London:  Project Rationale

In Wandsworth, the Physics Factory is based around the successful physics department at Graveney School and is concentrating initially on the extension of A-level provision both in Graveney and the other participating schools in Wandsworth.

By providing inspirational lectures and hands on events, we hope to inspire more students to take physics further and encourage them to consider physics and related subjects as degree choices at university. Working with recent graduates and undergraduates we run a weekly problem solving session after hours to give AS students the impetus to push hard for top grades. Working with the Mastering Physics virtual learning environment supplied by Pearson and with the help and advice of the Wandsworth Senior Science Adviser we are building a network of physics teachers who can benefit from this project. The next phase of the project will be to explore the strengthening of the provision of GCSE physics teaching in Wandsworth Schools.

This will help schools meet the government's target to increase the uptake of separate sciences at GCSE. A key component of the project is to strengthen teaching in all Wandsworth schools with the aim of ensuring both retention and recruitment of good physics teachers across the borough.
David Perks, Head of Physics, Graveney School

The Physics Factory is exactly the sort of grass roots initiative we want to encourage.

Nick Gibb MP, Shadow Minister for Schools