About S3 Physics
Who we are
Success In Shortage Subjects (S3) is a registered Charity (No1125644). Its Trustees are former Heads and Governors of secondary schools.
What we do
The aims of the charity are to advance the education of the public by raising standards of teaching in schools generally and in particular the teaching of science, mathematics and modern languages. The charity’s first target has been the teaching of physics in secondary schools. We provide help for Key Stage 3 and 4 teachers of physics who have no specialist training in the subject. Our initial aim is to help with experiments and demonstrations. Hands-on experience is useful if pupils are to enjoy science. S3Physics is now fully accredited as a CPD provider.
The services we offer
- Visits by excellent, qualified physics teachers, who are STEM Ambassadors and have received specialist training from the Institute of Physics. One member of each team is usually a recently retired Physics teacher, the other a serving member of the Physics department of a partner school. They provide hands-on training and support for non-specialist and newly-qualified teachers with the aim of improving pupil participation in experiments.
- On-site training customized to the school’s teachers and technicians.
- Notes to extend the knowledge and understanding of teachers up to A level Physics.
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Access to the S3Physics website with a library of clear, detailed on-line resources, offering:
- Experiment worksheets (complete with illustrations) for pupils, with additional information and sample results for teachers and technicians.
- Notes for teachers on applications of Physics and key points.
- PowerPoint presentations related to each experiment for use in class.
- Bulletin board for the exchange of ideas and the posting of questions.
How we do it
The pilot scheme of state and independent school partners has been very successful and we are now a fully accredited CPD provider.
The Isle of Sheppey Academy
Coombe Girls’ School (New Malden)
Coombe Boys’ School (New Malden)
St Edmund’s Catholic Comprehensive School (Portsmouth)
with help from
Dulwich College
King’s College School, Wimbledon
Hampshire Collegiate School, Romsey (UCST)
Winchester College
The number of schools receiving CPD (Continuous Physics Development !!) is growing and S3Physics is now active across the SE and SW of England, from Devon to Kent, through Wiltshire, Hampshire and London.
How do schools join in?
Simply fill in the form on our Register page and we will contact you. School participation is available from September 2011.
How much will it cost?
The all-inclusive training fee is dependent on the size of the school. The nominal charge is between £40 and £80 per school science teacher per term. This pays for three visits from the team leader; two visits from the other team specialist; telephone and email mentoring and support; and unrestricted use of the library of online resources.
How is S3Physics Funded?
S3Physics has received generous grants from the Ernest Cook Trust. These have paid the costs of the pilot programme. From September 2009 S3Physics has been funded by its activities and further grants.
Testimonials
As a brand new academy the cohesive support and training provided to us by S3Physics has been excellent. The resources, which S3Physics have tailored to the needs of both teacher and student, are already paying dividends in terms of enhancing student motivation and learning in Physics content across the full range of courses. Science practitioners have commented that the bespoke training provided has helped them to build confidence in teaching practical Physics when this is not their specialism. Technical staff have also benefited from detailed advice and guidance as well as hands-on practical instruction. Their website is an invaluable additional tool for finding excellent well-written and well-illustrated resources. Feedback on how successful resources have been is acted upon promptly. I would strongly recommend S3 Physics to any other school with a desire to improve student and teacher participation and progress in Physics.
Gavin Gray, Assistant Team Leader Science with responsibility for Physics, The Isle of Sheppey Academy
Since its inception the S3Physics project has striven to be a valuable resource to non-specialist Physics teachers. The bespoke training days that have been organised at our school have been beneficial both in boosting the confidence of teachers and giving practical advice in areas of the Physics curriculum that they have not been comfortable in delivering. Teachers who have previously been very theory driven can now see the benefit of being more practical in their approach to their lessons. However, the strength of S3Physics is that the support goes much further than these training days. An excellent website allows teachers and technicians access to a range of further resources and many ideas that will not only enhance their teaching, but will ultimately develop the learning of the students they teach. The work that S3Physics does cannot be more highly recommended!
David Hägar, Head of Physics, Coombe Girls’ School
Want to sign up to S3?
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Curious, but want to see more?
View a sample experiment to find out what you can expect when you sign up.
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