This resource is a compilation of reports by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) and Ofqual reviewing standards over time in science subjects at GCSE and A levels.

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This report, jointly published by the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority (SCAA) and Ofsted under the chairmanship of Ron Dearing, presents the findings of an investigation into whether standards in GCSE and A level examinations were maintained in the period up to 1995. The improving examination grades...

Using a diagram of an open tube an explanation of possible wave patterns is built up.  Firstly, the fundamental mode of vibration is drawn, followed by the second and third harmonics.  For each illustration the number of waves is calculated, i.e, ^λ/₄, ³/₄ λ and ^5...

This video explains how nodes and anti-nodes are formed in standing (stationary) waves.  It shows how the distance between two nodes = ^λ/₂.  A series of standing waves are drawn to show the fundamental wave and its harmonics.  The number of half wavelengths for the fundamental and second,...

Produced by the Royal Observatory Greenwich, this booklet introduces the sidereal day and shows how star trials can be used to calculate the length of one sidereal day. Included in the booklet are instructions on how to create a star trial photograph using a DSLR or bridge camera. Supporting documents that help the...

NASA has been responsible for some fantastic images of space, especially from the Hubble Space Telescope. These are a few of the images of stars, nebulae and galaxies. More images are available from the  NASA website

This set of learning activities supports learners to:

•Become more aware of how mathematics can contribute to successful completion of vocational tasks.

•Reflect on their personal mathematical learning experiences and identify some engaging starting points for their future learning.

•Become...

A Catalyst article looking at strategies for ensuring that there is a plentiful food supply in the future and how this can be sustained.

The article looks at three main areas for scientific investigation:

*Fertilisation

*Pest control

*Genetic modification

It also looks at...

This series of interactive excel sheets look systems in static equilibrium.

The first sheet looks at two forces acting on a point. A new question can be generated by clicking “new diagram” in which the angle and value...

This resource is part of a collection of Nuffield Maths resources exploring Calculus. The demand is roughly equivalent to that in GCE A level.

This stationary points activity shows students how to use differentiation to find stationary points on the curves of polynomial functions. It includes the use of the...

From the Integrating Mathematical Problem Solving project by Mathematics for Education and Industry (MEI), this activity for post-16 students shows how modelling helps decision making by allowing us to see what is likely to happen. The mathematical ideas covered are:
• Modelling cycle
• Binomial...

This Mathematics Matters case study, from the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, looks at how biometric identification systems rely on mathematical methods to convert images into data that can be digitally stored. It is essential that the biometric systems we depend on for national security can reliably...

The emphasis in this Nuffield Advanced Mathematics option was on non-parametric methods to help students to gain a good understanding of statistical processes. Students required access to a computer with a professional statistics package to gain the full benefit from this option.

Contents ...

This collection of resources is produced by the Core Maths Support Programme to support the implementation of Core Maths. The collection contains a range of activities all designed to enable students to use and apply statistics in unfamiliar contexts.

This CensusAtSchool resource is based on key concepts needed by students doing GCSE mathematics, although it may be useful for an introductory review at A level or for strong Key Stage Three students. Pairs are asked to discuss statements on cards and decide, with...