Physics Partners is a dynamic educational charity providing hands-on training and support for non-specialist and newly qualified physics teachers in state secondary schools.
supporting teachers & improving physics teaching
Who we are
Physics Partners is a dynamic educational charity with a mission to improve physics teaching in state schools. We support newly qualified teachers, and teachers without a physics qualification, to give better and more exciting lessons, and to inspire pupils to consider taking physics at A-level. Physics underpins a vast range of careers – from engineering through medical research and on to IT-based industries and video games.
How we work
Our support is free/subsidised. We use teams of expert trainers, who visit schools to work with teachers and technicians. We help prepare lesson plans, and we train teachers and technicians to conduct practical experiments, using the school’s own equipment. Our support is backed up by mentoring using email and Skype; and we will soon have a free online library of more than 200 experiments, giving step by step instructions, together with notes for teachers, technicians and pupils. All experiments are being cross-referenced to AQA, EDEXCEL, OCR and WJEC.
Why we exist
Physics is essential to our understanding of the universe. It is also the gateway to many of today’s most exciting careers. All pupils with scientific aptitude should have the chance to develop their scientific skills and knowledge. The shortage of qualified physics teachers in the UK is a barrier to many pupils achieving their scientific ambitions. Thousands of lessons are given by teachers without a physics-based degree. We use our expertise to support these teachers to acquire the understanding and confidence to give engaging physics lessons, and to capture the imagination of their pupils for this vitally important subject.
Our History
In 2007, our founding trustees recognised the need to improve physics teaching. With help from the Ernest Cook Foundation, we set up pilot schemes to help a small number of schools. We quickly realised that we were meeting a real need. Our method of going into schools and training staff on their own equipment worked well, and has been independently validated. We are now giving support to more than 200 schools.
What Physics Partners OfferS
In-School Training
Free/Subsidised in-school support (half-day/full-day/INSET) physics support
Physics Hubs
Regular Physics support and networking through local Physics Hubs across the UK
Student Events
Study Days and Girls in STEM events for secondary school students.
Online Teacher Training
Enable more regular use of practicals to raise pupil interest, with PowerPoint presentations to accompany each experiment/teaching point
Teaching GCSE Videos
Short video covering key topics in the curriculum
Careers support for Teachers
Short films and presentations to help integrate physics careers into lessons.
Equality, diversity and inclusiON
At Physics Partners, we are committed to promoting equal opportunities and creating an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and enhances our ability to fulfil our mission.
Our commitment to equal opportunities encompasses all aspects of our work.
- We ensure that our recruitment and employment practices are free from discrimination, harassment, and bias. We provide equal opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
- We do not discriminate in access to training and development programmes based on any protected characteristic.
- We strive to create a working environment that is respectful, inclusive, and supportive. Harassment, discrimination, and any form of bullying are not tolerated within our organisation.
- Our programmes and services are designed to be inclusive and accessible to all individuals. We make reasonable accommodations to ensure that everyone can participate and benefit from our activities and services.
- We have a complaints procedure for reporting discrimination, harassment, or any unequal treatment. All reports are taken seriously and will be thoroughly investigated with appropriate action taken.
- We are committed to continuous improvement in our efforts to promote equal opportunities. We regularly review and update our policies and practices to ensure they align with our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
This Equal Opportunities Statement reflects our dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive community within our charity. We encourage all trustees staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, and partners to embrace and uphold these principles.
We believe that by embracing diversity and ensuring equal opportunities, we can better achieve our mission and create a more just and equitable society.
Our Team
Trustees
Isabelle Haigh
Chair
Engineer and former Executive at National Grid ESO
Andrew Burton OBE
Trustee
Former Air Vice-Marshal and Head of Royal Air Force Administration; Former Bursar and Clerk to the Governors at Sevenoaks School
Thomas Cookson MBE
Deputy-Chair
Former Head of King Edward V1 School, Southampton; Sevenoaks School and Winchester College
Winston Ginsberg
Trustee
Former Partner of TowerBrook Capital Partners.
Arpan Mehta
Trustee
Clinical Senior Lecturer and Hon. Consultant Neurologist, MRC Protein Phosphorylation & Ubiquitylation Unit, University of Dundee
Emma Smart
Trustee
Head of Science, Bedford Girls’ School
Krysia Sosin
Trustee
Assistant Headteacher, Hylands School, Chelmsford
Mary Breen
Trustee
Schools Adviser, Farrer & Co, Non executive director, Northwood Schools, Former Head, St Mary’s School, Ascot
Staff
Sally Smith
Chief Executive Officer
Experienced charity-sector senior manager, formerly at Diabetes UK
Advisers
Christina Astin
Education Consultant and Trainer, Astin Consulting; Kent Science Adviser and former Head of Science, King’s School Canterbury
Dr Alan Barr
Professor of Particle Physics, Oxford University
Sir Richard Friend FRS
Cavendish Professor of Physics, Cambridge University
