Published for the Institute of Physics, this report examines the contribution of physics to the Scottish economy between the years 2005 and 2010. Figures are given for the numbers of people employed in physics-based sectors of the economy, the contribution in financial terms, gross value added per worker and the...

As LSIS STEM Support draws to a close, the Learning Legacy document aims to share the approaches, consider the lessons learnt and signpost resources and the ongoing support infrastructure available to improve teaching and learning across STEM in the Further Education and Skills sector. The Final Impact Review shows...

This report from Ofsted is based on a survey into the impact in schools of the government’s strategy for continuing professional development (CPD). The strategy was introduced in 2001 and subsequently relaunched in 2005. It aims to promote the benefits of CPD, help teachers make the most of the choices available,...

This report, published by LSIS, describes an action research project by Leeds College of Building. The practical construction of the roof involves using a roofing square. It was identified that staff required professional development on how the trigonometric information on the square has been derived and relates to...

In 2009 and 2010, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) monitored a sample of the new GCE AS and A level qualifications respectively offered by the three England-based unitary awarding organisations: AQA, Edexcel and OCR. The six subjects addressed were: English Literature and Geography...

In 2007 and 2008, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) monitored the new specifications in GCSE science and GCSE additional science offered by the three England-based unitary awarding bodies – the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA), Edexcel, and Oxford, Cambridge and RSA...

Published in 2015, the Wellcome Trust worked with the National STEM Learning Centre and Network to develop an intensive continuing professional development (CPD) programme for primary teachers to improve their expertise, in order to become Primary Science Leaders in their schools.

The Trust commissioned the...

This document from the Department of Education looks at how the headteacher and teachers at two different secondary schools work together to promote good behaviour. The resource explores strategies including the 'head's breakfast', listening staff, the 'ladder' of detentions, visibility of senior staff and the...

This IPSE publication from the Association for Science Education (ASE) presents findings from the evaluation of the Local Education Authorities (LEAs) taking part in the Government funded scheme for promoting science in primary schools, 1985-8. The different LEAs adopted a wide variety of strategies for developing...

Published in 2008, this report from the TDA outlines the investigation into how professional development across Initial Teacher Training (ITT) and Early Professional Development (EPD) is manifested in secondary science teaching across England.

The...

A Catalyst article about Socotra, a small archipelago of four islands in the Indian Ocean off the horn of Africa, belonging to the Republic of Yemen. The islands are becoming famous for their range of animal and plant species and for their use as a natural 'laboratory' where ideas about evolution can be tested. The...

A Catalyst article describing the species that have had the greatest impact on planet Earth during its billions of years of history. Which come out on top of the 'league table of life'? As hominids have only walked the Earth for part of its existence the article looks at the history of life, from the dawn of...

From the Teacher Training Agency, this publication relates to the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) training available during the late 1990's and early 2000's. The publication is designed to help teachers consider their training needs and match them to the opportunities available through the NOF ICT training programme...

This report, published in February 2015, discusses the findings of ‘The Visible Classroom’ project, which ...

Published in 2009 by LSIS, this report describes an action research project carried out at Richard Huish College. This project was a study into how feasible it would be to produce interactive materials by non-computing specialists. Such resources can be made to fit a teacher’s exact requirements and students gain...