Bright minds turn curiosity into discovery
Join schools to compete in our KS4 or KS5 Physics Challenges, or participate in our online GCSE Physics Plus+ course to get an insight into A-level Physics. Details of how to get involved in all our programmes are on this page.
Related pages
GCSE Physics Plus+
Target Audience:
Year 10 and 11 students who are interested in and excited by Physics and who are considering studying the subject at A-level.
Format:
Weekly, hour-long, interactive online lessons delivered by EMS teachers after school hours. Students join us in Year 10, commencing early in the Summer term and continue on the programme until the February half term of Year 11. The programme includes one face-to-face day in Exeter towards the end of the Summer term in Year 10, when students have the opportunity to get their hands dirty with some exciting practicals.
Aim:
To inspire students by exposing them to deeper extension and exploration of GCSE Physics to encourage study of the subject beyond KS4.
How to apply:
Applications for Year 10 students open in the Spring term each year. Teachers are sent information about the course to share with students who they think will benefit from participating. Students can then apply for a place directly. Students already enrolled on the Year 10 programme will automatically be moved up into the next year group in September.
Capacity:
30
GCSE Physics Plus+ Programme Information
During a series of online, interactive workshops, students will have the opportunity to develop a deeper and more connected understanding of Physics that builds on and goes beyond GCSE content.
Supported by EMS staff, students will be provided with the stimuli to broaden their application of Physics and its related fields, whilst supporting their development; thereby encouraging them towards further study of Physics beyond GCSE.
The latter part of the programme includes a focus on GCSE preparation.
How it works
Students join the programme in Year 10 and participate in weekly online after-school workshops, starting soon after Easter. Students remain on the programme until February half term of Year 11.
GCSE Physics Plus+ Programme Schedule 2026-27
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 28 April | 1630-1730 | Online |
| Tuesday 5 May | 1630-1730 | Online |
| Tuesday 12 May | 1630-1730 | Online |
| Tuesday 19 May | 1630-1730 | Online |
| HALF TERM | ||
| Tuesday 2 June | 1630-1730 | Online |
| Tuesday 9 June | 1630-1730 | Online |
| Tuesday 16 June | 1630-1730 | Online |
| Tuesday 23 June | 1630-1730 | Online |
| Tuesday 30 June | 1630-1730 | Online |
| Tuesday 7 July | 1030-1430 | Exeter Maths School |
KS5 Physics Challenge
Target Audience:
Year 12 and 13 students from across the South West.
Date:
November 2026 – exact date TBC
Venue:
Future Skills Centre, Exeter, EX2 5LJ
Format:
An afternoon event with four rounds in a team-based inter-school competition.
Aim:
To have fun, be challenged and enjoy Physics in a buzzy environment!
How to get involved:
Information is sent to all 11-18 schools in our catchment area in the Autumn term each year. Teachers can request to be added to our mailing list by emailing events@exeterms.ac.uk
Capacity:
80 (20 teams)
KS4 Physics Challenge
Target Audience:
Year 10 and 11 students from across the South West.
Date:
January 2027 – exact date TBC
Venue:
Future Skills Centre, Exeter, EX2 5LJ
Format:
An afternoon event with four rounds in a team-based inter-school competition.
Aim:
To have fun, be challenged and enjoy Physics in a buzzy environment!
How to get involved:
Information is sent to all 11-18 schools in our catchment area in the Autumn term each year. Teachers can request to be added to our mailing list by emailing events@exeterms.ac.uk
Capacity:
80 (20 teams)