Wimbledon High School: Science Teacher wins Teacher of Physics award

GDST Physics teacher Edith Goakes from Wimbledon High School, London, has been recognised for her exceptional work by the Institute of Physics (IOP). 

Edith is one of seven teachers in the UK to receive a 2018 Teachers of Physics Award from the IOP for her exceptional work teaching physics.

Edith’s citation for the award describes her as “a spearhead for the school-wide Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths (STEAM) initiative, designing and fundraising for a new STEAM room.

Collaborating with other departments across the school, Edith has led on cross-departmental projects such as building prosthetic limbs with Design Technology and simulating an earthquake with Geography.

As a result of Edith’s drive and enthusiasm, students are now making cross-discipline connections with a sense of curiosity and wonder.

“Edith ignites within the young women she teaches an unabashed passion for all things physics. Her teaching style, both energetic and inclusive, makes space within the classroom for independent intellectual discovery.”

Edith will receive her award along with a cheque for £300 at the Institute of Physics Awards dinner taking place on 20 November, which will also be attended by top researchers, academics and policy makers from across physics. 

President of the IOP Professor Dame Julia Higgins offered her congratulations to all those receiving a Teacher of Physics award this year.

“Teachers are an absolutely essential part of the physics community. Their enthusiasm, talent and commitment is what inspires the generations to come. We are delighted therefore to celebrate the talent and hard work of seven outstanding teachers and with them many others, who together ensure the future of physics.” 

The Institute of Physics (IOP) The Institute of Physics is the professional and learned society for physics in the UK and Ireland, inspiring people to develop their knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of physics.  We work with a range of partners to support and develop the teaching of physics in schools; we encourage innovation, growth and productivity in business, including addressing significant skills shortages; and we provide evidence-based advice and support to governments in the UK and Ireland.Our members come from across the physics community, whether in industry, academia, the classroom, technician roles or in training programmes as an apprentice or a student.  However our reach goes well beyond our membership to all who have an interest in physics and the contribution it makes to our culture, society and economy. We are a world-leading science publisher and we are proud to be a trusted and valued voice for the physics community.