-tanks.

Many exciting challenges await you in year 9 – are you ready?