Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.
Benjamin Franklin
Shockingly, Physics is only the 9th most popular A-Level subject! This is despite being one of the most prestigious, and rewarding, offering not only fantastic career and academic progression opportunities, but also promoting a wide range of crucial key skills such as:
- modelling
- problem-solving
- mathematical skills
- structured thinking and reasoning
- critical thinking and investigation skills
Physics is also regarded as one of the most difficult subjects to take, this is primarily because of:
- A lack of qualified and effective teachers
- A lack of high-quality books and educational resources
- The absence of a methodical approach in teaching the various thematic units
Currently, examination boards publish their own textbooks and revision guides. Alongside these books, there is a range of textbooks from board-approved independent authors and publishers.
Although all of these books include past paper questions, they are lacking in many areas.
I have been fortunate enough to have received a high level of training in educational theory and physics, and after studying the books available I was convinced that more was needed. The writing style, the presentation of the theory and the calculations involved, and the grasp of how to educate and inform in an effective manner do not go deep enough to properly prepare students. Across the books, similar problems manifested themselves, including:
- A lack of a structured way of presenting theories
- The absence of a coherent methodology when it comes to approaching and answering exam questions
- An abundance of “soft-tips” that students at that level already know
- Presenting students with basic questions and problems involving simple “substitutions”
- A lack of composite and multi-level questions
I was inspired by these findings to set out and make my series of books which would serve as a leading reference for A-level physics. These books are now helping to raise the academic standards in teaching and studying Physics, giving students the resources they need to achieve their potential. These students will become confident in their knowledge base, fully prepared with the skills and approaches they need, and in the position to achieve higher grades.
The strongest point is the structure of the books.
The theory is presented in a structured way in the form of clear questions and answers. Using simple steps, explanations, practice exercises and tests, the students are given the support and frameworks needed to develop their understanding of each thematic unit.
The books include plenty of:
- theory in the form of Q&A
- solved problems
- multiple choice questions
- conceptual questions
- fill-in-the-gaps and
- a unit test
Although other books may have some of the above features, there is no book that combines them all in a coherent and informed way. The books draw on my understanding of educational theory and physics to form a cohesive package that is ideal for student’s development and understanding—offering a unique and innovative approach to A-level Physics exams that will serve students well.
All of my books are available to buy on e-book formats.