Physics

The Physics department is staffed by specialist Physics teachers, and Physics is taught as a discrete Science from the start of Senior School. The department has five up-to-date rooms. Practical work is encouraged, as is participation in national events such as the Physics Olympiad competitions.

Physics: Staffing

Mr Richard Bush (Head of Department)

Mr Bush has been at Heriot's for ten years and is a graduate of the University of Bath, with a particular interest in Mechanics. Mr Bush is also a key player in the School's timetabling group and is the overall coordinator for our very popular Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

Dr Miller Crawford

Dr Crawford recently joined us a new teacher having recently qualified from the University of Edinburgh.  He is enthusiastic about the night sky and runs a thriving astronomy club.

Mrs Maggie Hutton

Mrs Hutton is a long-serving member of the Heriot's staff who came to us having completed her education at the University of Lancaster. Mrs Hutton is an enthusiastic and articulate teacher, who is also in charge of the School's very successful swimming teams.

Ms Wendy Morgan

Ms Morgan joined us for the start of the 2009/10 session. She is an experienced teacher of Physics and enjoys the outdoors where she contibutes to the extra-curricular life of the school. Ms Morgan also runs an Engineering Club, entering competitions and placing physics in a most applied context.

Mr Iain Oliphant

Mr Oliphant joined us as a mature entrant to the teaching profession in 2006, bringing to us the experience gained during his career in oil exploration. He is the School's Health and Safety adviser, and has a prominent role in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

Mr Terry McKenna

Mr McKenna joined Heriot's in 1989 as our Physics Technician. In addition to his responsibilities for looking after our physics resources, he has a keen interest in audio-visual equipment and plays a key supporting role in school musical and theatrical productions.

Physics: Curriculum

S1

The S1 Physics course centres round the areas of energy, magnetism speed and time. These are explored through a wide mix of teaching techniques, introducing pupils to the protocols of practical work with dedicated Physics teachers.

S2

The course continues to expand pupils' knowledge of the physical world through an examination of sound, light and electricity.

S3

Typically ninety candidates follow the SQA Standard Grade Physics course at General and Credit levels. In S3 we aim to complete four of the seven units; Transport, Using Electricity, Telecommunications and Health Physics.

S4

The course continues with the SQA Standard Grade Physics course at General and Credit levels. The remaining three units are completed; Electronics, Energy Matters and Space Physics. The assessed practical work is also completed.

S5

The SQA Higher Physics course is chosen by typically sixty candidates. The course consists of three units; Mechanics and Properties of Matter, Electricity and Electronics, and Radiation and Matter.

S6

Heriot's usually presents around twenty candidates, in two sets, for Advanced Higher Physics. The theory course covers Mechanics; Electrical Phenomena and Waves. Candidates complete an individual Investigation with support from Physics staff and Technician.