This report, by Dr Alison Wolf and published in March 2011, was commissioned to investigate the state of vocational education for young people aged 14 to 19. It was found that many courses offered very little value, offering no route to further education or prospects for meaningful employment.

Many...

A Catalyst article comparing mobile phones and UV sunbeds. Mobile phones emit radiofrequency (RF) radiation. Tanning beds emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These are both types of non-ionising radiation. In recent years both have received considerable media coverage and they are emotive topics for the general public...

A Catalyst article about the life and work of the physicist Robert Hooke. Hooke was a man of many interests. He invented many mechanical devices, including the universal joint used in all cars and designed a balance wheel for a watch. As part of his wide ranging observations, using a microscope, he first coined the...

This ...

This digest evaluates a project which aimed to increase young people’s involvement in STEM careers. The Ingenious project successfully enabled a range of schools across 26 European countries to effect change in the interest students display in STEM careers and increase their likelihood of taking up such careers...

This digest of the InGenious project has been produced for industry and employers.  It describes how InGenious has successfully enabled a range of schools across 26 European countries to effect change in the interest students display in STEM careers and increase their likelihood of taking up such careers when they...

This digest of the InGenious project has been produced for policymakers, and looks at how classroom teaching can be improved to enhance students’ learning of STEM subjects and improve the uptake of STEM careers.

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This report looks at how classroom teaching be improved to enhance students’ learning of STEM subjects and improve the uptake of STEM careers. The report draws out key points of interest for senior leaders.

The Ingenious project successfully enabled a range of schools across 26 European countries to effect...

This report looks at developing classroom teaching to enhance students’ learning of the STEM subjects and improve the uptake of STEM careers.

Teachers and employers taking part in the Ingenious Project prepared, either jointly, or separately, 35 classroom activities whose purpose was to place learning within...

This review of STEM careers, led by John Holman, was funded by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation in February 2010. The review covered provision of STEM careers education, information, advice and guidance in England. The report focused on secondary and further education, but recommended the need to commence careers...

This case study describes how Ringwood School promotes STEM subjects and careers to girls through its weekly science club.

The club is run by newly and recently qualified teachers with the support of some chemistry A level students and one of the school technicians.

Students rotate through biology,...

This publication from the Department for Education addresses the issue of equality and diversity in the STEM workforce which is not yet truly representative. It examines the number of ethnic minority students studying STEM subjects and undertaking STEM-related careers.

The publication looks at approaches...

This publication from the Department for Education publication explores the issue of a significant gender imbalance in the STEM workforce, barriers to choosing STEM subjects and gender disparity. A list of suggestions to make STEM careers advice more women - friendly is also provided.

A Catalyst article about practical chemistry experiments and the risks involved. The article helps in identifying, assessing and controlling the risks involved, it also includes a guide to the warning signs, labels and symbols used in laboratories.

This article is from Catalyst: GCSE Science Review 2004,...

A Catalyst article about why human beings need salt (sodium chloride) in their diets to survive, but too much can be toxic. Where does salt come from, and what is it used for? This article looks at salt extraction and mining in England, the domestic and industrial uses of salt as well as its molecular structure....