Stimulating Physics Network
The drastic shortage of specialist physics teachers in England ( ~ 40%) has been getting worse for most of the last 20 years, largely due to low levels of recruitment.
Happily, as a result of recent changes in policy following years of lobbying by the Institute of Physics, recruitment is now healthy. However, it is still the case that many children up to age 16 are taught physics by non-specialists, usually biologists, and will be for at least the next decade.
The Institute is working with government in a project, Stimulating Physics Network [SPN], to improve the knowledge and confidence of these non-specialists.
Using government data, we identify schools where we feel that progression to Physics A-level (the next stage beyond age 16) is weak. We then engage the schools at the most senior level and then operate within the schools, working with the whole team of teachers and technicians on topics they identify. We draw upon specialised resources that have been developed by the Institute over many years.
The results have been spectacular: not only are the teachers excited and enthused but the numbers studying A-level Physics in these schools have increased by 70% for boys and a massive 200% for girls.
Further details can be found on SPN website.
