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Physics

Aims and objectives

The physics courses aim to develop in students an interest in physics and an understanding of a range of concepts, processes and skills. Students should become independent learners and apply their knowledge of physics to a variety of situations in both the natural and technological world. Students will increase their ability to visualize and analyze abstract physical situations both by written description and mathematical calculation. Students are expected to understand how the ideas of physics are acquired, tested and applied. Students should come to appreciate the influences of economic, political and social factors and the importance of the knowledge of physics in environmental problems. Students will appreciate that physics is a science basic to any understanding of other sciences and technology.

Students should be able to demonstrate:

·the knowledge of fundamental principles in the areas of both classical physics and modern physics.

·the capacity for problem solving and the ability to apply the principles and laws of physics in a variety of situations.

·a command of practical laboratory skills.

·an understanding that the knowledge of physics is acquired by performing experiments and investigations.

·the skills of effective scientific communication.

·the ability to evaluate scientific information.


Contents and Courses

Physics is offered for students of grades 9 to 12. SHSID compels all students to take physics courses in grade 9.

To serve a wider variety of students, a diverse curriculum is offered, including advanced courses as well as courses designed to attract and hold the interest of students whose natural inclinations lie elsewhere.

Standard Level(S) is designed to offer the core materials of the subject. Standard plus (S+) is an intermediate course between S and H. Honored Level (H) is intended to extend the academic realm of students who demonstrate interest and talent in the subject. International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP) and General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (A-Level) are offered for grades 11 and 12. Practical work is assessed at all levels.


Level

Grade

Standard level

(S)

Standard plus level (S+)

Honors level

(H)

A-Level Physics

AP Physics

IB Physics

9

Mechanics


10

Thermal Physics, Static Electricity and Current

11

Rotational Mechanics, Wave & Sound, Electricity, Electromagnetism

AS

AP Physics 1

IB Physics

SL/HL

12

Geometric Optics，Electromagnetic Waves, Nuclear Physics   & Quantum Physics

A2

AP Physics 2

AP Physics C:Mechanics


Teaching faculty

Skilled and knowledgeable teachers are essential to the successful delivery of all courses in the classroom. Over 90% of our teachers hold a master’s degree in physics. Effective teaching requires not only formal academic training, but also consistent practice to hone techniques for maintaining effective communication with students. To ensure that all teachers share a common vision of our entire physics program and fully understand the role they can play to make physics courses as a whole a success, the following measures are taken:

·All new teachers are placed on a two-year tutelage under a senior teacher. The mentor is responsible for guidance on subject content. The new teacher is expected to observe the mentor’s classes throughout the two years and the mentor is responsible for observing and coaching the new teacher.

·Carefully planned, school based and sequential development programs are conducted for all teachers on a regular basis. The programs focus on the consolidation of successful school programs and the re-evaluation of programs that have deviated from the desired outcome. Dissemination of new teaching strategies and discussion of classroom management problems faced by teachers as well as ways to deal with those problems are also included.


Philosophy of teaching

·Teachers tailor-make what they need, as no single textbook may suit their requirements.

·The use of information and communication technology (ICT) is encouraged in instruction. Teachers are encouraged to be familiar with recent developments in the field and to incorporate ICT in their physics classrooms and practical work throughout the course.

·Emphasis is placed on independent research and the students’ growing responsibility for their own learning. Students are given ample opportunity for independent work and research.

·Teachers understand that teaching should not be dominated by formal didactic pedagogy. Teachers are encouraged to organize group work and class discussions.

·After class one-on-one consultations are encouraged.


Science laboratories

The physics courses place a strong emphasis on practical work. The experiments are student-centered, including open-ended investigations, which call on students to demonstrate a range of practical skills. Lab provisions include:

·Suitable storage rooms

·Suitably equipped labs

·Sufficient equipment

·Lab technicians