The Physics department at JAGS aims to increase the girls’ awareness of the physical principles that govern the world in which we live.

Our intention is to develop curiosity about and understanding of the laws of nature which are evident all around us. We do this by promoting enquiry, by directing discussion, observation and experimentation and by supplying instruction.

All courses make significant use of practical work which is particularly used in the context of investigation rather than simply confirming theoretical knowledge.

We aim to encourage inquisitiveness and establish understanding in addition to equipping girls to pass exams successfully.

Our fundamental objective during Years 7-8 is to promote and enhance the natural curiosity and inquisitiveness that many of our girls display.  We aim to take Physics ‘out of the Lab’ and ‘into the street’ so that the girls don’t just see their Physics topics as an academic exercise but as a foundation for a clearer understanding of all they see about them in their everyday lives.

At GCSE level, for which preparations are made in Year 9, the girls begin to acquire a strong basic understanding of the relationships and interactions that govern the world in which we live. They are encouraged to become increasingly aware of the homogeneity of the Physical realm and to be able to predict the implications of particular circumstances and activities. They should begin to ‘see’ the world in which they live as a giant jigsaw where all parts fit together, from the very big (astrophysics) to the very small (sub-nuclear particles).

In the Sixth Form, alongside a natural increase in academic rigour, we aim to take full advantage of the interest and enthusiasm shown by JAGS girls that have chosen to study Physics to a higher level.  Teaching continues to be as practically based as possible and an even greater emphasis is now put on enquiry, discussion and investigation.  Mathematical modelling of many ideas becomes more routine. 

Each year, a number of Physics-related university places are taken up by Year 13 leavers, with the most recent entries being Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, Durham, Exeter and Bristol universities.

Physics News

Year 2 explore electric motors with Year 12 Physicists - February 2010

NASA Lunar Samples & NHM Meteorite Educational Samples