Ofsted Subject Reports 2001-02: Secondary Science

This report from Ofsted is one of a series that were published annually in association with the Annual Report of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector. The report gives the main findings of Ofsted concerning the state of science education for students aged from 11-19.

The evidence base, which the report is based upon, includes data gathered through the Section 10 inspection of Schools, which involved science specific inspectors gathering evidence and writing subject specific sections of the report.

The evidence base also included data from subject specific inspection of a sample of secondary schools.

The 2001-02 report gives a range of findings including:

• A growing proportion of schools are making use of the DfES/QCA scheme of work to guide their planning, particularly in areas involved in the Pilot Key Stage Three strategy.
There has also been a general improvement in lesson planning.

• There have been improvements in the progress of students with special educational needs (SEN) or with English as an additional language (EAL).

• The recent changes in the post-16 curriculum, particularly the new advanced subsidiary (AS) and Year Two advanced-level examination (A2) courses, have required improvements in both planning and the quality of ongoing assessment.

• The shortage of teachers specialising in the physical sciences has led to increased deployment at Key Stage Three of inexperienced teachers.

• There have been some improvements in accommodation and resources for science.

Issues described in detail include:
- Inclusive activities in science
- Broadening the range and use of assessment in science
- Using ICT to add value