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 manufacture a control board for a programmable robot. At the same time, the robot chassis is developed in D&T classes, and they learn the required programming skills in Computing. The robots are based around the popular PICAXE micro-controllers and programmed using flowchart software. Finally, students can upgrade their buggies to add sensors, flashing lights and faster motors before taking them home. The course aims to teach about construction skills, the use of micro-controllers and a systems approach to electronics.

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.