A Catalyst article about the inner surface of lungs, which is coated with surfactant, allowing oxygen to enter the bloodstream. When babies are born very prematurely they can lack this surfactant, and this can make it very difficult for them to breathe. This is called Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). This...

The Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Coordinating Centre (EPPICentre) was commissioned by the Wellcome Trust to undertake this systematic review of research about subject choice. The main aim of the review was to examine the factors that influence the STEM subject choices of young people (14-19...

This resource from Ofsted is aimed at subject leaders to help improve teaching and learning by reflecting on the main messages from the design and technology report, Meeting Technological Challenges? The resource draws upon evidence from design and technology subject survey visits by Her Majesty’s Inspectors (HMI...

This report, by the Department for Education, provides an analysis of the proportion of students taking GCSE and progressing to AS Level in the same subject (that is, progression rates), focussing on English Baccalaureate subject areas. The report then follows the same cohort through from AS to full A level...

Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. They regulate and inspect to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages.

The Education and Inspections Act, which established the new Ofsted, specifically...

This report from Ofsted draws on the results of visits by inspectors to 94 primary, 94 secondary schools and two special schools between June 2007 and March 2010. These schools were selected broadly to represent the profile of schools in England, but excluded schools in Ofsted’s categories of concern. It also draws...

A Catalyst article about the many uses of superconductors. The article looks at what the 1700 magnets at the Large Hadron Collider and power cables in Detroit have in common. Both use superconductors - materials which, when cooled below a certain temperature, lose all their electrical resistance, and display some...

The aim of this survey was to analyse the elements of successful nurture group provision and the difference that nurture groups make to the outcomes for students. Nurture groups are small, structured teaching groups for students showing signs of behavioural, social or emotional difficulties, particularly those who...

A Catalyst article looking at careers in dentistry. Dental practices employ assistants, nurses, hygienists and therapists. Using case studies this article looks at the roles these jobs undertake.

This article is from Catalyst: GCSE Science Review 2004, Volume 15, Issue 1.

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Produced in 2011 by the Learning Skills Improvement Service, these materials help to demonstrate effective practice. From Leicester College this case study looks at the theme of equality and diversity. For many ESOL learners (speakers of other languages), achievement in mathematics and numeracy is impeded by...

Produced by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), this case study looks at the themes of embedding functional skills and curriculum development. It looks at the City of Bristol College which wanted to enhance its partnerships with local schools.

The project addresses functional mathematics....

This document from the Department of Education looks at how Saint Benedict Academy supports pupils who persistently misbehave in their turnaround centre and deal with poor behaviour consistently. The resource explores the school's turnaround centre and it's 'C' system, as part of the managing behaviour and bullying...

This report, published by the Science and Engineering Education Advisory Group in January 2012, addresses many of the challenges and opportunities arising in implementation of the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) as it affects the delivery of STEM education and engagement. It examines the ways in which STEM...

Produced by the Learning Skills Improvement Service, these materials help to demonstrate effective practice. By Paston College, this case study looks at the theme of progression through STEM.

Students find the transition from GCSE to AS level chemistry difficult. This is not helped by their different...