Electronics

The Electronics laboratory is well equipped with a wide range of apparatus, including IT based tools such as digital oscilloscopes and simulation software. There is an extensive stock of components available and students are encouraged to undertake their own projects if they are suitably motivated. All examined Electronics courses are supported by significant resources on the School’s virtual learning environment.

III Form: boys learn basic circuit building skills and how simple circuits work through independent practical activities. They then learn to solder and put their new found skills to good use to build a simple amplifier which they are free to take home. The course finishes with an introduction to electronic systems and independent circuit design.

IV Form: boys investigate logic circuits an independent module that has them build and test progressively more complex systems. They then undertake an investigation of microcontrollers and explore how these mini-computers can be used to develop a wide range of real-world systems. Through the year there are several opportunities to build projects and practise their soldering skills. The course aims to give students an understanding of the ubiquity of electronics and motivate them to continue learning and investigating this important area..

Shell & V Forms: the GCSE course does not assume any previous knowledge of Electronics and students start by considering basic circuit theory and electrical safety. The remainder of the theory course then considers Electronics from a systems approach as each individual system is investigated in isolation before being used to build up more complex projects. The GCSE Electronics course is intensely practical and students really develop their circuit building skills, learn to employ a wide variety of standard laboratory equipment and solve their own problems whenever possible. The theory course considers several more complex systems such as audio systems and microcontrollers. Having completed all the necessary theory, students undertake a major project to design, build, test and evaluate a useful electronic product.

Robotics: Students have the opportunity to join our competitive robotics group. We are currently to build a robot to enter the VEX competitions. This is an excellent opportunity to combine their learning from across STEM subjects and put their electronics knowledge in to practise to design, build and then compete with a large-scale robot.