Physics
We believe physics is a fascinating subject to learn, allowing students to take part in an interesting combination of activities and problem solving tasks. The study of Physics requires the student to absorb facts and be able to apply newly gained knowledge in unfamiliar circumstances, understand concepts and develop problem solving skills. The overall strategy employed by the department has been specifically designed to provide the student with the skills necessary for success within the subject.
Maximise Your Learning Potential
Transitus, SI and SII
The Physics department has embraced the ethos of Curriculum for Excellence (CfE). To satisfy the aims and purpose of CfE the department has developed new courses for Transitus, SI and SII.
To achieve the intentions of CfE, the content and delivery of the new courses ensure that the students are involved in several important ways. As ‘active learners’ students: tackle new experiences and learn from them; use their imagination and creativity; develop literacy and numeracy skills; learn about bouncing back from setbacks; dealing safely with risk; learn to share and give and take; learn to respect themselves and others; take part in making decisions and encounter different ways of seeing the world.
As ‘Co-operative and collaborative learners’ students are encouraged to actively participate with others and are given regular opportunities to think and talk together, to discuss ideas, question, analyse and solve problems, without the constant mediation of the teacher. The essence of this is to promote the idea that young people's learning is best served when they have opportunities to learn with and from each other, and are shown how to do so effectively.
The Transitus course includes two physics topics – ‘Energy’ and ‘Space’.
The SI course has two topics – ‘Electricity’ and ‘Forces’.
The SII course has two topics – ‘Heat’ and ‘Light and Waves’.
SIII–SIV Intermediate 2
This course emphasises the contribution which physics makes to the candidate’s general education by helping to make sense of the physical environment through the development of skills necessary for the solution of scientific problems. It provides opportunities to develop the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of the concepts of physics and the ability to solve problems and to carry out experimental and investigative work. The course seeks to illustrate and emphasise situations where the principles of physics are used and applied, therefore promoting the candidate’s awareness that physics involves interaction between theory and practice.
The course endeavours to provide learning experiences leading to the acquisition of worthwhile knowledge, skills and attitudes which will assist candidates to make their own reasoned decisions on many issues within a modern society increasingly dependent on science and technology.
Intermediate 2 Physics is made up of four mandatory units: Mechanics and Heat; Electricity and Electronics; Waves and Optics; and Radioactivity, and is an effective platform from which to continue on to study Higher Physics.
SV/SVI Higher
The Higher Physics course has been designed to articulate with and provide progression from the Intermediate 2 Physics course. Through a deeper insight into the structure of the subject, the course aims to provide an opportunity for reinforcing and extending the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of the concepts of physics.
The study of Higher Physics should also foster an interest in current developments and applications of physics, the willingness to make critical and evaluative comment, and the acceptance that physics is a changing subject. Positive attitudes, such as being open-minded and willing to recognise alternative points of view, are promoted. The course endeavours to provide learning experiences leading to the acquisition of worthwhile knowledge, skills and attitudes which will assist candidates to make their own reasoned decisions on many issues within a modern society increasingly dependent on science and technology.
Higher physics is made up of three mandatory units: Mechanics and Properties of Matter; Electricity and Electronics; and Radiation and Matter.
SVI Advanced Higher
The Advanced Higher Physics course has been designed to articulate with and provide a progression from the Higher Physics course. Through a deeper insight into the structure of the subject, the course aims to provide a challenging experience for those who wish to study the subject to a greater depth and to assist candidates towards an understanding of the use of mathematical models and techniques for describing the behaviour of nature. An opportunity for engaging in some independent research is provided. Candidates will gain considerable additional benefit from completing this course, since there will be opportunities for the integration of skills developed through the study of the units, and for tackling problem solving of a more complex nature.
The course is made up of four mandatory units: Mechanics; Electrical Phenomena; Wave Phenomena; and Physics Investigation. The investigation requires the student to undertake and experience a significant level of independent research typical of that taken during first year at university.
Extra–Curricular Activities
The department encourages students to participate in activities outwith the department. Examples of this include the Scottish ‘Space School’, ‘Headstart’ engineering related courses and external physics competitions, for example, The Royal Astronomical Society essay competition.