Physics Courses

Scotland has played a prominent role in scientific discovery and invention. Discoveries, writings, and inventions by James Clerk Maxwell, William Thomson, James Watt, and John Logie Baird are just a few notable examples that serve to inspire future generations of physicists.  In 2019, the entire physics sector in Scotland contributed £28.4 billion to the Scottish economy. The low-carbon and renewable heat sector generates an estimated £5.5 billion annual turnover, with renewable energy exports valued at £1.5 billion in 2023. The Scottish Government has also identified the Space sector as a key economic opportunity for the future. Around 8,500 (18% of all UK space roles) people work in the space sector in Scotland, with a goal to quadruple the development to £4 billion by 2030.

This cannot happen unless there are opportunities for the future talent pipeline to be exposed to curriculum activities delivered by teachers who have participated in high-quality, hands-on, and experiential professional learning. There is a severe shortage of funding for secondary school teachers and school technicians to participate in this professional development, negatively impacting learners' opportunities to explore these crucial subjects. Indeed, a conclusion in Scotland's Space Sector: Exploring Potential Future Opportunities, as recommended by the Scottish Science Advisory Council, suggests “the development of a strategy for promoting the space sector across primary and secondary education.”

The courses available for sponsorship can be seen in the menu on the right (below in mobile view).