Physics

Students take part in Challenges and Olympiads at Wellington and in the last academic year achieved the following results;

British Physics Olympiad Junior Challenge: 2 Gold Awards, 8 Silver Awards, 40 Bronze Awards

British Physics Olympiad Senior Challenge: 5 Silver Awards, 4 Bronze Awards 

British Physics Olympiad: 1 Gold Award, 3 Silver Awards, 4 Bronze Awards

 

Physics describes the behaviour of matter and energy on all scales from the smallest sub-atomic particles to the largest clusters of stars and galaxies.

Physics underlies many modern technologies from satellites and communications to new materials as well as informing debate on matters including energy policy and the safety of different forms of radiation. A study of Physics develops a curiosity about the world, an ability to solve problems and an awareness of the power of theory and experiment to explain and link a range of apparently diverse phenomena.

At Wellington, Physics is taught in well-equipped laboratories using a range of teaching activities including discussion, practical work, computer simulation, research and written tasks. The Physics department consists of a team of specialist teachers supported by a full-time technician. Pupils follow a wide-ranging course far exceeding the demands of national curriculum with extra topics that emphasise the applications of Physics and hone investigative skills in novel contexts. The Physics department follow the AQA specification from Year 7 through to A Level.

Many students choose to continue their study of Physics at A Level before embarking on a variety of university courses and careers which include Physical Science or Engineering. Students at Wellington are actively involved in a range of enrichment activities with offerings within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Physics Olympiad, Physics lecture series, Isaac Physics, IET and the outstanding opportunity to visit The Diamond Light Synchrotron at Hartwell in the Sixth Form.  
The department is an active member of the Institute of Physics.