In the Physics department at Wellington we strive to develop the next generation of physicists and engineers through the vibrant and forward looking GCSE and A Level courses that we offer.
Physicists ask really big questions like:
- Why do objects fall down?
- How will the universe change in the future?
- How does the Sun keep on shining?
- What are the basic building blocks of matter?
If you think these questions are fascinating, then physics is the subject for you. In previous years over 70% of the Year 14s went on to study Physics or Engineering courses at third level education. We study the revised CCEA specification at both GCSE and A Level. Outside the classroom our students have a range of opportunities to get involved, such as:
- Nuffield Science Bursary
- Visit to the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland
- Particle Physics Master classes at Queens University Belfast
- Horizons in Physics
- Astronomy Club
- BT Young Scientists
- Range of other STEM activities
GCSE
Pupils follow the CCEA course for Physics, which provides with an in-depth study of this subject area. The course aims to interest all pupils in Physics, and equip them with the knowledge and skills required to understand life in a technologically-based world.
Topics covered include:
Year 11
- Forces
- Motion
- Energy and Radioactivity
Year 12
- Waves
- Electricity
- Astronomy
GCSE Physics is an excellent preparation for AS and A Level Science courses, but please note that pupils wishing to take a Science subject at AS Level will be expected to have obtained a B grade or better at GCSE.
It is also strongly recommended that those who wish to study Physics at Advanced level should study GCSE Additional Mathematics.
Course Structure
| Paper | Duration of Examination | % Mark for Each Paper |
| Unit 1 (Yr11) | 1hr 30mins | 37.5% |
| Unit 2 (Yr12) | 1hr 30mins | 37.5% |
| Unit 3 (Yr12) | 2hrs | 7.5% |
| Practical Skills | 1hr 15mins | 17.5% |
Oversubscribed Criteria
In the event that the GCSE Physics class is over-subscribed, preference will be given to those pupils who performed highly in the Y9 Summer and Y10 tracking assessments.
A Level
A Level Physics courses in Wellington College follow the CCEA Physics syllabus that combines the essential traditional basics of the subject with new and exciting developments right up to the latest particle accelerators.
Board: CCEA
Yr13 AS Level Physics (40% of the Complete A Level)
The AS Course is divided into 3 Units:
Unit 1 (40%)
- Motion, forces and projectiles
- Energy
- Electricity
Unit 2 (40%)
- Waves
- Photons
- Astronomy
Unit 3 (20%)
- This is a skills based examination and consists of a series of short experiments followed by a written data analysis paper.
Y14 A Level Physics
The A2 Course is also divided into Units:
Unit A2 1 (40%)
- Materials
- Circular Motion and Simple Harmonic Motion
- Gases and Kinetic theory
- Atomic and Nuclear Physics
Unit A2 2 (40%)
- Electric Fields and Capacitors
- Magnetic Fields and Electromagnetic Induction
- Particle Physics
Unit A2 3 (20%)
- This is a skills based examination and consists of 2 longer experiments followed by a written data analysis paper.
Further information about this course can be found on the CCEA Physics microsite.
Careers
A physics degree sets you up well for research-based roles and positions in other sciences; it is also useful for careers in business, finance, IT and engineering…
Job options
Jobs directly related to your degree include:
- Geophysicist/field seismologist
- Higher education lecturer
- Metallurgist
- Radiation protection practitioner
- Research scientist (physical sciences)
- Seismic interpreter
- Secondary school teacher
Jobs where your degree would be useful include:
- Investment analyst
- Meteorologist
- Operational researcher
- Patent attorney
- Systems developer
The Physics Department encourages every pupil to think about the huge range of careers relating to Physics, from sound engineering to astronomy, from the latest hospital scanners to nanotechnology, and from designing the latest in smart materials for fashion to laser fusion research.
Among students who left several years ago, we know of three who are currently undertaking studies at PhD level in Physics at Universities around the UK.
Finding out about Careers with Physics
The best web-site for Careers related to Physics is the Institute of Physics:
This covers Communications, Environment, Medicine, Space, Transport, Engineering, Education and many more.
The page www.physics.org/careerlinks gives links to many other web-sites.
A fun way of looking at Science Careers is provided at www.futuremorph.org
