Published in 2009 by LSIS, this report describes a project by Wirral Metropolitan College. The project was about mathematics, engineering and science practitioners working together with partner organisations to improve progression for engineering and science students in a medium sized general FE College.

Produced by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), this case study looks at the themes of progression, new jobs and careers in STEM. North Lindsey College has been developing a suite of activities to encourage local young people to choose STEM subjects, and reminding them of the opportunities that are...

This case study looks at practical strategies that were put in place by the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London to support learners with below A-C grades in science enabling them to progress and succeed in STEM. The college has supported learners coming into the college with grades as low as double D...

• What is practical science like in many secondary schools?
• What do we want it to look like?
• How can teachers, departments and schools be encouraged to plan...

This book describes young people’s attitudes, beliefs, motivations and behaviours that affect their decisions on subject choice and career paths to add depth to the current understanding of how young people perceive STEM careers.

Four phases of research activity with young people; qualitative, social...

This resource considers how different subject areas can explicitly promote the learning of social and emotional skills. It provides an outline of how social and emotional skills are linked to subjects both in general terms and more specifically within each of the 2008 National Curriculum programmes of study. The...

Produced by the Learning Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), this case study looks at how Wirral Metropolitan College looked at progression through STEM. The idea for this project was connected with the college’s desire to raise aspirations towards careers within the science industry.

The focus of the...

This Ofsted resource looks at teachers from City and Islington College who stimulate the interest of school students in science and other STEM-related subjects, work in schools with teachers and students and invite them to the college.

The college also hosts a careers convention where students meet working...

In this activity, students carry out research into the development and application of hydrogen fuel cells. Students are asked to produce a presentation or podcast which includes:

*An explanation of what hydrogen fuel...

This Catalyst article looks at the pterosaurs, which were flying reptiles, and which died out along with the dinosaurs. Analysis of the fossil record has increased scientists' knowledge of these creatures and how they lived. Bird watching during the Mesozoic Era, the expanse of time stretching between 245 and 65...

A Catalyst article explaining what happens when a scientist makes an exciting and new discovery. How do scientists manage to tell as many people as possible, and how can they be sure that someone else has not beaten them to it? Writing and publishing research in scientific journals is a long standing and popular...

A Catalyst article about Quantum Tunnelling Composite, a material discovered in 1997 and whose resistance decreases dramatically under pressure. How does it work and what uses will it have? The material has been carefully characterised (to understand its composition and how it works), and its first applications...

This strategy report looks at students' need for high quality information, advice and guidance (IAG) to help them make decisions and enable them to access the support and opportunities they need. This strategy sets out the steps that are being taken to improve the IAG offered, the importance of responding to a...

The British Science Association has been running the STEM enrichment programme for young people for almost 30 years.  This report is the first quantitative evidence of the impact of extra-curricular STEM interventions.

The report reveals that undertaking a CREST Silver Award appears to have a significant...

The questions in this framework can help governing bodies identify areas to celebrate or challenge in their schools, enabling them to work with their senior leaders to drive improvement. This framework aims to enable governors to perform at their best, exemplifying an approach which could benefit all curriculum...