Year 12
Building the Foundations
of Physics
In Year 12, you will develop the essential skills and knowledge needed to understand and analyse physical phenomena. The Practical Skills in Physics module provides a solid grounding in experimental work, ensuring you can measure accurately, analyse data effectively, and draw valid conclusions. These skills are assessed through both practical work and written examination, giving you the confidence to approach any scientific investigation with a systematic and methodical mindset.
The Foundations in Physics module introduces the concepts of measurement and uncertainty, enabling you to assess the reliability of data and apply critical thinking to experimental results. You will study Forces and Motion, exploring how Newton’s laws explain the movement of objects, from everyday experiences to high-speed travel. This topic also examines the role of energy in physical systems, linking theory to practical applications in engineering, mechanics, and transport.
In Electrons, Waves and Photons, you will gain an understanding of electricity and its applications, from the operation of simple circuits to the role of wave dynamics in modern technology. You will also begin to explore quantum theory, discovering how the smallest particles can influence the behaviour of the physical world. By the end of Year 12, you will have a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical physics, ready to tackle more advanced topics in Year 13.
Year 13
Expanding into the Newtonian and Quantum Worlds
Year 13 takes your understanding of physics to a more advanced and specialised level. The Newtonian World and Astrophysics module builds on your earlier study of forces and motion, introducing concepts such as circular motion, oscillations, thermal physics, and the behaviour of gases. You will apply these ideas to the study of gravity and celestial bodies, considering how the same physical laws that govern objects on Earth also explain the motion of planets, stars, and galaxies. Astrophysics brings together observation and theory, giving you a deeper appreciation of the universe and our place within it.
The Particles and Medical Physics module explores cutting-edge developments in particle physics, examining how new discoveries have reshaped our understanding of the atom and the forces that govern it. You will investigate how particle physics underpins advanced technologies used in medicine, such as imaging and radiotherapy, linking scientific research to real-world improvements in healthcare.
Assessment is through three written examinations, each testing different combinations of modules, alongside a practical endorsement that demonstrates your experimental competence. By the end of the course, you will have developed the ability to think critically, solve complex problems, and apply physics in a variety of contexts, equipping you for further study in physics, engineering, medicine, or any career where analytical and quantitative skills are valued.
Contact
The Thomas Adams School
Lowe Hill
Wem
Shropshire
SY4 5UB
Tel: +44 1939 237000
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