Background

Over the past few years there has been a period of declining interest amongst young people in physics, and the number taking A-Level physics has dropped. The Salters" Company and the Horners' Company have joined forces to sponsor a new course, which has been developed by the University of York Science Education Group.

Launch

After a two-year pilot study at over 50 centres the course was launched nationally in September 2000 at nearly 200 centres in England and Wales. In 2002 some 2000 upper sixth form students are completing the A-Level course. The feedback from both teachers and students has been excellent and demand for the course is growing.

Course Content

The course has been designed along the lines of the Salters' Advanced Chemistry Project. It focuses on real-world applications chosen to appeal to students. These include examples of polymer-related subjects, including:

  • CD recording technology
  • Satellite operation
  • Sports and bungee jumping
  • Food production
  • Spare-part surgery
  • Transport
  • Surviving earthquakes.
 Studying Elasticity of Polymers


Course Support

The course also includes external studies of physics in action, and many schools choose to visit an 'industrial' venue. The course and syllabus are being promoted by the Edexcel Examinations Board and is supported by high-quality textbooks and resource packages published by Heinemann. The University of York Science Education Group provides the management of the infrastructure, which includes upgrade courses for teachers and technicians. Their supporting web site is at www.york.ac.uk/org/seg/salters/physics.

Project Director

For further information, please contact Dr Elizabeth Swinbank, Salters Horners Advanced Physics, Science Curriculum Centre, University of York, YO10 5DD. Telephone: 01904 432524; Fax: 01904 434078; E-mail: es14@york.ac.uk