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Build confidence for GCSE Physics teaching: from understanding fundamental concepts to hands-on lab work

This 5-session course is for qualified teachers of all levels, teaching GCSE-level physics content. Whether newly qualified, new to teaching GCSE-level physics, or simply in need of a refresher, this course will equip participants with the understanding and hands-on experience to confidently teach the core practical content of GCSE-level physics.

Each session will begin with a review of fundamental theory and quickly move on to practical, lab-based demonstrations and hands-on lab work.  All equipment, methods and consumables will be provided, as well as a year’s complimentary access to video physics analysis software*.

Dates & Times

The 5 sessions will take place from 5pm - 6.30pm and the course will have a 30-minute online 'kick-off' session on Monday 7th November 2022.

  • Wednesday 9th November 
  • Tuesday 15th November
  • Wednesday 23rd November
  • Tuesday 29th November
  • Wednesday 7th December

Prices

The course is £50 St Mary’s partnership schools, £75 Non-partnership schools.

Location

This course will take place on Main Campus, Twickenham.

Content

Pre-course session: Kick-off (online 30 min session)

  • Introductions
  • Summary of course
  • Q&A from participants

Session 1 Forces and Motion:

  • describing motion, velocity and acceleration – practical session mapped
  • introduction to Newton’s laws
  • force diagrams
  • gravity drag and flotation forces
  • demonstration/hands-on lab – based on AQA required practicals, plus lab work to encourage “predict explain observe react” AfL activity
  • teaching ideas and common misconceptions

Session 2 Energy:

  • definition and illustrative examples
  • types of energy
  • energy stores and pathways
  • how different branches of physics use the concept of energy
  • demonstration/hands-on lab - based on AQA required practicals, plus lab work to encourage “predict explain observe react” AfL activity
  • teaching ideas and common misconceptions

Session 3 Electricity:

  • Definitions and illustrative examples of key terms:
    • charge
    • circuits
    • volts
    • amps
  • demonstration/hands-on lab - based on AQA required practicals, plus lab work to encourage “predict explain observe react” AfL activity
  • teaching ideas and common misconceptions

Session 4 Waves:

  • definition of a wave
  • types of waves
  • wave description – frequency, wavelength
  • refraction, diffraction
  • measuring wavelength of light
  • demonstration/hands-on lab – slinky lab, wave video
  • teaching ideas and common misconceptions

Session 5 Magnetism:

  • magnets, motors and dynamos
  • definition and description of the magnetic field and the nature of magnetic force
  • magnetic induction
  • electromagnetic induction – transformers, power lines, levitating plates and rings
  • demonstration/hands-on lab – shaking torches, oscilloscopes
  • teaching ideas and common misconceptions  

About the Tutor

 stephen

Stephen Hearn is a hugely experienced, dedicated teacher and passionate advocate of Physics teaching. With a particular interest in non-specialist teacher subject knowledge development, Stephen has worked with the Institute of Physics and Charterhouse school to mentor and coach junior Physics teachers, over the past decade.  He has recently completed an MSc in Teacher Education from the University of Oxford, researching new ways to mentor teachers working out of specialism.

*For more information about the video physics analysis software see: https://www.inds.co.uk/product/video-physics/

Book your place now

 

For more information about this course please contact the Kim Leong. 

Email: kim.leong@stmarys.ac.uk