Physics
Physics at Rainhill High School enables pupils to explore the fundamental principles that govern the universe, from the motion of everyday objects to the behaviour of electricity, light, energy and space. Pupils develop an understanding of how scientific theories explain natural phenomena and how physics shapes the technology that powers modern life.
Throughout Key Stage 3, pupils investigate forces, energy, electricity, waves and the structure of the universe while developing practical investigation skills and mathematical confidence. They learn to apply scientific models to explain observations and solve real-world problems.
At GCSE, pupils deepen their understanding through topics including energy, electricity, particle physics, radioactivity, forces, waves, magnetism and electromagnetism. They develop analytical, practical and problem-solving skills that prepare them for further study and future careers in science, engineering, technology and many other fields.
Year 7
Term 1 – Forces
Pupils investigate different types of forces, including contact and non-contact forces, gravity, friction and air resistance. They learn how forces affect the movement of objects, how to represent forces using force diagrams and how balanced and unbalanced forces influence motion.
Term 2 – Electricity
Pupils are introduced to electrical circuits and learn about current, voltage and resistance. They build simple series and parallel circuits, investigate electrical conductors and insulators, and explore how electricity is generated and used safely.
Term 3 – Space
Pupils study our Solar System, the movement of the Earth, Moon and planets, and how day, night and the seasons occur. They explore stars, galaxies and the wider universe while developing an understanding of gravity on a larger scale.
Year 8
Term 1 – Waves
Pupils investigate sound and light waves, learning how waves transfer energy without transferring matter. They study reflection, refraction, absorption and transmission, and explore how sound travels through different materials.
Term 2 – Energy
Pupils learn about different energy stores and energy transfers. They investigate renewable and non-renewable energy resources, energy efficiency and how energy can be conserved. The unit introduces calculations involving power and efficiency.
Term 3 – Pressure & Moments
Pupils explore pressure in solids, liquids and gases and investigate how pressure changes with force and surface area. They also study moments, levers and gears, learning how forces can produce turning effects and how these principles are applied in everyday engineering.
Year 10
Energy
Pupils investigate energy stores and energy transfers, learning how energy is conserved and how efficiency can be improved in everyday systems.
Electricity
They develop their understanding of electrical circuits, current, potential difference and resistance, learning how electrical components behave in both series and parallel circuits.
Particle Model of Matter
Pupils study the arrangement and movement of particles in solids, liquids and gases, investigating changes of state, density and internal energy.
Atomic Structure
This topic introduces radioactivity, nuclear decay and the structure of the atom, alongside the uses and risks associated with radioactive materials.
Year 11
Forces
Pupils investigate motion, speed, velocity, acceleration, momentum and stopping distances. They also study Newton’s Laws of Motion and how forces affect objects in different situations.
Waves
Pupils develop their understanding of wave behaviour, including electromagnetic waves and their applications in communication, medicine and everyday technology.
Magnetism and Electromagnetism
This topic explores permanent and induced magnets, magnetic fields, electromagnets, motors and generators, explaining how electricity and magnetism work together in modern technology.
Space Physics (Triple Science only, if applicable)
Where appropriate, pupils study the life cycle of stars, the formation of galaxies, red shift and theories relating to the origin and future of the universe.
Revision and Examination Preparation
During the final term, pupils revisit all GCSE topics through focused revision, required practicals, mathematical application and exam-style questions to consolidate their understanding and prepare thoroughly for their GCSE examinations.
Mrs J Thorogood – Principal
Rainhill High School, Warrington Road, Rainhill, Merseyside, L356NY
A paper copy of the information on our website is available on request.
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