My name is Helen Reynolds.
I have taught physics and science for 37 years, 22 of which were in a state/public school, Gosford Hill School, Kidlington, in the UK. I started my teaching career there, and had a wonderful time teaching with some extraordinary teachers. While there I contributed to the design of the UK national curriculum from 1995 – 2005, as well to various initiatives aimed at getting more people to teach physics. I also gave one of the Science Year lectures.
After Gosford I worked for the Institute of Physics as a Teaching and Learning Coach in the Midlands providing professional development for teachers of science/physics.
I have worked in the US since 2016 where I have taught 7th and 8th grade Science, High School Physics, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, and AP Physics C (Mech + E&M) in two private schools in Tucson, Arizona: Green Fields School and The Gregory School. Yes, I’ve only ever taught in schools beginning with ‘G’.
Since 2011 I have been writing textbooks (KS3/MS science, KS4/5/HS Physics) for Oxford University Press. These include Oxford Revise, Activate, Gateway Physics, and Cambridge Lower Secondary Physics.
I have been the recipient of two national UK teaching awards (Institute of Physics and Teaching Awards Trust) as well as an MBE (medal from The Queen) for services to science education.
I am fascinated by the application of the findings of cognitive science in the class-room, and presented at researchED in Denver November 2024 and researchED New York City in March 2025 on the topic of game-changing research-informed strategies for the classroom.
It's a Learning Curve 