Thornhill College, Derry    

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Physics

Introduction

All pupils study Physics, either as part of CCEA Double Award Science or as a separate Physics GCSE. All Physics classes are taught by the five specialist Physics teachers currently employed by Thornhill College.

The Department has a thriving Sixth Form with many girls going on to study A-level Physics. Pupils follow the CCEA Advanced Physics course at AS and A2 level. Our top students are frequently among the examining boards’ prize-winners. We also offer GCSE Astronomy as part of our 6th Form Enrichment programme, and we have a very high success rate in this exam.

Courses

A-level Physics
GCSE Physics
GCSE Astronomy

 

 

Physics at Thornhill College

Thornhill College has recently been awarded
 
Specialist School status in Mathematics and Physics

 

Physics at Thornhill College

 

Sentinus Engineering Project (click here for details)

 

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Physics is fun at Thornhill College

The courses are very hands-on, with practical sessions and teacher demonstrations during most lessons. Pupils develop thinking skills through practical investigation and problem solving, while visual, audio and kinaesthetic activities help girls develop learning skills. Lessons are interactive and we make extensive use of ICT, including a component of online learning in each of our courses. Students are assessed regularly and track their own progress with regular use of Assessment for Learning. This pupil-based approach helps and encourages motivation to achieve.

The courses of study are supported by our strong links with local industry, lectures by visiting speakers, and organised visits and competitions. Activities such as the Sentinus Engineering Education Scheme, the Irish Physics Olympiad, the LEGO Robot competition are used to extend students’ abilities and interests. Students are also encouraged to attend external lectures, and to make use of Physics bursaries.

Each year, a number of our pupils are successful in entry to undergraduate courses in Physics and Engineering.


GCSE Physics

At GCSE Physics is taught by specialist teachers as a component of Single and Double Award science.

Physics is also taught as an individual GCSE (Triple Award).

Teaching across the Physics Department is organized so that students have common learning and assessment experiences, irrespective of classroom teacher. Extensive use of ICT is made in the delivery of GCSE Physics...click for more

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A-level Physics

A-level Physics is taught by three specialist teachers supported by a dedicated technician.

At A level we place a significant emphasis on independent study by our students. We have developed a supported self study programme that both year 13 and year 14 students follow...click for more

Physics

Study Physics and Learn About Quarks (and other stuff)

 

There are three compulsory modules in Year 13 leading to an AS-Physics award. These are
  • Unit AS 1 - Forces, Energy & Electricity

  • Unit AS 2 - Waves, Photons & Medical Physics

  • Unit AS 3 - Practical Techniques (assessed by a practical exam)

 

In Year13, A-level Physics pupils are given the opportunity to study GCSE Astronomy

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There are three compulsory modules in Year 14 leading to an A-level Physics award. These are
  • Unit A2 1 - Momentum, Thermal Physics, Circular
    Motion, Oscillations and Atomic and
    Nuclear Physics

  • Unit A2 5 - Fields and Their Applications

  • Unit A2 6 - Practical Techniques (assessed by a practical exam)


GCSE Astronomy

We are very pleased to offer our Year 13 Science pupils the opportunity to study the fascinating subject of Astronomy....click for more

The course consists of detailed study of

  • the planet Earth

  • our solar system

  • stars and galaxies

  • constellations and observational astronomy

  • the origin of the Universe

  • the exploration of space by humans

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Our school is equipped with a powerful telescope and observations of the night sky form a substantial part of the course.

The course is offered as one of the options in our programme of Sixth Form Enrichment Studies. One year's study leads to a GCSE qualification in Astronomy.