The science curriculum to age 16 should be judged on how well it meets the needs of students who progress to A-level science courses and those (a larger number) who do not. To address the diversity of students' interests and aspirations, we need a clear view of the purposes of science education rooted in a view of the purposes of education itself.…

This paper analyses how the impact of international student achievement studies and the recent economic crisis in Europe are influencing the development of educational policy transfer and borrowing, from East to West. This is contrasted with education reform movements in East Asia, which have long legacies of borrowing from so-called…

Discusses physics, earth science, and physical science concepts that are challenging for students and teachers because they are difficult to understand and demonstrate. Identifies ratio and inverse-square as a unifying-concept approach according to the National Education Standards. Supports teaching based on student-centered activities, long-term…