Has the UK Education System Destroyed Physics?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Andre
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Physics
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The UK education system has undergone significant changes to the physics curriculum, particularly with the introduction of a new syllabus by the Department for Education and AQA, which has diluted the subject's core principles. Physics teachers express concern that the new focus on "how science works" overshadows essential quantitative skills, leading to a decline in genuine physics education. Many educators believe that this shift will discourage students from pursuing careers in science and engineering, ultimately harming the future of physics in the UK.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of GCSE and A-Level physics curricula
  • Familiarity with the role of the Department for Education in the UK
  • Knowledge of the AQA examination board and its impact on science education
  • Awareness of the importance of quantitative analysis in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of the new AQA physics syllabus on student outcomes
  • Explore methods for integrating quantitative skills into high school physics education
  • Investigate the role of teacher training in adapting to curriculum changes
  • Examine case studies of successful physics programs that maintain rigorous standards
USEFUL FOR

Physics educators, curriculum developers, policymakers in education, and anyone interested in the future of science education in the UK.

  • #31
Hmm, a bit off topic, but anyway: I'm taking the A-level in physics(Edexcel). I've got the synoptic paper tomorrow and I'm also taking Advanced Extension, which is exactly the same material, but the questions are more oriented at problem solving rather than snot-chewing. Anyway, I find the Advanced Extension paper to be easier in many ways, compared to the synoptic. Sure, the questions are tricky, but at least they don't ask you to explain something obvious, where you have to guess what answer will give you the marks. You just solve the problem given(or try to, anyway).

Just my 2 cents.(I had 3 A-level exams today, so my post may be not very coherent. Sorry about that, my brain is fried.)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
Good luck - and don't feel bad about us old farts going on about how you have it easy and it's not like when we were at school. People have been saying that about students since pythagorus was a lad!
 
  • #33
Wow, sorry to hear about that. I hope it changes. Wish I could sign.
 

Similar threads

How does the education system in the UK work?
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
7K
Courses Physics education PhD then MSc Physics
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Admissions I Need some advice about my physics undergraduate options
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Other Continuing my education to get a physics degree
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Programs What subject is better for an aspiring experimental physicist?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K
Courses What are the best A-Level options for someone wanting to do Physics?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
1K
Programs Cal Poly SLO vs a UCSB Physics Undergrad
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
How to switch from engineering with unknown undergrad name to Physics?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Programs Physics and Philosophy BSc - What to expect?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Is it possible to switch from physics to maths after undergrad?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K