Teacher Support
The Institute has recognised that one of the greatest obstacles it must address is the shortage of physics specialist teaching in schools - more than a fifth of 11-16 schools have no physics specialists in their science departments. Since the biggest contributing factor to students’ degree choices is their experiences in the classroom, non-specialist teachers of physics must be of a sufficiently high-quality to engage students effectively and to motivate them to consider taking physics at A-level. This project aimed to work with non-specialist teachers to improve their confidence and competence in teaching physics.
Activities included regular Continuing Professional Development (CPD) with regional advisors, and a Summer School programme. Regional advisors also went into schools to work with departments, delivering guidance sessions and teaching material.
Key outcomes
The use of regional advisers was found to be extremely effective, and this type of intensive support will be facilitated in the DCSF-funded Programme: the Stimulating Physics Network. This joint collaboration between the Institute and Science Learning Centres will consist of 37 Physics Network co-ordinators and 23 Teaching and Learning Coaches. The network will provide global support for all secondary schools and bespoke programmes for 276 schools throughout England.