Teacher Support
London
Niloufar Wijetunge
Teacher Network Coordinator in London
Holland Park School
Airlie Gardens
Campden Hill Road
London W8 7AF
Current position
Teacher of Science, Holland Park School
Career
I have taught science (Key stage 3 - 4), physics and maths (Key stage 4 - 5) in London for ten years. From 2003- 8 I was head of physics and head of sixth form at Ealing Independent College, a small school of a 100 GCSE and A level students. My current post could not be any more different – a big secondary comprehensive school of 1400 students. The school enjoys excellent facilities and resources and it has been a rewarding experience to utilise these when delivering lessons.
Having won a competition for a telescope in celebration of the International Year of Astronomy last year, I started up an Astronomy club that aims to prepare pupils for GCSE Astronomy in one year.
I have been involved with organising a range of events to promote physics. These include a presentation on astronomy to year 11 students delivered by popular science author Simon Singh and a speaker event entitled 'Physics in the city' led by two physics graduates who shared their experience of working as investment bankers. Recently I received an impact award from the Science Learning Centre for attending a 'Girls in physics' course and implementing various strategies at school.
Mission/Aims
- To establish a network of teachers in my local area that encourages dialogue between participants and provides a framework for supporting them in promoting physics.
- To make links between schools and schools and HE to share resources aiming to enhance the teaching of physics.
- To encourage students to pursue post 16 physics and establish strategies to tackle the shortage of girls in physics.
Personal interests
Running marathons and general fitness. I am pursuing a Personal Trainer's course in my spare time.
Events
A-level Physics Teachers' Day, March 2009
Almost 50 teachers attended this successful day of talks and workshops. Presentations on dark matter from Dr Damian Pope (Perimeter Institute, Canada) and on nanotechnology from Professor Richard Jackman are available to view and can be downloaded by clicking on the links below.
The Mystery of Dark Matter, Dr Damian Pope, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics
Dr Damian Pope discusses the principles of circular motion, offering hands-on demonstrations. He also explains Dark Matter and describes how teachers can successfully teach secondary school students about dark matter.
Nanotechnology - what is all the fuss about? Professor Richard B Jackman, London Centre for Nanotechnology, University College London
This talk considers the physical implications of moving technology to the nanometre scale. It then explores potential impacts of nanotechnology in such diverse areas as healthcare, the aerospace industry and the future value of diamonds! Examples of nanotechnology already found within nature will put into context the risks posed by future nanotechnology developments.
A-level Physics Day at UCL, June 2008
Almost 50 teachers attended this very successful day, which included short lectures, lab visits and a hands-on practical session.
Presentations from the day:
- John Mitchell's PowerPoint presentation about Communications, plus sound files demonstrating what happens as the information content of human speech is reduced. [See under 'Materials for schools'.]
- Sally Day's presentation about liquid crystals, which includes two ideas for demonstration experiments.
A-level Physics Day at the National Physical Laboratory
A brief report of the 2007 event, including several excellent PowerPoint presentations
Similar material for 2006, including a presentation about Global Warming that I highly recommend
Regional Newsletter
Autumn 2009 (PDF, 259 KB)
Summer 2009 (PDF, 289 KB)
Spring 2009 (PDF, 223 KB)
Winter 2008 (PDF, 394 KB)
Autumn 2008(Word, 425 KB )
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