Pupils follow a general science course covering all of the three main disciplines. The pupils are introduced to the science laboratory and safety, followed by a broad based science course where they will learn about plants, animals, energy, electricity and other basic concepts. The emphasis is on the practical nature of science to develop a keen interest in the subject. For those pupils who wish to develop this enthusiasm further a science option is run during the academic year.
III Form
Pupils follow a physics based course. The topic areas covered are energy, electricity, magnetism, heat, light, sound, forces and astronomy. The emphasis in Form III is on providing an interesting practically based course that gives the pupils a broad experience of Physics.
IV Form
The course followed in fourth form aims to cover most of the topics studied through GCSE but in reduced depth. This serves as a good platform on which to move through to GCSE Physics. The Physics curriculum in fourth form may be summarised as follows:
Pupils begin the year by studying the topic of waves. This will include working on the properties of light and sound, in addition to the general physical principals behind wave phenomena. The next main topic area is electricity and magnetism, where pupils will carry out a number of experiments to develop a good understanding of these abstract concepts. During the spring and summer terms he will embark on a study of matter and its properties, including the effect of forces on materials. Time permitting he will investigate the concept of energy, which may include a research project.
Throughout the fourth form there is an emphasis on practical work. All pupils are encouraged to develop their practical skills using a variety of apparatus. They are asked to think for themselves, questioning the ideas and concepts studied. Above all they are encouraged to develop an interest in the physical sciences.
Shell and V Form
GCSE
Physics is taught as a separate science at GCSE. The pupils follow the syllabus from OCR. GCSE physics is taught by subject specialists and every effort is made to keep the pupils familiar with recent scientific developments related to the course. This course introduces students to many of the fundamentals of the subject - Mechanics, Heat, Waves, Light, Electricity, Magnetism, Nuclear Physics, and Electronics.
The aims of the course are to provide basic knowledge and understanding of the principles of the subject and, through experimental work, to develop skills of observation and interpretation of data.
The assessment scheme, involving both written papers and internally assessed practical work, is designed to test these skills and the ability of the student to apply his knowledge successfully. A tiered examination entry system applies and pupils will be entered at a level appropriate to their ability in this subject. Decisions regarding the tier of entry into the examinations is taken at the end of the Shell year and is based upon the pupil's performance during that year. The pupils also undergo at least two full GCSE investigations at some time during the two-year course. They are expected to plan, carry out, analyse and evaluate the project independently. The GCSE investigation comprises 20% of the overall GCSE assessment.
LVI and UVI
'A' Level
A Level (Modular) -
The A-level Physics course is taken over two years, consisting of several units of work looking at areas of Physics including; Mechanics, Radioactivity, Electricity, Thermal Physics, Waves, the Universe, Fields and Forces. We also offer Particle Physics and Nuclear Physics as an optional topic at Merchiston.
Each module is examined separately in an 'end of module' test. To obtain an A level qualification, all module tests must be taken. Three of the module tests are sat at the end of the Lower Sixth year and lead to an AS (Advanced Subsidiary) qualification. In addition there is a practical test in the Lower and Upper Sixth year and a synoptic paper at the end of the two-year course leading to a full A level qualification.
Electronics
Electronics is taught as a separate subject from year III upwards. It seeks to develop the interest of the pupils in modern electronics and technology through extensive practical work in preparation for a GCSE in electronics and possibly an AS level examination.
III and IV Form
The pupils learn about basic circuit construction using ISMEC circuit boards. A study of electronic components their function and use, is then under taken. There is the opportunity to look at electronic systems and then finally to build a system using breadboard construction and Printed Circuit Boards.
SHELL and V Form
GCSE Electronics is taught to the syllabus run by the Northern Examination Board (NEAB). Approximately 30% of pupils choose to study Electronics to GCSE. The course is split into 9 main areas, including, Safety, Systems, Digital Electronics, Analogue Electronics, Components, Applications, Sociological implications of Electronics. Practical work. The assessment of the course is by examination and coursework, the latter comprising 30% of the total mark.
Setting
Set size is limited to a maximum of 20 pupils in the junior school and 14 pupils in the sixth form. Setting is carried out according to ability and performance, and is continually reviewed.
Practical Work
Practical work is seen as an essential part of the physics curriculum throughout the school. It is used to aid the understanding of otherwise abstract concepts and also to develop skills needed for carrying out more detailed work at a higher level. Throughout all the years leading to GCSE physics, good practical technique is emphasised in preparation for future GCSE investigation.
