A Catalyst article about the life and work of Gertrude B. Elion a pioneer in anti-viral drugs. The ground breaking research methodology she used and her work in creating and investigating purine compounds lead to the development of drugs which are used in the treatment of leukaemia.

This article is from...

Produced by the Learning Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), this case study tackles the themes of curriculum development and progression through STEM. Written by New College Durham, it details the strategies that were implemented over a two year period to improve student engagement and achievement at A level...

Produced in 2011, this report describes the context and parameters of Ofqual’s research into the assessments taken by learners at senior secondary level in a number of key comparator jurisdictions and outlines the progress made up to February 2011.

The purpose of this research is to make comparative...

A Catalyst article providing examples of some drugs derived from natural substances. Many drugs which are commonly used today are similar to naturally occurring compounds which have been used for centuries to treat illnesses. Chemists have identified and purified these substances. By determining their molecular...

The Schools Council initiated this evaluation of Nuffield Secondary Science at the point when school trials of the materials were largely complete. As a result the evaluation focussed on the early adoption of the project by schools.

Published in 2009 by LSIS, this report describes action research carried out by Greenhead College. The research project was to develop a peer mentoring scheme in chemistry to help students who struggle with the difference in demands that AS courses make compared to GCSE. In turn, it is hoped that this will lead to...

A Catalyst article describing how process chemists work in the pharmaceutical industry, devising methods of making new drugs. Process chemists are a link in the chain from an initial idea to a new drug making it to the market. It generally takes at least 10 years from an idea by a medicinal chemist to a new...

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,...

Science for the Young School Leaver was one of a series of informal publications by the Schools Council. Schools Council Working Paper Number 1 started a series to make widely available information about curriculum development projects while still in their formative...

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...

From Cornwall College St Austell, this LSIS report describes the partnership with a local school to enhance students' experience in GCSE and AS level chemistry.

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...

This Catalyst article looks at the noble gases (Group 0 or 8 in the periodic table) which are almost inert. This article shows how they were discovered through the use of fractional distillation and looks at their chemical and physical properties.

This article is from Catalyst: GCSE Science Review 2011,...

This report was intended to provide a longer term perspective on changes taking place in students’ understanding over the compulsory school years. The topic of air was chosen on the basis both of its importance throughout school science and its accessibility to students...