David Perks

David is the founder and principal of the East London Science School, which opened in September 2013. Now entering its third year, the school aims to give all pupils a rigorous academic education irrespective of their background or ability. David has campaigned for the teaching of physics, chemistry and biology for all pupils as separate disciplines and authored the lead essay in What is science education for? published by the Academy of Ideas in 2006. David has contributed to the development of the new science National Curriculum and is a leading member of the Knowledge Network a group of forward thinking schools pushing for knowledge-led curriculum reform.

He is also a director of the Physics Factory, a charity working to enhance the delivery of physics in London’s schools.


 Related Sessions

Sunday, 8.00am Lecture Theatre 1
Debating Darwin

Sunday, 2.00pm Lecture Theatre 1
My brain made me do it

Sunday, 5.45pm Lecture Theatre 1
Particle physics is sexy

 Publications

What Is Science Education For? (Academy of Ideas, 2006) (lead author)

 Festival Buzz

Fora TV logo Particle Physics is Sexy

Particle Physics is Sexy [Opens in new window]

"The Battle of Ideas is like a huge intellectual fair where a bewildering number of thinkers set out their stalls."
Julian Baggini, editor, The Philosophers' Magazine