This booklet examines the development of engineering expertise and makes recommendations on ways to harness, encourage, facilitate and reward it. Covering all Key Stages from Foundation Stage to post-16 and higher education, the booklet states the case for design and technology in schools to encourage an...

This report, written for the Science Council and published in September 2011, explores the potential for an increase in registrations to the Chartered Scientist register (CSci) which recognises high levels of professionalism and competence in science. The aim is to expand registration to technician and intermediate...

A Catalyst article about deciding right from wrong in biology. Modern science raises many ethical questions. How these questions can be answered either ethically or by coming to a personal decision is discussed. How ethical frameworks can be used to address ethical questions is applied to the case of genetically...

This report contains eighteen recommendations relating to the importance of the teaching of statistics in the English education system. There are four recommendations under the heading of Statistics in our national life; five recommendation under the heading of Statistics in the School Curriculum; three...

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...

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...

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...

Ofsted survey report investigating why many of the most able students from non-selective schools fail to achieve their potential.

This report, from the Royal Academy of Engineering, offers fresh insights into the ways engineers think. It suggests ways in which the education system might be redesigned to develop engineers more effectively and makes suggestions as to how the wider public might become engaged with these issues. The report...

This report, commissioned by the Royal Academy of Engineering, offers fresh insights into the ways engineers think. It goes on to suggest ways in which the education system might be redesigned to develop engineers more effectively. The report also makes suggestions as to how the wider public might become engaged...