Physics
Physics is the study of the most fundamental aspects of the world and universe in which we live. It forms the foundations upon which every other science is ultimately built.
The Physics Department enjoys excellent facilities for the students housed in five modern, well equipped and fully supported laboratories.
In the international GCSE years the department combine an introduction to the basic underlying principles of physics with the concomitant skills required to master this most fascinating subject. The department also introduce pupils to aspects of modern physics that both capture the imagination and have direct relevance to their lives.
The department are passionate about enabling students from all cultures and backgrounds access to Physics at KES to enable them to reach their potential. The Physics department recently spearheaded the campaign for the School to join the 'Gender Action' award scheme, and also more recently the new 'Limit Less' campaign run by the Institute of Physics.
Students will follow the Edexcel International GCSE course from Year 9 to Year 11. Approximately one quarter of pupils decide to continue their study of physics into the Sixth Form each year.
Head of Department, Mr Simm, shares more information about studying Physics at King Edward VI School.
Year 9
In Year 9, students will study the following topics:
- Mechanics
- Energy Transfers
- Electrostatics
- Waves and Sound
- EM-Spectrum
Year 10
In Year 10, students will study the following topics:
- Kinematics
- Electrical circuits
- Light
- Space and the Universe
- Forces
- Momentum
- Electricity in the home
Year 11
In Year 11, students will study the following topics:
- Radioactivity
- Fission and Fusion
- Gas laws
- Magnetism and Electromagnetism
- Energy, Work and Power
Enrichment Opportunities
Clubs and Societies
Astronomy Society: students engage in a range of activities making use of international facilities and school based telescopes (Year 9-Year 11).
GCSE Olympiad: students have the opportunity to compete in this nationwide Physics competition (Year 11).
Engineering Club (Upper School)
Other Opportunities
Year 11 STEM university visit for girls
Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition (RSSSE) visit: students have the opportunity to attend the RSS Exhibition in the Summer Term
Meet the staff
If you have a specific enquiry for the Physics Department, please email rss@kes.hants.sch.uk.
| Mr. R.S. Simm | Head of Physics |
| Mrs. P.E. Burrows BSc | Physics, Assistant Head (Teacher Development & Pedagogy) |
| Mr J Ferguson | Teacher of Physics |
| Mr. D.M. Lawson MA | Teacher of Physics |
| Mrs. M. Mahdavi BSc, MSc, MinstP | Teacher of Physics |
| Dr, M.K. Mayor BSc, PhD | Teacher of Physics (Junior Science Co-ordinator) |
| Ms. C.A. Ribas de Oliveira BSc, MSc | Teacher of Physics |
