The modern, high-tech Maxwell Science Centre is the base for all Edinburgh Academy physics teaching, as well as all biology and chemistry.

This course is taken in two and a half terms and leads to public exam in the middle of the summer term.  It is ideally suited to pupils who have shown good performance in Physics and have a genuine interest in the workings of the physical world around us. 

Physics frequently uses mathematics to help with analysis and so is often taken with Mathematics Higher.

This course is, in most cases, essential for anyone thinking of pursuing a degree in pure or applied sciences or in any of the professional engineering disciplines (Aeronautical, Civil, Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, Nautical etc). 

With its emphasis on problem-solving and analysis the course also benefits anyone wishing to read subjects such as Architecture, Medicine, Law or Finance.

Having successfully completed the Higher course, students can transfer to the second year of the A-Level course.

Kinematics
Dynamics
Properties of Materials

Simple electrical circuits
Series and Parallel Circuits
Internal Resistance
Analogue signal processing

Waves and Light
Semiconductor Devices
Nuclear Physics

To gain a course award a student must pass 3 unit tests (one per unit as detailed above), 3 pieces of coursework and a final exam (a single paper lasting 2 hours and 30 minutes).  This may sound daunting but the Unit tests and coursework are hurdles which will be cleared by any student who is working effectively.  Unit tests may be re-taken by anyone who fails them. In addition a preliminary exam will be sat by all students on the course.