Physics

About the Department

The physics department aims to nurture and develop the instinctive wonder and curiosity we all feel when confronted by the marvels of our physical universe. We emphasise the need for commitment perseverance and hard work, and expect our physicists to become robust and reflective learners, who intuitively question everything and then have the ability and desire to work out most of the answers for themselves…

Physics teaching takes place in two labs in the Science Department, which is currently undergoing a major refurbishment. Our department currently has two full-time members of staff, and one part-time member of staff. This is only the second year that the department has worked together, and we have enjoyed a very successful first year of results, with even better predicted for this summer’s diet of GCSEs and GCEs. Numbers too have ballooned, with more students continuing onto A-level than ever before. We have been very pleased to see many of our students going on to study physics at many of the UK’s most prestigious institutions.

Teaching and Learning

A variety of methods are used to impart information – worksheets, photocopied notes, pupils’ written notes, references to textbooks, and extensive use of multimedia resources. For their own practical activities, the pupils work in pairs or singly. Teacher demonstrations are done for the whole class. In 6^th form, use is still made of photocopied notes, but there is more in the way of lecture-style lessons, in which dictated or board / OHP notes are given. Class discussions and questions form an important part of the teaching and learning process.

In 3^rd Form, the students are in mixed ability classes and study Forces and Motion, Waves, Electricity, and Earth and Beyond, as an introduction and preparation for GCSE.

In 4^th and 5^th Form the students are arranged in ability classes and study either Higher or Foundation Tier Separate Science Physics, following the Edexel syllabus. During this two-year course, pupils will study Forces and Motion, Waves, Energy Resources and Energy Transfer, Electricity and Electromagnetism, Earth and Beyond, Communications, and Atoms and Nuclei

Lower 6^th Form sees the students following the Edexel AS Physics Syllabus. This is modular in nature, and the Units covered are Mechanics and Radioactivity, Electricity and Thermal Physics, and a choice of either Astrophysics or Medical Physics. In addition, the students are required to sit a Practical Exam.

Those who chose to carry on with physics beyond Lower 6^th Form will follow the Edexel A2 Physics syllabus, which is also modular. The Units covered in Upper 6^th Form are Waves and our Universe, and Fields and Forces. There is also a synthesis paper, and a Practical Exam.

Activities

The importance of widening students’ experience whilst studying in the physics department is fully appreciated and, with this in mind, we have set in place a comprehensive programme of trips and visiting speakers, including visits to the Royal Observatory, Our Dynamic Earth and the Glasgow Science Centre. The astronomy club runs once a week from the department, as does the physics clinic. We intend to run a 6^th Form trip to Cern during the Autumn Mid Term break, 2004.

Gregor McSkimming – Head of Physics

Gerry Young

Received his BSc from Strathclyde University and went on to study for his PGCE at St Andrew’s College of Education (now Glasgow University). Joined Loretto School in September 2002 after spending seven years as a Physics Teacher, Assistant Housemaster, Head of RE and Head of Year at Morrison’s Academy, Crieff. Mad about football (he is an avid Celtic follower), he also enjoys karate, judo and basketball. He is an unashamed ‘Treckie’ and loves music and cinema, cars and GADGETS (the more flashy lights and brushed aluminium the better!!). Gerry is also Housemaster in Seton House.

Martin Baker (Director of Studies)

Received his BA in Mathematics and Theoretical Physics from Cambridge University and completed post graduate studies at Cambridge specialising in black hole Physics and stellar evolution. He joined the British Antarctic Survey in 1976 as a meteorologist/atmospheric physicist. He worked in the Antarctic for long periods of time between 1976 and 1986 both as a field scientist and as a Base Commander. In 1986 he joined the School of Geography at the Cambridgeshire College of Arts and technology (now Anglia University) as a lecturer in Meteorology and Climatology. Martin joined Loretto School in 1989 initially as a teacher of Technology but later becoming Head of ICT and Head of Physics. He is in the final stages of completing a PhD in fluid turbulence with the Open University. He was Director of Studies from 1996 to 1998 and recently returned to this post in 2001. His interests include literature, music, mathematical art and expeditions. He is a keen gardener and an Elder in the Church of Scotland.