Physics – Ages 16-18

At A Level, our students have enjoyed splendid examination results.  Last year, the Physics Department celebrated headline figures of 50% A*/A grades in A  Level Physics.  Physics at Ratcliffe College has become a recognised area of high achievement and students have chosen to study the subject at A Level in ever increasing numbers.  Although we have large numbers of students that do achieve the top grades – and then often go on to study Physics related subjects at university, we also have students whose trajectory is more modest.  We cater for all of those that are keen to take the journey of discovery provided by the subject.  We pride ourselves on investing in all of our students equally and see this as a great strength of the Department.

Why study Physics?

You will already be familiar with many of the topics that you will study, including forces, waves, radioactivity, electricity and magnetism.  At A Level, you’ll look at these areas in more detail and find out how they are interconnected.  You will also learn how to apply maths to real-world problems and explore new areas such as particle physics, cosmology and medical physics.  Perhaps more importantly, you will develop skills that can be transferred to just about any other area of work, from setting up a business to saving the planet.  Even if you don’t go on to become a physicist, learning to think like one will help you get to the root of any problem and draw connections that aren’t obvious to others.  Physics won’t give you all the answers, but it will teach you how to ask the right questions.

Extra-Curricular Activities

The Physics Department plays a full part in the School’s extra-curricular programme through its long standing involvement in:-

The Engineering Education Scheme (EES) – aimed at Sixth Form students.

This initiative is organised by the Engineering Development Trust (EDT).  The EES introduces youngsters to the world of engineering through extended projects that involve working with local engineering companies.  They have proved very popular with Year 12 Physics students.

The British Physics Olympiad (BPHO) AS Challenge – aimed at Sixth Form students.

This is an initiative run by the University of Oxford that requires each participating student to sit an assessment that will test their understanding and problem solving skills.  The BPHO aims to encourage the study of Physics and recognise excellence in young Physicists.