Royal Society Responds To A-Level Results, UK

Main Category: Medical Students / Training
Article Date: 18 Aug 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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Martin Rees, President of the Royal Society, said: "Today's A-level results at last provide a suggestion that the health of mathematics and the sciences is beginning to improve.

"Physics remains on the critical list despite the slight increase in numbers of students sitting the subject. In actual terms, we're looking at just 98 more people taking the A-level compared to last year. We need more evidence before we can conclude with confidence that this is the beginning of a recovery.

"Chemistry is continuing to rally, consolidating the increases in students choosing to sit the A-level over the past few years.

"The decrease in students taking A-level biology is not hugely concerning at this stage. However, we should keep the subject under surveillance. The focus on physics and chemistry should not allow biology's health to deteriorate unnoticed.

"The continuing upward trend in the number of young people choosing to take mathematics and further mathematics is excellent news.

"The Royal Society welcomes the new generation of Applied Science A and AS levels and is encouraged by the 79 per cent increase in students taking the AS single award this year. With their work-related content these courses could encourage more students to study science after the age of 16.

"It is important to remember that behind these trends there are many individual success stories of young people who have worked hard to do well in their A-levels and AS levels. We should congratulate all those who have passed their A and AS levels today, as well as their teachers."

1. The Royal Society is an independent academy promoting the natural and applied sciences. Founded in 1660, the Society has three roles, as the UK academy of science, as a learned Society, and as a funding agency. It responds to individual demand with selection by merit, not by field. As we prepare for our 350th anniversary in 2010, we are working to achieve five strategic priorities, to:

-- Invest in future scientific leaders and in innovation
-- Influence policymaking with the best scientific advice
-- Invigorate science and mathematics education
-- Increase access to the best science internationally
-- Inspire an interest in the joy, wonder and fulfilment of scientific discovery

http://www.royalsoc.ac.uk