Physics Masterclasses for Local Primary School Pupils
Established in July 2017, our Physics Masterclass is held in the Summer Term and has an audience of Year 5 or 6 children (and their parents or carers) drawn from local primary schools.
It is a fast-moving, action-packed exploration of a particular topic of Physics and, though billed as a demonstration, it includes plenty of audience participation and lots of fun.
Aims
It aims to stimulate a real interest in scientific discovery among local primary school children. As their parents and carers also watch the demonstration it provides the additional benefit of increasing their scientific understanding too.
Background
It was introduced in July 2017 in the light of the huge success of the Chemistry Masterclasses and the Physics elements of the Saturday Sciences Masterclasses. Our Physics Department expressed the wish to provide a similarly fascinating yet entertaining promotion of the joy of physics and recognised the benefit that this regular event would bring to our wider community.
Resources
The Masterclasses take place at Kimbolton School and are taught by subject specialists in our main lecture theatre. A class lasts 90-minutes and is held in the early evening; children are accompanied by parents/carers throughout. One Physics Masterclass is held each year.
The inspiration teaching, enthusiasm and commitment of our Physics staff are key to the success of these lectures. Our technicians are heavily involved in preparing for, and clearing up after, each class. We have purchased or constructed a number of items especially for these classes.
There is no charge for our Masterclasses.
Impact
We ask for, and receive, feedback from parents at the end of each course. A typical response is:
A very big thank you to you for organising the masterclasses.
Please can you pass on our Thanks to all teachers involved with said Masterclasses.
After this evening's Masterclass, L has now decided that Physics is his favourite science! We both thoroughly enjoyed our evening with you all. Truly we cannot thank you all enough and we will see you in September!
Pupil Involvement
The pupils are drawn from Year 5.
We estimate that over 600 local state primary pupils have attended our Physics Masterclasses.
Frequency
One Physics Masterclass is held per year.
