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Physics Staff

Mrs. W. Chambers, B. Sc., P.G.C.E., Dip. I.T. (Head of Physics)

Mrs. P.L.M. Johnston, B. Sc., P.G.C.E.

Miss D. McCombe, B. Sc., P.G.C.E

 Facilities

Physics is taught in seven recently designed and purpose built laboratories.  Each Laboratory is equipped with a data projector and PC.  There are also 12 laptops that can be used in the Physics laboratories, along with a range of sensors. 

Studying Physics

Physics represents a way of organising knowledge that contributes significantly to the cultural and intellectual development of society.

Physics and the related disciplines of engineering and technology, also contribute powerfully to the generation of wealth in society.  It is therefore important that schools provide access to basic scientific and technological ideas if young people are to develop an awareness of the inter–relationships between society and Physics. 

In addition Physics provides a means whereby an individual can:

  • organise his or her own concepts and attitudes
  • communicate with others
  • develop a sense of logic and a curious mind
  • classify experience
  • develop manipulative and practical skills

Physics is taught in the following domains:

1                    Physics as an intellectual discipline.  The pursuit of scientific knowledge as an end in itself which leads to an understanding of the essential principles and processes of Physics and allied disciplines.

2                    Physics as a cultural activity.  The more generalised pursuit of scientific knowledge and culture takes account of the history, philosophy and social implications of scientific activities and therefore leads to an understanding of the contribution Physics and Technology make to society and the world of ideas.

3                    Physics and its applications.  The development of an appreciation and understanding of the ways in which Physics and Technology contribute to the world, citizenship, leisure and survival.  These would include an understanding of the way scientific and technological ideas are used to create economic surplus, facilitate participation in democratic decision making and enrich and sustain a wide variety of leisure activities and pursuits.

Physics at KS3

Science is taught in an integrated fashion in Forms 1 and 2 when pupils have 5 * 35 minute periods of Science each week.  At present resource booklets created by the RSD Science Department are followed.  These fully support the revised Northern Ireland curriculum, with units of work being taught in 2 - 3 week blocks.  

In 3rd Form pupils  have 2 * 35 minute periods of Physics each week, 2 of Biology and 2 Chemistry. 

Physics at GCSE

In Form 4 and 5 pupils study Physics under the umbrella of Double Award Science or as an independent GCSE.  Pupils are given many opportunities to reinforce practical skills through experimental activities and improve communication skills through discussion and presentations work.

 Currently the CCEA specification is followed covering the topics specified by this examining board.

http://www.ccea.org.uk/

Physics at A-Level

In sixth year the students are able to develop their learning of this subject with an in-depth study of body Forces, Electricity, Waves, Photons and Medical Physics at AS level.  A2 studies continue with a study of Energy, Oscillations, Fields, Electromagnetism, Nuclear Physics and Particle Physics.  This is all enhanced with the practical’s carried out during the year which not only support the development of knowledge but prepare pupils for a practical examination.

Currently the CCEA specification is followed covering the topics specified by this examining board.

http://www.ccea.org.uk/

 

 

What pupils do with A - Level Physics

Physics Maths/Physics Mechanical Engineering

Mark Chapman (1997)
Jill Murphy (2000)
Darryl Wright (2006)
Evanna Hunter (2007)
Paul Reaney (2007

Pamela Hayes (1997)
Glenn Hawe (2000)

Malcolm Spence (1996)
Kris Meeke (1997)
Wayne Whiteside (1997)
Niall Jackson (1998)
Trevor Davidson (2000)
John Robinson (2003)
Ashley Donaldson (2003)
Jeffrey Wong (2003)
Mark Kelly (2003)
Lawrence Ko (2006)
Bennet Kwan (2006)

 

Aeronautical Engineering Electrical Engineering Electrical &
Software Engineering

Jonathon Eddie (1997)
Calvin Cheung (1997)
Patrick Harkness (1999)
James Craig (2005)
Mark Williamson (2007)

Barry Magee (1997)
Stuart Mullan (1997)
Ryan Graham (2006)

David Bell (1996)
Glenn Davidson (1998)
Geoffrey Cummings (1998)
Timothy Farrell (2002)
Richard Fletcher (2006)
David Irwin (2006)
Graeme McLean (2006)


Optometry Radiography Dentistry

Christine Hazleton (1998)
Elaine Davidson (1999)
Janet McCreedy (1999)
Kathryn Watson (1999)
DeniseMcAllister (2000)
Jennifer McQueen (2002)
Simon Hobson (2005)
Susanna Ross (2006)

Jamie Turkington (1997)
Julie Cranston (1999)
Diane Holland (2003)
Mark Gallagher (2004)
Emma Joy Watson (2005)
Laura Bingham (2005)

Tanya Gates (1998)
David Buchanan (1999)
Gemma Dalzell (1999)
Christopher Williamson (1999)
Victoria Weir (2002)
Elaine Harpur (2002)
Judith Willaimson (2003)
Lisa Patton (2005)
Sarah Henderson (2005)
Ruth Simpson (2005)
Helen Hamilton (2007)
Conor Willis (2007)

Physics Achievements

A number of pupils from RSD have gained significant achievements in Physics.

June 2006

1st in Northern Ireland
A-level Physics

Colin Maguire

June 2007

Joint 2nd in Northern Ireland
GCSE Physics

Grace Stafford

June 2007

Joint 2nd in Northern Ireland
GCSE Physics

James Dilworth

June 2007

2nd in Northern Ireland
Double Award Science

John Dilworth

 

 


 

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