This is the library of all our published reports and insights.
If you have any questions about a particular report, please tweet the Education team @GatsbyEd or email us info@gatsby.org.uk.
Disclaimer: The Gatsby Charitable Foundation commissions and funds research which contributes to the strengthening of the country’s science and engineering skills. The views and opinions presented in the research reports do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Gatsby Charitable Foundation.
This policy note was written to support decisions about the assessment of science practical work in English schools. It is particularly concerned with GCSE assessment, given the timescale for developments at that level.
In January 2014 we submitted a response to Ofqual's consultation on A-level regulatory reform in science. Our submission may be downloaded here.
In December 2013 we submitted a response to the Department for Education’s consultation on A-level subject content reform for science. Our submission may be downloaded here.
In 2012 we supported the 157 Group of colleges to work with the Association of Colleges to develop a better understanding of the challenges colleges face in offering science, technology, engineering and mathematics at level 3 and above. The final report may be downloaded here.
This infographic includes data up to 2014. Recruiting sufficient physics teachers has been a long-standing problem. The school workforce census published in 2013 showed that 26% of physics lessons are taught by a teacher without a relevant post A-Level qualification. The subject is often taught by ‘non-specialists’ usually qualified in chemistry or biology. Modelling by the Department for Education supports the Institute of Physics’ assertion that over 1,000 new physics teachers need to be recruited every year for the next ten years to meet demand.
