Peter Fairhurst
Profile
Biography
I joined the Department of Education in January 2018 as part of the University of York Science Education Group (UYSEG). Previously, I taught Science and Physics in England and also in South America. Over 28 years of teaching, mainly in leadership roles, I have gained a large amount of hands on experience in developing and improving science curriculum in schools, and in leading imposed curriculum change. I have a passion for developing high quality, research informed, resource materials and schemes of learning. I have a degree in Physics, and a PGCE in Secondary Science (Physics), from the University of Bristol, and a Masters degree in Curriculum Development in Science Education, from the University of Leeds.
Career
I have taught in secondary schools in Barnsley, Guyana, Harrogate, Tadcaster and York. I have had leadership roles for Special Educational Needs, Physics (11-19), KS3 Science, and for fifteen years I led a large and successful school science department in York.
Departmental roles
I am currently the lead physicist for a large, research informed curriculum development project: Best Evidence Science Teaching (BEST). This project focuses on improving engagement, developing scientific literacy and the effective use of formative assessment to identify and resolve student misconceptions.
Research
Overview
My interests are in how students develop scientific understanding, assessment for learning, and the relationship of educational research with classroom practice.
Projects
- Best Evidence Science Teaching (BEST)
- Practical Assessment in School Science (PASS)
- Science Without Boundaries
Research group(s)
External activities
Memberships
- Member of the Association for Science Education
