The main aim of the Physics Department is to promote a genuine enjoyment of the subject and appreciate how Physics can help to understand the world in which we live. Practical work is considered to be an essential part of the subject and, from an early age, boys are taught how to be competent and responsible experimental scientists. The Physics staff are well qualified and enthusiastic and work hard to develop an academically challenging learning environment which includes the provision of extension classes, tutorials, revision classes, weekly drop-in clinics and the provision of resources through our virtual learning environment.

Examination results are taken very seriously; each boy is individually helped and encouraged to achieve his potential and the department is proud of the results obtained by the boys at IGCSE, AS and A2 level and beyond.

Paul Nicholls BSc: Head of Physics

Mr Nicholls taught in Durham before spending five years teaching in Turkey. He joined the Merchiston staff in September 2002. His interests include sailing, sound & lighting and Engineering. He became Head of Department in September 2003 and Head of Science and Technology in September 2011

Sharon Twyford BSc, MSc, PhD
Dr Twyford studied at Universities of Strathclyde and then Glasgow where she completed her PhD in Gravitational Physics. After working in industry for some years she joined Edinburgh university where she did her teacher training. She joined Merchiston in September 2002.

Ian Mitchell BSc, PhD
Dr Mitchell has a variety of experience, both teaching overseas, and at university level in the UK where he was a research physicist for several years. His interests include raquet sports, photography and astronomy. Dr Mitchell is housemaster of Evans and coaches Squash

Andrew Roache BSc
Mr Roache studied at the University of St Andrews before completing his teacher training at Manchester University. He joined Merchiston September 2009. His interests include walking, climbing and falconry. Mr Roache coaches Rugby, in heavily involved in the CCF and Duke of Edinburgh and is Assistant Housemaster in Chalmers West.

David Reid MSc

Mr Reid studied Theoretical Physics at UCL before completing his teacher training at Strathclyde University. He runs the Badminton and Squash activities as well as being responsible for Science club and his interests include computer games, films and photography. He particularly enjoys solving the problems in New Scientist each week. Mr Reid joined Merchiston in September 2011.

Deborah Adams: Laboratory Assistant

Mrs Adams worked as a research assistant at the SANGER institute and was associated with the human genome project before moving to a career in education. She has previously worked as both a science technician and classroom assistant with a special interest in science education before joining Merchiston in September 2011. Her interests include running (including marathon running), cycling and walking.

The Physics Department resides in Gibson House alongside Biology and Chemistry. There are three modern specialist Physics laboratories and a technicians' prep room, all of which were completely renovated over the last few years.

The laboratories are each equipped to a high standard with data projectors, computer facilities and a substantial amount of standard laboratory apparatus to support the intensely practical nature of the Physics courses. The department has invested heavily in new technology and the boys have access, from a young age, to full class sets of state of the art data-logging apparatus. Every aspect of the more advanced courses are supported by more specialist equipment which can either be used by the boys or provide whole class demonstrations.

The Science Department takes out a subscription to New Scientist magazine, which is available in the library, and the Physics Department complements this with subscriptions to Physics World, Physics Review and Sky at Night.

I & II Forms: The Science syllabus for I and II Forms covers the needs of our new intake and is in line with the stipulations of the Curriculum for Excellence and the English National Curriculum.

Physics as a distinct subject is taught from the III Form.

III and IV Forms: boys follow Merchiston's own Physics curriculum which is broadly based on the English National Curriculum. The course involves as much practical work as possible so that the boys develop the experimental and investigative skills necessary as they move up through the School.

Shell & V Forms: all boys undertake Edexcel IGCSE Physics, either as a subject in its own right or as part of the Dual Award Science programme. This is a very rigorous and 'traditional' course that gives the boys a thorough understanding of the subject and provides an excellent foundation for progression to A Level.

VI Form: we follow the Edexcel A Level course, which provides a comprehensive, varied and current background in Physics.

The Physics Department is heavily involved in the British Physics Olympiad and enjoys considerable success at all levels. Boys are encouraged to take the Physics Challenge in their Fifth Form year, the AS Physics competition in the Lower Sixth Form and then the Physics Olympiad in their Upper Sixth Form year. In the recent years there have been Gold medals achieved at all levels and several boys have been selected to train with, or be part of, the British Physics team.

As part of their activity programme, junior boys can choose to be part of science club. This club is run by representatives from each of the three science departments and aims to explore science beyond the normal curriculum. Senior boys can chose to be involved in the astronomy club which meets regularly throughout the Autumn and Winter terms. The astronomy club has access to three telescopes and a variety of photographic equipment.