Physics
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At Winchester we believe that the study of Physics should be an adventure. It is challenging, sometimes frustrating, often richly rewarding and satisfying. It appeals to the emotions and the aesthetic sense as well as to the intellect.
The achievements of Galileo, Newton, Maxwell and Einstein form the foundations for our present understanding of the physical world. One can share in the excitement of their discoveries by learning the value of physics in solving practical problems.
Through the study of physics one can gain insight into everyday phenomena and generalize the findings to include a whole host of related phenomena. Physicists are forever asking questions about things that are often overlooked or taken for granted.
First Year
The Junior Part (first year) course is designed to introduce students to Physics at Winchester, which is a highly mathematical course with an emphasis on experiencing physics through practical work. We also see the first year as our chance to capture the imaginations of our youngest students. In JP our emphasis is on new and exciting ways of looking at phenomena that the students may well have already covered. We cover the main elements of the GCSE specification and beyond so that boys are well prepared for future learning.
Second Year
The Middle Part (second year) course is organised to fit snugly onto the JP material. Third Year
We aim to complete a large part of the IGCSE syllabus so that we can deliver 'transition' style courses from the beginning of the third year. These are courses covering topics that reinforce the GCSE material but do not trespass on future work for specialist study in Sixth Book.Cambridge Pre-U
The course is designed to produce Specialists who are good mathematical modellers and communicators on the subject. Pupils receive a textbook and CD ROM, which cover the course material, the CD is more than just a 'book on the screen' - it also provides opportunities for interactive mathematical modelling, sound processing, and image processing. By the time they complete the course, our students will have learnt how:
- to use spreadsheets for complicated iterative calculations,
- to write websites,
- to model simple physical systems mathematically, using differential equations,
- to communicate physics by oral or written presentations,
- to process Bitmap images,
- to process digitally-sampled sounds and music.
The Department is also very active in Extension Activities.