The Goldsmiths' Company sponsors week-long residential courses for the benefit of teachers. A selection of these courses are run annually in min July 2010.
ASTROPHYSICS
Based at Queen Mary, University of London, the course aims to inform and stimulate teachers with basic astrophysical knowledge, providing them with an insight into some practice materials and teaching resources. There are opportunities to discuss teaching approaches and a visit to the Royal Observatory at Greenwich which is active in working with schools. Of particular interest to physics teachers.
MATERIALS SCIENCE
Based in the department of Materials Science and Metallurgy in the University of Cambridge, aimed primarily at teachers of Chemistry or Physics, this course provides an insight into the broad field of modern materials, spanning the physical sciences, and engineering and boimedical applications. It includes practical demonstrations and industrial visits. There is coverage of topics as diverse as aircraft materials, integrated circuits and drug delivery.
PARTICLE PHYSICS
Based at Brunel University this course covers the evolution of modern physics, highlighting the development of the Hadron Collider at CERN with talks of the current generation of experiments from some of the scientists involved. A visit to CERN is included if practicable.
MATHEMATICS
Based at Queen Mary, University of London, this course will inform and inspire teachers of advanced level mathematics and science-related subjects. Sessions will range from illuminating GCE Further Mathematics to explaining current research at Queen Mary and the application and relevance of modern mathematics in today's technology. The course will include a visit to the National Codes Centre at Bletchley Park. For further details, please see www.maths.qmul.ac.uk/goldsmiths
CHEMISTRY
Based at Cambridge University, this course provides an update on recent advances in Chemistry, and highlights it's relevance to modern society. The aim is to provide materials and discussions which will enhance teachers' convidence in the subject and help them to stimulate their more able students. The programme includes visits to local chemistry-related businesses and an opportunity to do some hands-on work in the laboratory.
GENETICS FOR HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Based in Cambridge, this practical and lecture-based course provides understanding and teaching resources to teachers with little or no knowledge of molecular biology. For further information see www.teachgenetics.org. Of particular interest to teachers of Biology.