A Catalyst article about the Nobel Prize for physics 2009 winner Charles Kao, who developed optical fibre systems and CCDs which are the basis of most of today's long distance telephone systems. Kao also developed tiny solid state lasers which work for years without failing. The article also looks at the bringing...

Publishedin 2009 by LSIS, this report describes research undertaken by Newham Sixth Form College. The project aimed to produce a set of strategies and resources in order to develop the literacy of science students to enable them to achieve in A - level Biology. A high proportion of students come from families in...

This literature review, by NFER, sought to address the following research questions:

• What does AfL in science involve?
• What AfL techniques are...

This report, published by Ofsted in November 2013, sets out the findings of a new survey of science in 91 primary and 89 secondary schools, which was carried out between 2010 and 2013 and aims to support schools in implementing the new National Curriculum.

Produced by the Learning Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), this case study tackles the theme of knowledge and technology transfer. The study offers an example of how Newcastle College, became involved in a European Union funded project that involved four countries.

Involvement in the project provided...

This Catalyst article describes how an indicator changes colour when in solutions of different pH. Most indicators simply turn one colour in acid and another in alkali, although they are often an in-between colour when neutral. A universal indicator only turns as many colours as it does because it is a mixture of...

Published by LSIS, this report describes an action research project by Future-Wise Ltd. The project involved the creation of a maths resource library containing materials suitable for level 1 and level 2 key skill learners. The resources are aimed at promoting more active learning in 1-2-1 and class sessions, with...

This managing bullying in schools document from the Department of Education looks at how Derby Moor Community Sports College talks to pupils about, identifies, and deals with bullying. The resource is part of the managing behaviour and bullying in schools case studies and explores: *The school's 'Friends 4 U club...

A Catalyst article about the idea of life on Mars. Scientists involved with the Mars Express mission aim to find out more and will try to establish if there ever has been life on Mars. The article looks at the miniature devices that they will employ on the mission. 

This article is from Catalyst: GCSE...

A report by Science Community Representing Education (SCORE) designed to address the growing concern across the science community about the use of mathematical assessments in science qualifications.

SCORE’s overall objective for this project was to gather evidence on the type, extent and difficulty of...

This report, from the Nuffield Foundation, focuses on the crucial period between GCSEs and entrance to higher education, and how mathematical, statistical and quantitative skills develop during this period.

The report has three aims: to outline the current state of play in post-16 mathematics and the...

This study, published in 2006, examined the deployment of science and mathematics teachers and support staff in maintained secondary schools in England. The research was conducted by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) on the behalf of the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) during the...

Published by LSIS, this is a case study from the City of Bristol College. It looks at a programme to set up a collaboration with local schools, Nottingham University and local businesses to enhance the professional development of staff and offer new learning experiences for students studying mathematics. The aim...

A report by the Advisory Committee on Mathematics Education (ACME) highlighting the opinion that mathematics teaching in the Further Education sector plays a critical role in the delivery of post-16 education, although evidence suggests that this sector remains relatively unknown to policymakers.

This...

This paper, from the Department of Education (DfE), presented a comprehensive set of statistical analyses building up a picture of the production function for the supply of young people in England with good A levels in mathematics and science. In this way, the questions addressed are focused towards high attainers...