Ofsted Subject Reports 2003-04: 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.

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

The report gives a range of findings including:

• Standards in national tests and public examinations.
• The overall quality of provision. Students’ achievement in science continues to improve.
• Scientific investigation plays a key part in developing students’ knowledge and understanding of science.
• Teaching and learning are better in Key Stage Three than in Key Stage Four.
• School management, which recognises the need for strong subject leadership in the core subject of science, is underpinned by systems for promoting good quality teaching and learning.
• Students’ achievements in science are recognised and the next steps in learning are clearly set out with them.
• Well differentiated learning activities accommodate a range of learning styles.
• Well planned schemes of work set out a programme for learning that includes well integrated experiences of scientific enquiry to develop pupils’ investigative skills and enhance their knowledge and understanding of science.

Other issues explored in detail are:
- Harnessing the Key Stage Three National Strategy
- Improving accommodation and resources for science
- Making use of assessment for learning