PHYSICS
Studying Physics in Year 7 involves following a storyline of a trip to the moon followed by survival in the Australian outback . On the journey , we look at the forces involved , the energy transfers that take place , how to keep cool in the midday sun and warm during the cold nights . Thinking about the journey up and down allows us to look at when air resistance is unwanted but also when it is useful . The students are then equipped to race trolleys down slopes so that the slowest one wins . At two points in the year , we embark on a crossscience project with Biology and Chemistry , first looking at the Earth ’ s oceans and second having an insight into the science behind cooking .
Year 8 is a similar structure , with the first half of the year being based around going on holiday to a destination of the students ’ choice . We study the physics of flight , investigate how a 500-ton tube of metal can leave the ground and how airlines work out timetables based on speeds and distances . We also spend some time looking at electric circuits in this context . After all , you would want your switch to control only your own overhead light in the plane ! After an introduction to logic gates and control circuits we keep our feet on the ground and learn about the difficulties faced by engineers . Through investigating forces , moments , centres of mass , stretching , circular motion and pressure , we are ready to embark on our final topic , Theme Park . The students are now able to use all their skills to understand how theme park rides can safely provide a thrill . The topic culminates in the Summer term with a rollercoaster workshop and personal physics investigation at Thorpe Park .
The Lower School course is entirely conceptbased , so students see the applications of all the topics we study . We encourage hands-on learning by using lots of practical equipment and frequently setting the class challenges where there are many different ways to succeed . The students are given minimal guidance on some of these tasks and total freedom to experiment with their own ideas .
THE LOWER SCHOOL | AT SEVENOAKS 23