Free training day
It’s well known that schools can struggle to find specialist Physics teachers – not just in Kent but across the UK and even beyond – and that teachers of other science disciplines have to take up the slack. So it’s great to be able to report not just one but two good news stories about Physics teaching!
The Stimulating Physics Network has teamed up with Physics Partners to organise a day of free physics training in Canterbury on Saturday 3 March, funded by the Department of Education. It’s the first Regional Physics Day for teachers in Kent, modelled on successful events in London and elsewhere. Regional Physics Adviser Christina Astin is tasked with its organisation, with the aim that it will be popular with colleagues from schools in Canterbury, Shepway and Thanet, for whom London-based courses can be a bit of a trek.
During the day participating teachers will be able to find out more about Kent Physics Teacher of the Year award – the second piece of good news! This award forms part of the KM Charity Team Teacher of the Year scheme which celebrates excellent teaching. And with the challenges of teaching a shortage subject like physics, what better way to encourage and reward our best and most dedicated practitioners?
The day is being kindly hosted by St Anselm’s Catholic School in Canterbury and features 16 workshops to choose from on topics ranging from teaching basic electric circuits to ideas for teaching radioactivity. Some sessions will be very hands-on, such as “Oh no, it’s required!” which will give teachers practical advice on delivering the new GCSE core practicals; others target themes, such as helping our students learn equations.
The opportunity to meet other teachers and build networks is often the most valuable aspect of such training, and plenty of time will be available over lunch, which is provided free-of-charge. One school has their entire science department attending, as a team-bonding occasion (and of course it counts as a whole day’s CPD)!
For further information and to book a free place, click here.
To find out more about Kent Teacher of the Year and to nominate your favourite physics teacher, click here.
Christina Astin
