John Chilton

Name: Dr John Chilton Subjects taught: Physics (Pre-GCSE, GCSE, IGCSE, A-Level, IB-SL, IB-HL), Astronomy IB-SL, IT (GCSE), Maths (GCSE, A-Level). Current School: Oakham School, Rutland, UK. Current Role: Head of Physics & Science As of 2019, I will have been teaching for almost 37 years and IB for around 17 years.  In addition to my work at Oakham School, I work with teachers and students across the world - teachers as an approved workshop leader (Physics) and students providing face-to-face support (working for OSC) and on-line teaching support.  I also write two blogs – one for physics teachers and one for physics students. The three most important things in my life are: (1)   Family. (2)   Physics. (3)   Using education as a way to help others. I am not quite sure of the order of importance but I think this is correct! I simply love Physics - how could Physics not be one of the most captivating things I could do with my life - I am studying the rules that make our universe work the way it is, and I do this because it is fun - hard ... but fun. And like all good physicists, I do this because it is hard - Physics is best when you can't do it - when it is so hard, that you have to struggle through, trying to do something that you can't initially do - because struggling to do things that we initially can't do, is often when we are at our best. Other professional aspects of my life include blogging, teacher training for three companies and I am also highly experienced in assessment for both the IB and A-levels. I have also been a university lecturer for over 20 years of my life. I guess it should be noted that the SL Astronomy course was my creation – I wrote the syllabus, course details and the exams / marking schemes up to 2017. My hobbies include music, reading (lots of reading!), roleplaying (Dungeons and Dragons) and gaming (but only at Christmas and then, it is often for 24 hours at a stretch). Finally, I have three degrees in Physics, one a PhD from Imperial College. I am a Chartered Physicist, having worked as a research physicist for 13 years (mostly for the UK Ministry of Defence) and I have a wife, son, daughter and two Jack Russell dogs who all love me - I have a great life!