Physics
Wittgenstein once remarked, "Physics is what physicists do". At Caterham we do lots and we do it brilliantly! It is taught by five specialist teachers and has the excellent support of a designated Technician. The First and Second Years have two lessons a week rising to three in the Third, Fourth and Fifth Years. Pupils generally study the Edexcel IGCSE Single (Triple) Award course, some pupils may change to study the IGCSE Double Award (Combined) course at a later date. In the Sixth Form we follow the OCR specifications, with eight periods a week in both years.
The Physics Department at Caterham School has always had a strong a strong academic reputation, and this continues. Besides contributing to the outstanding GCSE results of the Science Department, the Physics passes at this level have shown 100% success at A/A* grade. At least 70 students study the subject in the Sixth Form, and at A Level in 2008 all pupils passed with A/B grades.
The Department places great emphasis on practical work, and has a continuing programme of development of its own experiments for use with all year groups. To illustrate areas of Physics studied in the Upper Sixth, students visit the particle physics research facilities at CERN, Geneva.
Emphasising the relevance of physics to the pupil's everyday lives, and the importance of it to our modern technological society is also a cornerstone of the Department's work, as is the active participation of pupils in understanding how physics is involved in many seemingly surprising careers.
The Department has always led the school in the use of IT equipment. It was the first Department in the School to have its own suite of PCs, and a set of laptops for use by all pupils, from the First Year upwards, for data logging. Pupils are actively encouraged to use both traditional and the most up-to-date experimental techniques.
Biographies
Lloyd Dannatt, Head of Physics
Lloyd graduated from Imperial College in 2003 with a MEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. As a boarding tutor, Lloyd is very involved in looking after the welfare of some of the boarding pupils. He is very involved in the running of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, helping pupils to gain bronze, silver and gold awards. He also plays an active role in the running of the school's Christian Union. His interests include sailing, car mechanics and electronic design. Email: Lloyd.Dannatt@caterhamschool.co.uk
John Armitage, Teacher of Physics
John Armitage teaches Physics but has specialised in the teaching of science to the younger pupils enabling them to enjoy the subject and find it fun and exciting from the moment they start. He arranges the annual whole year educational outings to the Science Museum and Marwell Zoo for the lower school. As a Flt Lt in the RAF section of the CCF many have benefited from this demanding co-curricular organisation. Cadets have recently been to RAF bases at Kinloss, Lossiemouth, Leuchars and Marham and enjoyed the flying opportunities provided. John has a PGCE & a BSc in Mathematical Sciences and lives in Warlingham.
James Miller, Teacher of Physics
Jim has a B.Sc. in Physics as well as an M.A. in Science Education. He also has a PGCE and a TEFL qualification. He has taught physics in Scotland, Germany and S.E Asia as well as England. He sees his main role as helping to maintain the high academic standard of the Physics Department. His interests outside the school include golfing, hill walking, cycling and going to the gym.
Natalie Francis, Teacher of Physics
Natalie is a former pupil of Caterham School. She has a BSc (Hons) from Plymouth (UK) and Edith Cowan (Western Australia) Universities. Natalie aims to add to the exciting and contemporary approach to teaching physics at Caterham. She has a passion for travel and extreme sports being a keen surfer, snowboarder and qualified mountainboarding instructor. Natalie also helps the CCF contingent with their adventurous training programmes.
Alexander Wood MSc, Teacher of Physics