Advanced Physics Project for Independent Learning (APPIL)

The Advanced Physics Project for Independent Learning (APPIL) was written for students preparing for the Advanced Level examinations – especially in the small A-level groups which existed in some comprehensive schools. The project was sponsored by the Inner London Education Authority and the materials were tested in London schools and colleges. After the trials the units were first published by John Murray in 1979-80. This collection is based on the second edition that was published in 1989-90.

Publications

This collection of the APPIL publications is made up of: * Teachers' Resource Book, * Students' Resource Book, and * Eight students' units. As well as the APPIL materials, students needed to have at least one of the recommended textbooks, access to listed reference books and selected audio-visual aids, and the apparatus and services for the experiments.

Scope

The resources were designed to cover the syllabuses of all the major examination boards (apart from Nuffield Advanced Physics). Most of the topics which appeared in some but not all of the boards’ syllabuses were covered. In addition the optional topics in some syllabuses were covered, partly in the units and partly in the Student's Resource Book.

Course structure

The eight APPIL units covered three themes at two levels. This structure was chosen for the following reasons: (a) To emphasise the fundamental concepts of physics: materials, fields and waves (b) To allow concepts to be developed by being studied at more than one level, in different contexts (c) To give the maximum flexibility in use, so that the sequence in which units were used could be largely decided by the teacher. Each theme had one starter unit level one and one or two further units at level two.

The teaching

The method used in APPIL was planned to take the load of routine teaching off the teacher, allowing more time for helping individual students. It allowed students to work at their own pace, and learn in the ways that suited them best. The idea was to make small groups viable, and to make cooperation easier between schools with small sixth forms. In addition, it helped students to develop habits of studying for themselves.

Impact 

APPIL was used not only within ILEA, where it originated, but elsewhere in the UK and also overseas. Teachers who appreciated this way of working used it in a wide variety of contexts.