In stark contrast to the worrying decline in pupils studying physics, the College  is experiencing dramatic growth with 1 in 4 sixth formers sitting A level Physics. Compared to the national figure of 3.6% of pupils taking A level Physics, 23.7% of College candidates sat the exam this year, an increase of more than 10% on 2005. Two-thirds of these young people scored an A or B grade compared to a national average of 50%. 

The growth in interest is set to continue at the College with the number of pupils choosing to take Physics next year increasing to over 30%.

The uptake of Maths at the College also outstrips the national norm with 34% of A level students taking the core subject against a 7% average uptake across the UK. Over half (54%) achieved an A grade, significantly above the national figure of 40%.

Sixth Former, Matthew Smalley, who scored straight As in Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics, is one young person intent on pursuing his interest in physics with a confirmed place at Oxford University. “I’ve always enjoyed science from a young age and I’m really pleased to have done so well.” 

Head of Physics, Adrian Baker, explains what he believes the secret is behind the College’s success in attracting so many students to study physics: “First of all, we’re building on a strong foundation; I took over the department from someone who had inspired pupils for over thirty years. Secondly, we’re fortunate to have superb facilities to work with which allow us to do so much more. But, most important of all, our key policy is that physics should be fun, interesting and exciting. I want pupils to come up the stairs really looking forward to the lesson. I don’t dispute that it’s a hard subject but I want give the pupils the confidence to think, “yes, it’s hard but I can do it.” It is all about confidence and believing that it can be fun. The fact that we’re seeing more girls choosing to take A level physics is particularly pleasing and, I think, shows the message is getting through.” 

In keeping with the “fun, interesting and exciting” policy, the College, catering for children aged 4 to 18 years, recently opened an interactive science centre which aims to enthuse children about science from a young age, with over 35 hands on displays for pupils working at Key Stage 2 level. The centre is also open to all primary schools in the area.