Staffroom Catch Up: Ralph Fleming, Tonbridge School
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We have been catching up with teachers across the UK to find out how teaching with Eduqas is working for them and their learners. Ralph Fleming, Physics Teacher and former Head of Department at Tonbridge School in Kent, shares his experience of teaching AS/A Level Physics with Eduqas.
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Can you tell us a little about your role and department?
I am Ralph Fleming, a Physics Teacher and former Head of Department at Tonbridge School in Kent. There are 9 teachers in our department, teaching approximately 50 A level and 160 IGCSE learners each year. I have been teaching with Eduqas for around 9 to 10 years.
What made you choose Eduqas as your exam board?
Having taught AQA for many years, as Head of Department we were looking for an alternative, and other colleagues recommended WJEC in 2014. Many colleagues had said the staff were approachable, and it turned out Helen Francis, as subject and domain leader, was brilliant.
We knew A levels were about to be overhauled, and we decided that WJEC and the subsequent Eduqas would be a natural choice.
As a department, we review what other exam boards offer every year, and we decide that Eduqas offers the best course in our subject because it simply feels like a course designed by a specialist in our subject.
How have your learners responded to the Eduqas AS/A Level Physics specifications?
To some extent, students’ responses are dictated by the confidence of their teacher’s grounding in the specification and subject material. Few students experience different specifications to compare.
That said, all our teachers in the department have a strong sense of being able to deliver the specification as we want to deliver the material without compromise. The material and content have a natural feel, as if designed by a subject specialist - and it was!
What has been the best thing about teaching AS/A Level Physics with Eduqas?
Physics A level is a course designed by subject specialists, and it delivers in stretching students in the right way.
Moreover, students get the results they deserve. Hard work and correct understanding score the right marks.
How have you found the level of support provided by Eduqas?
Support is where Eduqas excels compared to other exam boards. If I email with a query, I get a response within 24 hours, if not sooner.
Whenever, although rarely with Eduqas, I have had a question regarding a paper on exam day, it has been answered in hours. The almost instant access to support from a subject specialist is incredibly valuable.
What Eduqas resources have you found most useful?
The student Knowledge Organisers are awesome. The Question Bank is so useful, and Online Exam Review is brilliant for teachers and students alike.
The Aberystwyth University notes are awesome too!
Have you taken part in Eduqas CPD or Professional Learning sessions?
Every CPD course that Eduqas has run, I have been involved in, either as a participant or delivering to other teachers.
They have far less frippery than other CPD courses.
Can you tell us a little about your experience of examining with Eduqas?
Through my involvement in the examination of Eduqas papers, it is so heartening to note that correct subject knowledge and understanding is always given credit, even when it is not written in the mark scheme.
In marking meetings, the process is entirely collaborative. All ideas are considered, debated and decided on.
What would you say to other centres considering switching to Eduqas?
For that personal touch, from a subject specialist, with almost instant support, you cannot beat Eduqas.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Helen Francis, the Subject Support Officer, is awesome. As a subject specialist, it is so good to get almost instant feedback on any query.