Snags in science

6th July 2007, 1:00am

Share

Snags in science

https://www.tes.com/magazine/archive/snags-science-0
I am an early-retired university academic in my fifties. I am well qualified in physics and have a passion for the subject. Rather than languish in retirement with an atrophying mind, I responded to the call for teachers and embarked on a PGCE. I survived it and can now be let loose on the next generation.

I have been told on my placements that my subject knowledge is outstanding, that I am enthusiastic, and that I have a very good manner with children: a perfect foundation for a physics teacher. Or so I thought. And yet I cannot get shortlisted for jobs. I have applied for quite a few most of them requesting a physics specialist but I have had no reply to any application, and no references have been sought.

I understood that at this time of year the competition would be from other newly qualified teachers, and with so few students trained in physics I was confident that I would be shortlisted. Alas, no. The final ignominy was to see one of the posts I had applied for re-advertised. That school, too, had not replied to my requests for feedback.

I can only assume that there is an adequate supply of good physics teachers to ensure the future prosperity of this subject in schools.

Name and address supplied

Want to keep reading for free?

Register with Tes and you can read two free articles every month plus you'll have access to our range of award-winning newsletters.

Keep reading for just £1 per month

You've reached your limit of free articles this month. Subscribe for £1 per month for three months and get:

  • Unlimited access to all Tes magazine content
  • Exclusive subscriber-only stories
  • Award-winning email newsletters
Recent
Most read
Most shared