Physics PartnersPhysics Partners
Physics Partners
Expert practical help for schools
  • Home
  • About us
    • Vacancies
  • Get involved
  • Impact
    • Effective Professional Learning
    • Schools map
  • News
  • Events
  • Resources
    • Experiments
    • Numeracy challenges in GCSE science
    • Films
    • GCSE physics required practicals
    • Training Resources
    • Trustees
  • Contact
  • Login
    • Register
    • User profile
Menu back  

How a Head of Science found physics support for non-specialist teachers

November 10, 2020

Thanks to Krysia Sosin, former Head of Science at Buxton School in London and now a trustee for Physics Partners, for this guest blog post on how she focused on developing her own department to transform physics teaching in her school.

Year after year our outcomes were improving but results for biology and chemistry continued to be ahead of physics. In a London comprehensive school, recruitment was tough for our science department and finding a physics specialist was near impossible. After several years of trying, I realised the key was not finding a new member of staff member but developing those I already had. Thankfully with a willing and enthusiastic team, they lapped up all the support I could find but still lacked confidence in physics, particularly in practical work and experiments.

Then I found Physics Partners. This was when things really started to change. Physics Partners delivered regular CPD in our school showing us what to do with our own equipment in our own labs. They worked with technicians as well as teaching staff so we could develop our practical work and help the students to enjoy physics as much as they already enjoyed biology and chemistry. The Physics Partners trainers were fun and engaging and really boosted the department. We looked forward to their sessions and we all gained so much confidence. Staff stopped looking as physics as something to ‘get through’ but could deliver it enthusiastically to Key Stage 4. I knew working with Physics Partners was effective when the number of students going on to study physics at college started to increase and our results improved across the three sciences at GCSE.If you’re struggling to find a physics specialist for your department or looking for support in developing your own team, I’d highly  recommend getting in touch with Physics Partners to boost physics teaching in your school!

Looking for support in delivering physics at Key Stage 4? Don’t miss Physics Fuel: Power Boost, a series of free CPD films designed to help you explain common misconceptions and give practical advice for the classroom. Watch for free and share with colleagues.

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
Related posts
A welcome power boost for physics teachers
November 29, 2020
Nurturing Talent: Creating a climate in which non-specialist teachers of physics can thrive
November 10, 2020
Geogebra: Animate Mathematics
October 20, 2020
Online Physics Festival
June 19, 2020
New Chief Executive takes up post at Physics Partners
April 1, 2019
Taunton schools discuss specific heat capacity
November 25, 2016
Testimonials
  • I have always dreaded physics practicals, but now I have a lot more confidence in setting up equipment. Other physics insets I have attended were just watch and do, but Physics Partners have the time to explain everything that I did not fully understand.

    Annie Jand
    Senior Science Technician, Buxton School
  • “Physics remains vitally important to our industries, our infrastructure and our economic wellbeing. For all these reasons, and to allow children to explore their scientific curiosity, all pupils deserve the opportunity to experience expert, innovative physics teaching. Physics Partners helps to achieve this important aim by sending its team of expert trainers into schools to support physics teachers and technicians.The work of Physics Partners fills a real gap in educational provision: I have watched with great interest the expansion of its activities and the increasing recognition of its value. As its Patron I wish it continuing and increasing success.”

    Sir Richard Friend
    Cavendish Professor of Physics, University of Cambridge
  • “As a result of Physics Partners involvement, physics teaching at Harris Academy Chafford Hundred is much stronger, with more students choosing to take it at A-level. We have gained a variety of techniques which we can use in the classroom.”

    Nick Power
    Former Specialist Leader of Education – Science; Harris Academy Chafford Hundred
  • “We started a new hub in Bedford. Physics Partners were instrumental in forming the group and starting us off with training at the Institute of Physics. Our first meeting looked at the challenges of encouraging girls into studying Physics at A-level and beyond. We will also focus on methods of teaching Physics at KS3 to share good practice and build the confidence and skills in all our Physics teachers, specialist and non-specialist, to deliver stimulating lessons. We are so grateful to Physics Partners for initiating this project and are very much looking forward to what the future brings.”

    Emma Smart
    Head of Science, Bedford Girls' School
  • “Resources provided and shared have been instrumental in allowing teaching staff to improve the quality of teaching and learning in physics lessons at all key stages. Inexperienced staff have been given the confidence to teach physics in an engaging and challenging way.”

    Andrew Griffin
    Federation Consultant for Science, Harris Federation
Copyright 2015 Physics Partners // All Rights Reserved // Registered Charity Number 1125644