We're at one of my favourite points in the year: the exam classes have got the bit between their teeth, and I'm being bombarded by messages asking for help with this q or that q. I love the mental gymnastics of rapidly leaping from one topic to another 😍 Keeps me very happy!

We've got a new toy in the dept (really kindly donated by our Parent's Association) - a Vaonis Vespera digital observatory - a robotic astro-camera capable of automated deep-space photography. It is SO COOL!!!!!!!!!! (Images taken from my back garden!)

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the #ChemistryOlympiad this year. We are delighted to announce that Y13 students Annabel T and Madeleine W received Silver Certificates, while Amber W and Hannah D earned coveted Gold Awards! Very well done!👏🏻🎉

Remarkable difference between physics and chem/bio 🤔

Any AQA Physics teachers know what 'talk out' refers to on an A-level mark scheme??? Chat Physics

Saw these 'refraction cups' online this morning (from Arbor Sci). You fill with liquids of different densities and can investigate refraction/TIR. I thought they looked fab. Then I looked closely at the printed protractor on the bottom... unhelpful arrangement? Chat Physics

I’ve just done this. Very worth doing. Although disappointed that it seems to have been written by the RSC. As such, there’s a big bit about what teachers would like removed from GCSE Chem, to slim it down. But no similar q for Phys (or Bio) - a glaring omission, @iopteaching

Today I had the total privilege of being the 'wing man' to a colleague as she ran an inspirational session with a gang of Y7s exploring the science and ethics of detecting exoplanets. Watching an exceptional classroom practitioner in action: balm for the soul. 😍 #lovephysics

Have seen yesterday’s AQA paper 1. 3 ‘tricky’ sub-questions in amongst it all. But the rest was very doable. The m/c were a gift.

3 words better than “I love you”: “Friction is negligible” “Assume ideal gas” “Assume incomprehensible flow” “Steady state operation”

I have a daughter in Y10. It is only now becoming clear to me exactly HOW MUCH we ask of our young people doing their GCSEs. 10 subjects (ish). Hours of exams for each. So much learning for each, with real complexity in parts. All examined in a tiny window of time. Why???

My FANTASTIC lab technician has just presented me with a home-made air conditioning unit….!!!!! #lovePhysics

Have just seen Oppenheimer. Astonishingly good. Not least the recognition of the recency of so much physics. And such poignancy. Much food for thought on the ethics of science. I’m going to recommend all my 6th formers see it.

New Blog Post!! It's one of those set ups that was so simple I was a little annoyed that I hadn't ever done something like this earlier. I finally finished up a blog post about the Newton's Law Blocks complete with videos and designs to make your own. 😎 passionatelycurioussci.weebly.com/blog/newtons-l…

For your x metric units and unit conversion unit #iteachphysics

Demand outstrips supply in my dept: so many students want to take physics that we recruiting a part time physicist!!! Collaborative dept; centralised resources; passionate students; ace results! Interested? Drop me a line. Link here: shsk.org.uk/vacancy/teache… Chat Physics

Due to the popularity of physics, we are recruiting another physicist! Amazing school, great resources, engaged students, collaborative and supportive colleagues. Dm me for more info! Chat Physics Chat Sci The Physics Teacher IOP support for teaching physics A-Level Physics HQ shsk.org.uk/vacancy/teache…