Royal Society Comment Ahead Of A-Level Results, UK

Main Category: Medical Students / Training
Article Date: 17 Aug 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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Ahead of the recent publication of A-level results Martin Rees, President of the Royal Society, said:

"We must do more to stop young people being turned off the sciences - especially physics - by the time they choose their A-levels. And there are many things that can be done to help. In particular we need more specialist chemistry and physics teachers who can really challenge and inspire students about their subjects. We also need to provide teachers and students with the freedom to teach and learn creatively both inside and outside of the classroom.

"Although the number of students taking A-level biology is in reasonable shape and we've seen an encouraging rise in numbers taking chemistry in the last few years, physics is a subject on the ropes.

"We should be encouraging far more students who have the ability to study physics at A-level, to do so. At its highest levels physics seeks to make sense of the universe and our place within it, but for all students it opens doors to great intellectual challenges, a better understanding of the other sciences and a wide range of exciting and well paid careers."

Last year A-level entries for all subjects rose 2.8 per cent compared with 2005, but entries in physics reached a new low with 2.7 per cent fewer UK students taking the subject. This is a massive 37 per cent fewer than in 1991.

In 2006 chemistry had the highest number of entries since 2000. This was 3.1 per cent higher than 2005, but 9.8 per cent lower than in 1991.

In 2006 1.7 per cent more students took biology than in 2005, 17.8 per cent higher than in 1991.

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

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