Ofsted Subject Reports 2004-05: Secondary Science

This report from Ofsted on secondary science is the last in the series published by Ofsted over several years, based on evidence from whole school inspections and surveys by HMI. It was published in association with in association with the Annual Report of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector. It draws on data from Ofsted inspections from September 2003 to July 2005.

The report also reflects upon changes since Ofsted inspections began, referring to subject issues identified in Secondary education 1993-97: a review of secondary schools in England and inspection judgments from 1998/99. From September 2005, subject evidence was gained from qualitative inspections of a small sample of schools, and future methods of reporting reflect this change.

The report gives a range of findings including:

• Achievement in science in secondary schools – 2003-05 and 1998/99.
• Teaching in science in secondary schools – 2003-05 and 1998/99.

• Leadership and management in science in secondary schools – 2003-05 and 1998/99.

• Students' achievement in Key Stage Three science has risen since 1998. The strength of Key Stage Three science is confirmed by international comparisons.

• The number of students entered for the separate GCSE sciences of biology, chemistry and physics has seen an increase in the number of candidates of around 40% since 1998. At A level the number of candidates has reduced over the last seven years.

• Teaching has improved in all key stages since 1998. The effectiveness of subject leadership and management has improved. Assessment practice has improved since 1998.

Issues explored in detail are:

- Vocational courses such as GNVQ and the new GCE AS and A2 qualifications
- The breadth of the curriculum offered to students such as Applied Science and Science for the 21st Century.
- Teacher supply in science
- Quality of accommodation.
- Key Stage Three National Strategy
- Making use of assessment for learning
- Making science engaging and enjoyable