3 Expert teachers
Teachers should have subject-specialist training (both initial and continuing) in the subject (biology, chemistry, physics etc.) and age range they teach, so they can carry out practical science with confidence and knowledge of the underlying principles:
- at post-16 level, teachers should have a post-A level science qualification related to the science subject they teach (biology, chemistry, physics), together with relevant pedagogical training
- at pre-16 level, if teachers do not have a post-A level science qualification related to the subject they teach, they should have had sufficient additional training to give them the confidence, subject knowledge and skills to conduct effective practical work at that level
- school science departments should review their teacher expertise annually, and ensure that individual needs for continuing professional development, including time for professional reflection
- SUPPORTING PHYSICS TEACHING -IOP
One of the best physics resources available, with detailed explanations of the physics. Also includes a section on student misconceptions and the challenges with teaching each topic.
Download - TALKPHYSICS
An excellent place to ask your physics questions, or look up ways of doing things. You have to register, although everything is free.
Download - PHYSICS DEMONSTRATIONS
Find out how to set the equipment up and how to explain what’s happening to students. Perfect for non-specialists.
Download - TEACHING ADVANCED PHYSICS -IOP
Written with developing teachers' subject knowledge in mind, a comprehensive set of post 16 resources.
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- TEACHING AND LEARNING CHEMISTRY
Sound resources here on the misconceptions in chemistry and challenging able students, from the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Download - CHEMGUIDE
A comprehensive website for you to develop and check your subject knowledge.
Download - MICROBIOLOGY HANDBOOK
Brush up on aseptic technique, sterilisation, inoculation, culture media and working with moulds, bacteria and yeasts.
Download - OPENSTAX - FREE ONLINE TEXTBOOKS
Develop or update your subject knowledge with these undergraduate-level textbooks.
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- POST-16 GENOMICS
Excellent for updating your own subject knowledge, as well as for teaching resources.
Download - SECONDARY SCIENCE COMMUNITY GROUP
Join over 5000 members to ask questions, or share ideas and resources.
Join now - CHEMISTRY SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE AUDIT
Two self-assessment audits covering pre and post 16 subject knowledge.
Take the test - BIOTUTOR
Learn about good practice in biology teaching, new ideas and resources. This is a great place to ask your biology questions.
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- DEMONSTRATING CHEMISTRY - TOP OF THE FLOPS
A look at ten experiments that often go wrong, with advice from CLEAPSS on how to make them a success every time.
Download - WELLCOME TRUST SANGER INSTITUTE RESOURCES
A great source of up to date genetics resources.
Download - STATISTICS FOR BIOLOGY PRACTICALS MADE EASY
Accessible to both teachers and A-level students.
Download - ACTIVITIES FOR TEACHING MATHS SKILLS
Develop your teaching of the maths content in science.
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- MATHS IN SCIENCE - ASE
A useful booklet to develop your own understanding of the maths skills in GCSE science.
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