Teachers and Imperial join forces to add spark to classroom physics

Imperial hosts a workshop to support GCSE physics teaching - News

Wednesday 13 April 2011
by John-Paul Jones

Teachers found themselves back in the classroom during the Easter break yesterday, but on the other side of the desk, thanks to a new workshop run by the Department of Physics at Imperial College London.

The free workshop was targeted at state school science teachers who teach physics as part of GCSE science courses but who don't have a physics background, with the aim of boosting their confidence in teaching the subject.

One of the organisers, Teaching Fellow Dr Mark Richards, said:

“We wanted to think of ways to ensure school students are excited by physics and not turned off by it and that they maintain an interest in it at A level and beyond. We’re not presuming to give teachers lessons on how to teach – this is about motivating them and equipping them with some simple demonstration skills that spark the imaginations of their students in the classroom without requiring extensive resources."

Attendees taking part in an example demonstration

The 24 attendees were divided into three groups, taking it in turns to participate in sessions looking at the importance of physics today, as well as ways to enhance lessons by using simple experiments and demonstrations, and computer programmes which provide an insight into inspiring research.

Teacher Maria Serrano from Harrow High School said: “The day at Imperial was great and it opened my eyes to the fact that, as a teacher, I can be an important factor in my students choosing to apply to an excellent university.”

The day ended with a roundtable discussion giving the teachers an opportunity to share their perspective on what needs to be done to ensure talented students feel confident to pursue science degrees at the UK's most renowned universities.

The workshop, which was sponsored by Imperial and the Institute of Physics, was organised by Dr Richards together with Dr Vijay Tymms and Dr Caroline Clewley, with a welcome and opening lecture from Professor Chris Phillips. The Department is now looking at other opportunities to run similar workshops with teachers in the future.