info@rbai.belfast.ni.sch.uk 028 90 240461
RBAI Foundation
If you pupils curious about the world around you then Physics is the subject for them.

Physics & Astronomy

Department
Physics
Level
KS3, KS4, KS5
Head of Department
Mr R P Griffiths
Members of Dept
Mr J A Macafee, Mr J A Shields, Mr J S Wilson

Gallery

Gallery

Why study Physics?

If pupils are curious about the world around you then Physics is the subject for them! Physics encompasses the study of the universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest (subatomic!) particles.

By studying Physics, pupils will develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These skills will make you versatile and adaptable. This is why physicists often work interesting jobs in interesting places. You can find physicists in industrial and research labs, working for engineering or consulting firms, at newspapers and magazines, in app development roles, and even working for banks in London. Physicists find themselves working in places where their ability to think analytically is a great asset.

What Physics offers?

Key Stage 3

Year 8

The pupils cover topics such as Forces, Density, Pressure, Earth in Space as well as developing their experimental, analytical and mathematical skills.

Year 9

Different topics such as Energy, Heat transfer, Magnetism and Electromagnets are covered whilst continuing to develop their scientific skills that they have begun to develop in year 8.

Year 10

The pupils cover a wide range of concepts including, Light, Sound, Electricity and Lenses. They once again are continuing to develop their scientific and analytical skills that are crucial at GCSE and beyond.

Key Stage 4

GCSE Physics

At GCSE we follow the CCEA physics specification. Further information can be found here: https://ccea.org.uk/key-stage-4/gcse/subjects/gcse-physics-2017

GCSE Astronomy

The physics department is proud to be able to offer the pupils in Years 10 and  11 the opportunity to study the EDEXCEL GCSE Astronomy course.

This is currently a twilight class and is being taught on a Tuesday from 7.30 – 8.30 am.

Further details can be found here: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/astronomy-2017.html

Key Stage 5

As with GCSE at A-level the department follows the CCEA specification. More information on the course can be found at: https://ccea.org.uk/post-16/gce/subjects/gce-physics-2016

Exam Success

  • GCSE Physics 98.8% A*-C, 74.6% A*-B
  • GCSE Astronomy 100% A*-C
  • A-Level 93.9% A*-E, 75.8% A*-C.

Astronomy

Pupils in Year 10 and 11 have the opportunity to study the EDEXEL GCSE Astronomy Course to understand our position in the Universe, the movements of planets and stars, the cycles in the night and daytime sky, and the way in which we use technology to observe and interact with space.

This is currently a twilight class and is being taught on a Tuesday from 7.30 – 8.30 am.

Further details can be found here: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/astronomy-2017.html

Beyond the Classroom

As well as encouraging the pupils to participate well in class we also strive to offer pupils opportunities to develop outside of the classroom through a variety of competitions and trips.

Two groups enter the ABP Angus Youth Challenge. The first group reached the semifinal of the competition, and the second group made it to the final where they won five Aberdeen Angus calves.

In recent years we have had pupils participate in the following competitions:

  • British Physics Olympiad Competition
  • ABP Angus Youth Challenge
  • IET Lego Challenge
  • Cardboard Regatta
  • First Tech Challenge Robotics Competition

We also offer a regular trip for 6th form to CERN, Geneva to visit the Large Hadron Collider