Promoting physics at A-level and beyond
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Transcript of Promoting physics at A-level and beyond
Promoting physics at A-level and beyondLAMPTON SCHOOL
Jess Hamer
Lampton School• 11-18 mixed Academy in Hounslow• “National Teaching School” status• Physics, Biology and Chemistry A-level offered• Above national average numbers of students with
English as an additional language• 67% A*-C including English and Maths• Over 90% of 6th form continue to study at university• Problem of high achievement low aspiration
Working with the
• Cambridge Chemistry Challenge• Science Challenge Day - Queen Mary’s• IOP Roadshow• Queen Mary’s/SEPnet rollercoaster workshop• Hosted RI Lecture Series• I’m a Scientist- Get me out of Here!• Particle detector project with University of Surrey• Go4SET• University of Southampton astrodome• Lectures and visits from individuals (Stemnet & others)• Chemnet Ambassador• Visits to Imperial/RHUL/Rutherford Appleton Labs, Centre of
the Cell, Sangar etc.• Science career speed-dating• STEM challenges
1. Numbers taking physics post-16 have almost doubled
2. Initial figures for this year suggest a significant increase in numbers continuing on to study STEM subjects at university
3. Physics results at GCSE and A-level are now in line with other science subjects
4. The profile of physics has been raised throughout the school
IMPACT
Visiting UniversitiesDrawbacks• Cost of covering teachers• Pupils missing lessons• Staff missing lessons• Journey time• Can be logistically
difficult• Often only small groups
of pupils involved• Paperwork
Benefits• Pupils get to
“experience” university• Most enrichment
opportunities are university-based
• Learning skills away from the classroom
• Rewarding for pupils
Bringing university to school!
I’m a Scientist WorkshopsLectures
• UCL• University of Westminster• Surrey University• RHUL• University of Liverpool• St Georges
OUTCOME• Pupils were enthused • Pupils made aware of the
range of physics-related subjects at university
• Face to face contact with university students
• Learning about university and inspired pupils to be ambitious
• Not teacher-led
• Many pupils had access• Fairly easy to organise
thanks to outreach staff at universities
• University students gained valuable skills and experience (and apparently enjoyed it!)
• Promoted university/subject area