Physics
Why Study Physics?
At Beaulieu, we believe a high-quality science education provides the foundation for understanding the world through biology, chemistry, and physics. Science shapes our lives and drives global progress, so students are taught essential knowledge, methods, and applications of science. They learn to explain phenomena, predict outcomes, and analyse causes, fostering curiosity, rational thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Following the Jersey curriculum, students develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding while gaining practical experience through enquiry-based learning, including observation, experimentation, and data analysis. They build precise scientific vocabulary, apply mathematics to scientific problems, and explore the social and economic impact of science.
Science at Beaulieu is taught in context to engage and motivate students, with ‘Working Scientifically’ embedded in lessons rather than taught separately. Discussion and spoken language are central, helping students articulate ideas clearly and address misconceptions. By the end of each key stage, students are expected to know, apply, and understand scientific concepts, processes, and skills, preparing them for future study and life in a scientifically driven world.
Year 7
In Physics, students investigate a broad range of topics, including Safety and Working Scientifically, Forces, Light, Sound, and Space. Each unit concludes with an assessment to track progress and guide group placement, while practical lessons develop scientific and mathematical skills and teach students to analyse data, form reasoned conclusions, and evaluate evidence, enhancing their understanding of the physical world.
Year 8
Students explore a variety of topics, including Working Scientifically, Electricity and Magnetism, Energy, Motion, and Pressure. Each topic concludes with a formal assessment to monitor progress, with achievement levels recorded as Developing, Secure, or Extending, and whole-year exams take place during Exam Week. Students complete one homework task per week, while practical and mathematical skills are developed through investigations alongside the ability to analyse data, form reasoned conclusions, and evaluate scientific evidence.
Year 9-11: (GCSE Trilogy Physics)
Physics at Beaulieu enables students to explore the fundamental principles that explain how the world around us works. Through practical investigation and theoretical study, students develop problem-solving, analytical, and mathematical skills that prepare them for GCSE success and beyond.
In Year 9, students are introduced to key concepts such as Conservation and Dissipation of Energy, Energy Transfer by Heating, Energy Resources, Electric Circuits, and Electricity in the Home. Each topic concludes with an in-class assessment, and end-of-year mock exams help students consolidate their learning and prepare for GCSE-level study.
In Year 10, students build on this foundation by studying Molecules and Matter, Radioactivity, Forces in Balance, Motion, and Force and Motion. Regular assessments and mock exams allow teachers to track progress and support students’ understanding. There is no coursework in GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy, so these assessments form an essential part of exam preparation.
In Year 11, students complete the Physics course through the study of Wave Properties, Electromagnetic Waves, and Electromagnetism. Lessons include focused revision and exam technique practice. Mock exams are held in January and spring to prepare students for their final GCSE exams.
Year 9-11: (GCSE Physics)
Across Years 9 to 11, students develop a strong understanding of the key principles of Physics through engaging, practical, and theory-based learning.
In Year 9, students explore topics such as Conservation and Dissipation of Energy, Energy Transfer by Heating, Energy Resources, Electric Circuits, and Electricity in the Home. These units introduce how energy is stored, transferred, and used in real-world contexts. Each topic concludes with an assessment, and full mock exams at the end of the year prepare students for GCSE study.
In Year 10, students build on their knowledge by studying Molecules and Matter, Radioactivity, Forces in Balance, Motion, Force and Motion, and Force and Pressure. Regular in-class assessments and end-of-year mock exams allow students to track progress and strengthen their analytical and problem-solving skills. There is no coursework in GCSE Physics, so these assessments play a key role in exam preparation.
In Year 11, students study Wave Properties, Electromagnetic Waves, Light, Electromagnetism, and Space, supported by targeted revision and exam technique practice. Assessments are completed throughout the year, with mock exams in January and later in the spring term. The GCSE course concludes with two written exams, assessing knowledge and skills through multiple-choice, calculation, and extended-response questions.