Physics

Learning, Teaching and Assessment in Physics

The OAKS course is built upon Physics in the National Curriculum, the Standards for the award of Qualified Teacher Status and the needs of Trainee Teachers, pupils and schools. Physics sessions will essentially look at ways of teaching Physics content through the 11-18 age range. Typical topics for Physics sessions include:

  • Safety and risk assessment in the science laboratory; working with a technician
  • Producing resources and getting students to prepare their own resources to make progress through keys and classification
  • Assessment for Learning (AFL) through the medium of the changes of state, energy transfers and efficiency
  • Modelling Physics through practical demonstrations and through student-initiated modelling in the context of electrical current, circuits and forces.
  • Developing students mathematical skills through the equations of motion, Velocity-Time and Displacement-Time graphs and Newton’s Laws.
  • Developing collaborative learning practices through the
    topic of Earth, Space and The Solar System.
  • Revisit models to overcome barriers to learning with more difficult concepts in Physics.
  • Developing practical skills and students abilities to take precise measurements in support of their investigations into a Physical phenomenon.
  • The Physics of waves – The Electromagnetic Spectrum, Properties of Light and Sound and the Wave Equation.
  • Exam technique – how do we prepare our students for the exam?

An important part of the course is learning how to create a stimulating and caring environment. To help create such an environment, you need to be enthusiastic and lessons need to be well planned and related to the needs of pupils. They need to be conducted in a well-organised way with a positive approach to control. You will be able to prepare in advance for handling different situations since strategies for maintaining discipline and managing the learning in a Physics laboratory are considered and discussed.

You will be encouraged to make use of Digital Technologies. Considerable attention is given to the use of Digital Technologies during the course. We also place emphasis on the development of your skills in Digital Technologies (both personal and professional) and provide a wealth of opportunities for you to become a highly competent, skilled technology user, whatever your starting point.

School experience

There are excellent working relationships between colleagues at our lead schools, the OAKS and other partnership schools that will contribute to your professional development. All schools have subject mentors who have been trained by us and they are responsible for your learning and development when on placement.

Course participants are assessed through written academic assignments and portfolios of evidence. Throughout your placements, you will be assessed against the National Teacher Standards. Your final award will be either a Postgraduate Certificate in Education or a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education, the outcome being determined by your performance in your formal academic assignments.

Physics trainee teachers are eligible for tax-free training scholarships and bursaries, with possible further funding in early-career payments. Click here for further details on funding.