Girls and Upper School Physics: Some Optimism and Opportunity

Abstract

In recent years, the numbers of girls in secondary and tertiary education studying Physics have declined. This research sought to investigate Years 10 and 11 female students’ views about Physics and their physics teachers and was conducted in an all-girls independent school. While the findings show that in general these students do not relate well to Physics, there is some optimism and opportunity evident. Apart from a strong view that Physics is difficult, other responses show that students are unsure about Physics rather than expressing negative views. The implication for teachers is to show Physics as a human endeavour.