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Studying physics at secondary school and sixth form is essential because it helps us understand the fundamental principles that govern the universe—from the motion of planets to the behaviour of atoms. It sharpens our problem-solving skills, encourages logical thinking, and nurtures curiosity about how things work. Physics is not just about equations; it’s about exploring the “why” behind everyday phenomena. Pursuing physics can lead to exciting careers in engineering, medicine, environmental science, space exploration, and cutting-edge technology like quantum computing and renewable energy. It opens doors to a future where you can help shape the world through innovation and discovery.
Physics is studied by all pupils from Years 7 to 11.
In the department we aim to stimulate curiosity and provide a positive atmosphere for the girls to hypothesise, take risks and succeed.
Here’s a more cohesive and parent-focused version of your message:
Year 7
In Year 7, pupils begin their exciting journey into physics by exploring three engaging topics across the academic year. Each topic is framed around a Big Question, designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding of key scientific concepts.
Every lesson is carefully structured to build the knowledge and skills needed to confidently answer the Big Question by the end of the topic. To support this learning, pupils will also be given homework tasks that encourage independent research and critical thinking—helping them take ownership of their learning.
At the end of each topic, pupils will complete an assessment that includes a mix of short-answer questions and an extended writing task. This allows them to demonstrate both their factual understanding and their ability to explain and apply what they’ve learned in a meaningful way.
Due to the hands-on, practical nature of many lessons, some titles listed below may take more than one lesson to complete. This flexibility ensures pupils have the time they need to fully engage with experiments and investigations.
We’re excited to support your child as they develop their scientific thinking and curiosity throughout the year.
Lessons overview
Autumn Term |
Lessons overview
Spring Term |
Lessons overview
Summer Term |
The Big Question explored in the topic of Forces:
What would it take to walk, run or jump on every planet in our Solar System? 1. Speed 2. Forces 3. Resistive forces p1 4. Resistive forces p2 5. Opposing forces 6. Resultant forces 7. Weight and mass |
The Big Question explored in the topic of Space:
What are the possibilities of Alien Life in our galaxy?
1. The night sky, stars and galaxies 2. Planets and the solar system 3. The Earth 4. The Moon 5. Gravity |
The Big Question explored in the topic of Electricity: Explain common warning hazard signs associated with electricity.
1. Static electricity 2. Making circuits 3. Electric current 4. Voltage 5. Resistance 6. Ohms Law |
Assessment: mixture of short answer question and extended writing task answering the Big Question in Forces | Assessment: mixture of short answer question and extended writing task answering the Big Question in Space | Assessment: mixture of short answer question and extended writing task answering the Big Question in Electricity |
Here’s a home-friendly list of online resources for Year 7 students studying electromagnetism, waves, simple machines, elasticity, and motion graphs, all aligned with the UK curriculum and ideal for independent or supported learning at home:
Forces – Learn and Explore at Home
Space – Discover the Universe
Electricity – Bright Ideas for Learning
These resources are all free or offer free content, and they’re designed to be engaging and accessible for students learning at home.
Year 8
Supporting Your Child’s Physics Journey in Year 8
In Year 8, pupils continue their exciting journey into physics by exploring three engaging topics across the academic year. Each topic is framed around a Big Question, designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding of key scientific concepts.
Every lesson is carefully structured to build the knowledge and skills needed to confidently answer the Big Question by the end of the topic. To support this learning, pupils will also be given homework tasks that encourage independent research and critical thinking—helping them take ownership of their learning.
At the end of each topic, pupils will complete an assessment that includes a mix of short-answer questions and an extended writing task. This allows them to demonstrate both their factual understanding and their ability to explain and apply what they’ve learned in a meaningful way.
Due to the hands-on, practical nature of many lessons, some titles listed below may take more than one lesson to complete. This flexibility ensures pupils have the time they need to fully engage with experiments and investigations.
Lessons overview
Autumn Term |
Lessons overview
Spring Term |
Lessons overview
Summer Term |
The Big Question explored in the topic of Electromagnetism: you’ve been commissioned by a small village in the UK to ensure they have electricity that is cheap and available all year round. What would it take to do this?
1- Circuit models 2- Magnetic fields 3-Electromagnetism 4- Generating electricity 5- Renewable and non-renewable energy sources 6a-Paying for electricity – Power 6b-Paying for electricity – Bills |
The Big Question explored in the topic of Waves:
Describe the day of an Alien species that can hear in the range of 20-50,000 Hz and can see visible light as well as UV and infrared. 1. Sound Introduction. 2. Reflection, Absorption and the Speed of Sound. 3. Ultrasound 4. Sound and Light 5. Reflection 6. Lenses and the eye 7. The retina and film 9. Coloured light 10. Coloured Objects and Filters 11. Water waves and superposition |
The Big Question explored in the topic of Forces part 2:
You’ve been hired to help design a theme park ride. What do we need to know about forces to design a ride that is thrilling and safe? This question links with the trip to LegoLand. 1. Motion graphs 2. Changing motion 3. Work done and deformation 4. Hooke’s law 5. Levers and moments 6. Moments and balance 7. Simple machines |
Assessment: mixture of short answer question and extended writing task answering the Big Question in Electromagnetism | Assessment: mixture of short answer question and extended writing task answering the Big Question in Waves | Assessment: mixture of short answer question and extended writing task answering the Big Question in Forces part 2 |
Here’s a home-friendly list of online resources for Year 8 students studying electromagnetism, waves, simple machines, elasticity, and motion graphs, all aligned with the UK curriculum and ideal for independent or supported learning at home:
Electromagnetism
Waves
Simple Machines
Elasticity
Motion Graphs
Year 9
Supporting Your Child in Year 9 Physics: Building Strong Foundations for GCSE Success
In Year 9, pupils begin their GCSE Physics journey by focusing on three of the most fundamental topics: Energy, The Particle Model of Matter, and Atomic Structure. These core areas form the foundation for much of the content assessed in the Paper 1 GCSE Physics exam AQA Exam Board in Year 11. To help students become familiar with the exam format early on, we introduce them to simple GCSE-style questions in lessons and through homework. Each student receives a dedicated homework booklet for these three topics, filled with past exam questions to reinforce their understanding and exam technique. Assessments also mirror the GCSE format, using real exam questions to build confidence and familiarity. Alongside content knowledge, we place strong emphasis on developing practical skills, scientific vocabulary, and the mathematical techniques needed to succeed—particularly the ability to substitute into and rearrange equations, which is a crucial skill throughout the course.
Lessons overview
Autumn Term |
Lessons overview
Spring Term |
Lessons overview
Summer Term |
Energy topic:
1. Energy Changes and Stores 2a. KE and GPE using PHET simulation 2b. KE and GPE practical 3. Elastic Potential Energy 3a. Energy calculations 4. Weight and Energy Calculations 5. Forces basics 6. Work done and energy transfer 7. Power 8. Conservation of energy and efficiency 9. Investigation |
10. Conduction
11. Insulation and thermal conductivity (req prac 2) 12. Energy demands 13. Structured research (computer room) 14. Nuclear energy debate + energy resources Qs Particle Model of Matter topic: 1. Density of solids 2. Density of Irregular solids and fluids 3. Density, convection and conduction 4a. Specific heat capacity equation 4b. Specific heat capacity required practical 5. States of matter |
6. Heating and cooling curves
7. Specific latent heat 8. Pressure in Gases and Solids 9. Gas pressure laws 10. Work done on/by a gas Atomic Structure topic: 1. The structure of the atom and development of atomic model 2. Radioactive Decay and nuclear radiation 3. Ionising radiation and nuclear equations Will continue into year 10 |
Assessment: Mid-Energy Topic Test
Each assessment is followed by a reflection sheet. We highly encourage parents/carers to ask to view the test as well as checking the reflection sheet and reading the comment, which pupils are asked to write following feedback on the assessment. |
Assessment: Whole Energy Topic Test
Each assessment is followed by a reflection sheet. We highly encourage parents/carers to ask to view the test as well as checking the reflection sheet and reading the comment, which pupils are asked to write following feedback on the assessment. |
Assessment: Particle Model of Matter Topic Test
Each assessment is followed by a reflection sheet. We highly encourage parents/carers to ask to view the test as well as checking the reflection sheet and reading the comment, which pupils are asked to write following feedback on the assessment. |
Here are some excellent, home-friendly online resources for Year 9 students studying GCSE Physics, specifically the topics of Energy, Particle Model of Matter, and Atomic Structure. These are aligned with the UK curriculum and ideal for independent learning or revision at home:
AQA website for specification and past exam papers: AQA | Physics | GCSE | GCSE Physics
Energy
Particle Model of Matter
Atomic Structure
References
[1] Grade 9 – Energy & Efficiency – Physics: AQA GCSE Higher – Seneca
[2] Particle model of matter – GCSE Physics (Single Science) – BBC
[3] AQA GCSE (9-1) Physics Revision – PMT – Physics & Maths Tutor
Year 10
Supporting Your Child in Year 10 Physics
In Year 10, pupils continue to build on the strong foundation laid in Year 9, further developing their practical, investigative, and mathematical skills in physics. They become increasingly confident in applying equations to solve problems, a key aspect of success at GCSE level. The year begins by continuing the topic of Atomic Structure, which was introduced at the end of Year 9, and is enriched by integrating the life cycle of stars from the Space topic. Pupils then move on to study Electricity, completing the content required for Paper 1 of the GCSE Physics exam. Following this, they begin the topic of Waves, which also includes elements of the Space topic. Assessment becomes more challenging, with pupils tackling GCSE-style exam questions that are more demanding than those in Year 9. For homework, students continue to receive structured booklets for each topic, filled with past exam questions to reinforce their learning and exam technique. Pupils also have a Common Assessed Homework (CAH), which will be marked by the teacher and feedback provided. We highly recommend that parents/carers ask to see the completed reflection following feedback on this homework task.
Lessons overview
Autumn Term |
Lessons overview
Spring Term |
Lessons overview
Summer Term |
Atomic Structure cont:
Recap radioactivity 3. Half life 4. Exposure to radiation 5. Uses for radioactivity (computer room) 6. Fission and Fusion 7. Life cycle of stars Electricity:
1. Potential and current 2. Static electricity 3. Electric fields and static CL Qs 4. Circuit terms & Series circuits 5. Parallel circuits and booklet Qs |
6. Resistance Required Practical (R.P)
7. Resistance R.P analysis 8. Resistance and length R.P 9. Filament lamps R.P 10. LDR and thermistors 11. Power 12. Mains electricity 13. Diodes R.P 14. The National Grid Waves:
1. The Nature of Waves 2. Wave calculations 3. EM Waves |
4. Doppler effect and red-shift
5. Hubble law and the Big Bang 6. Reflection 7. Colours 8. Infrared radiation R.P 9. Backbody radiation and the Earth 10. Refraction 11. Convex lenses 13. Sound waves Continued in Year 11 |
Assessment: Atomic Structure Topic Test
Each assessment is followed by a reflection sheet. We highly encourage parents/carers to ask to view the test as well as checking the reflection sheet and reading the comment, which pupils are asked to write following feedback on the assessment. |
Assessment: How Science Works Assessment with Focus on Electricity
Each assessment is followed by a reflection sheet. We highly encourage parents/carers to ask to view the test as well as checking the reflection sheet and reading the comment, which pupils are asked to write following feedback on the assessment. |
Assessment: End of Year 10 Whole School Exams
Each assessment is followed by a reflection sheet. We highly encourage parents/carers to ask to view the test as well as checking the reflection sheet and reading the comment, which pupils are asked to write following feedback on the assessment. |
AQA website for specification and past exam papers: AQA | Physics | GCSE | GCSE Physics
Here’s an updated list of useful websites and direct links for Year 10 GCSE pupils to revise Atomic Structure, Electricity, Waves, and How Science Works vocabulary, along with resources for further exploration:
Atomic Structure
Electricity
Waves
How Science Works Vocabulary
References
[1] Atomic structure – GCSE Physics (Single Science) – BBC
[2] AQA GCSE Physics Topic 4: Atomic Structure Revision – PMT
Year 11
Supporting Your Child in Year 11 Physics
In Year 11, pupils continue to strengthen the practical, investigative, and mathematical skills developed in Year 10, becoming increasingly proficient in applying physics equations and using SI prefixes in their calculations. The year begins by continuing the topic of Waves, which was introduced at the end of Year 10. Pupils then progress to the topic of Forces, where they explore key concepts such as motion, momentum, and pressure, with lessons on orbits and satellites from the Space topic integrated into this unit. The final topic covered is Electromagnetism, which completes the content required for Paper 2 of the GCSE Physics exam. Assessment becomes more rigorous, with pupils tackling more challenging GCSE-style exam questions to prepare them for final exams. Homework continues to be structured through topic-specific booklets, each containing past exam questions to reinforce learning and exam technique. Pupils also have a Common Assessed Homework (CAH), which will be marked by the teacher and feedback provided. We highly recommend that parents/carers ask to see the completed reflection following feedback on this homework task.
Lessons overview
Autumn Term |
Lessons overview
Spring Term |
Lessons overview
Summer Term |
Waves Cont:
14. Ultrasound 15a. Waves in materials – string 15b. Waves in materials – Seismic waves 16. Waves in water – ripple tank
Forces:
1. Resultant forces 2. Resolving forces 3. Acceleration (part 1 + R.P) 3. Acceleration (part 2) 4. Circular Motion and Satellites 5. Motion graphs 5. Motion graphs cont 6. Gravity and terminal velocity 6. Gravity and terminal velocity cont
|
7. Forces and braking
8a. Momentum and conservation of … 8b. Change in mom. And impulse 9. Hooke’s Law (R.P) 10. CoM, moments and gears 11. Pressure in fluids and upthrust
Electromagnetism:
1. Magnetic fields and electromagnets 2. Uses of electromagnets 3. The motor effect and left hand rule 4. F=BIL and Simple motor 5. Induction 6. Transformers, loudspeaker and microphone |
This term is reserved for any catch up or dedicated revision time. |
Assessment: Year 11 Whole School Mock Exams
Each assessment is followed by a reflection sheet. We highly encourage parents/carers to ask to view the test as well as checking the reflection sheet and reading the comment, which pupils are asked to write following feedback on the assessment. |
Assessment: Forces Topic Test
Each assessment is followed by a reflection sheet. We highly encourage parents/carers to ask to view the test as well as checking the reflection sheet and reading the comment, which pupils are asked to write following feedback on the assessment. |
GCSE Public Examinations |
AQA website for specification and past exam papers: AQA | Physics | GCSE | GCSE Physics
Here’s a carefully selected list of useful websites and direct links for Year 11 AQA GCSE Physics pupils to revise the topics of Waves, Forces, and Electromagnetism, as well as to develop their How Science Works vocabulary. These include both core revision and opportunities for further exploration:
Waves
Electromagnetism
Forces
How Science Works Vocabulary
References
[1] AQA GCSE Physics Topic 6: Waves Revision – PMT – Physics & Maths Tutor
Year 12
Welcome to A-Level Physics! Over the course of Year 12, you will be taught by two specialist teachers, with a total of 10 lessons per fortnight. We follow the AQA Physics specification, and your learning will be supported by regular homework assignments using exam-style questions to help consolidate your understanding. You’ll be provided with a textbook on loan, along with access to an online version for flexible study. Assessments will always include past exam questions to prepare you for the real thing. In September, you’ll complete a transition assessment to help bridge the gap from GCSE to A-Level. While taking A-Level Maths is not a requirement, we strongly encourage those who aren’t to make good use of the “Maths for Physics” worksheet we provide. At the end of the year, students will work on producing and presenting an academic poster on a physics area of their choice.
Studying Physics at A-Level opens doors to a wide range of exciting futures—from engineering and medicine to finance, data science, and beyond.
Lessons overview
Autumn Term |
Lessons overview
Spring Term |
Lessons overview
Summer Term |
|||
Teacher 1:
Topic 1 – Measurements and error 1. Use of SI units and their prefixes 2. Standard form and HSW vocab 3. Uncertainties 4. Vernier and micrometre 5. Graphs and Error bars 6. Order of magnitude estimates Topic 2 – Particles and Radiation 1. Constituents of the atom and specific charge 2. Strong nuclear force 3. Alpha and beta decay 4. Particles and anti-particles 5. Annihilation and pair production 6. Four fundamental interactions and exchange particles 7. Feynman diagrams 8. Classification of particles and conservation laws 9. Applying conservation laws 10. Quarks and anti-quarks 11. Photelectric effect |
Teacher 2:
Topic 4 – Mechanics: 1. Scalar and vector addition 2. Resolving vectors 3. Co-planar forces practice 4. CoM and moments 5. Couples and moments practice 6a. Motion graphs – displacement-time 6b. Motion graphs – velocity-time 7. Equations for uniform acceleration (SUVAT) 8. Falling bodies (g by free-fall R.P) 8. Falling bodies cont 9. Terminal velocity and Projectile motion 10. Projectile motion cont |
Teacher 1:
Topic 3- Waves 1. GCSE recap and phare difference 2. Polarisation and Speed of Sound Practical 3. Superposition and interference 4. Stationary and Standing Practical (standing waves on string) 5. Single slit and diffraction 6. Diffraction grating experiment 7. Refraction (geometry lesson) 8. Snells’s law and TIR |
Teacher 2:
Topic 4 cont 11. Newton’s laws 12a. Momentum 12.b. Elastic and inelastic collisions 13. Work, energy and power 14. Conservation of energy Topic 5 – Electricity 1. Basics of electricity 2. I-V characteristics and semi-conductors 3. Resistivity, superconductivity and R.P 4 and 5. Resistors in combination 6. Potential divider 7. EMF and internal resistance 8. EMF and internal resistant R.P |
Teacher 1:
Topic 4 – Materials 1. Density 2. Hooke’s law 3a. Deformation of materials 3b. Young’s modulus R.P Posters |
Teacher 2:
Topic 6- Further mechanics – Periodic Motion 1. Circular motion 2. Centripetal force 3. Solving circular motion problems 4. SHM characteristics and conditions 5. SHM graphs 6. Pendulum R.P 7. Spring R.P 8. Resonance 9. Damping Posters |
Assessment: end of topic test on Topic 1 and 2 | Assessment: end of topic test on Topic 4 part 1 | Assessment: end topic test on Topic 3 | Assessment: end of topic test on Topic 4 part 2 and Electricity | Assessment: whole school mock examinations | Assessment: whole school mock examinations |
AQA’s website for Specification and Exam Papers AQA | Physics | A-Level | A-level Physics
Here’s a curated list of helpful links for Year 12 AQA Physics students, covering revision, exploration beyond the curriculum, and careers in physics:
AQA Physics Revision Resources
Explore Physics Beyond the Curriculum
Engaging, well made and professionally made videos on challenging concepts in physics and maths
Careers in Physics
A-Level Courses – Physics Career Opportunities
Insight into research, engineering, and other physics-related careers.
Explore Career Opportunities
Year 13
The Physics Department at King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls has chosen Astrophysics as the optional module of A-level Physics.
The A-level Exams assessment structure is below:
Lessons overview
Autumn Term |
Lessons overview
Spring Term |
Lessons overview
Summer Term |
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Teacher 1:
Topic 9 – Astrophysics 0.Recap of GCSE physics of lenses and ray diagrams 1. Refractive telescope 2. Relative merits of refractors and reflectors 3. Optical vs Radio telescopes research 4. Angular resolution 5. CCDs 6. Distances in Astronomy + Retrieval 7a. Magnitude scales 7b. Magnitude scale calculations 8. Wien’s displacement law 9. Stefan’s Law 10. Spectral classes and life cycle of stars 11. HR diagram 12. Supernova, neutron stars and blackholes 13. Doppler effect and red-shift 14. Hubble’s law and Big Bang 15. Quasars and exoplanets |
Teacher 2:
Topic 6 – Thermal Physics 1. Heat and Temp, SHC theory 2. SHC prac 3. SLH prac 4. Gas laws 5. Gas laws R.P 6. Kinetic theory 7. Work done on/by a gas Topic 8 – Nuclear Physics 1: Rutherford 2: Nuclear radius 3: Radius and density 4: Background and GCSE Recap types of radiation 5: More about alpha beta gamma |
Teacher 1:
Topic 7- Gravitational fields 1. Gravitational fields and potential 2. Gravitational forces 3. Escape velocity + Kepler’s Laws 4. Satellites and energy consideration Topic 7 – Electric fields 5. Coulomb’s Law 6. Electric Field Strength 7. Electric Potential 7. Electric potential cont + summary of gravitational and electric fields Topic 7 – Magnetic Fields 11. Magentic Flux Density + R.P 12. Moving charges in a magnetic field + motors |
Teacher 2:
Topic 8 – Nuclear Physics cont 6: Inverse gamma 6a: Inverse gamma practical (demo) analysis 7: Half life and decay constant 8: Density and instability 9: Instability pt 2 (MD & BE) 10: At the power station 11: Evaluating the risks |
Teacher 1:
Topic 7 – Magnetic fields cont 13. Faraday and Lenz’s laws 14. Generators and transofmers 15. AC and DC 16. Search coil R.P |
Teacher 2:
Topic 7 – Capacitors 8 + 9. Capacitance and parallel plate capacitor and energy stored in capacitors 8 + 9. Capacitance and parallel plate capacitor and energy stored in capacitors 10. Charge and dischanrge / Required Practical |
Assessment: Astrophysics end of topic test | Assessment: Thermal Physics end of topic test | Assessment: whole school mock examinations | Assessment: whole school mock examinations | Assessment: Fields end of topic test | Assessment:
Nuclear end of topic test |
AQA’s website for Specification and Exam Papers AQA | Physics | A-Level | A-level Physics
Here’s a curated list of helpful links for Year 13 AQA Physics students, covering revision, exploration beyond the curriculum, and careers in physics:
AQA Physics Revision Resources
Explore Physics Beyond the Curriculum
Engaging, well made and professionally made videos on challenging concepts in physics and maths
Careers in Physics
Staff
The Department boasts a wide range of experience. Current staff are:-
How can parents help?
please refer to the links provided under the table containing lesson overview
Where next
An A-level in Physics can lead to a variety of courses at university such as Geophysics, Architecture, Computer Science, Finance and Economics, Materials Science etc. as well as the more traditional routes into Physics, Astronomy and Engineering.
One possibly appealing aspect of studying Physics at university is the diversity of physics careers, which are not set in any one direction. Physics graduates have skills that are in high demand in diverse sectors. These include skills relating to numeracy, problem-solving, data analysis and the communication of complex ideas, as well as a wider understanding of how the world works, on a scientific and human level.
This highly transferable and valued skillset also means physics graduates earn more. According to the Institute of Physics (IOP) those with a BSc in Physics earn 14% more than other graduates, and this increases to 18% more for those with a Master of Physics (MPhys).
Physics graduates are in demand in many industries such as research, education, finance, automotive and aerospace industries, defence, the public sector, healthcare, energy, materials, technology, computing and IT, meteorology.
Opportunities out of lessons
Useful links
For specifications:
For revision: