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Ofsted Subject Reports 2002-03: 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 2002-03 report gives a range of findings including:
• There have been significant improvements in science in more than half of schools since the last inspection. There has been less improvement post-16, with only four schools in ten making good progress.
• In Key Stage Three, students’ achievement has risen as seen in results in national tests. This year’s tests gave greater emphasis than previously to scientific enquiry.
• General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) results have also improved slightly. A-level results show a slight improvement in physics, chemistry and biology. The A/S results show a slight decline from last year.
• There is greater monitoring of students’ performance in science than previously. Assessment is beginning to broaden and have a greater influence on curriculum planning. At Key Stage Three the use of ongoing assessment to provide immediate feedback to teachers and students is becoming established. This is less common at Key Stage Four.
• The use of scientific enquiry has strengthened at Key Stage Three but remains narrow at Key Stage Four where it is less well integrated into the curriculum.
Other issues explored in detail:
- Teachers’ access to information technology
- The leadership and management of science
- Transfer from Key Stage Three to Key Stage Four
- Making science relevant – applied science
- Scientific enquiry and the role of practical work
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Secondary science report: 2002-03 155.5 KB
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