Siemens research shows pupils shun sciences for easier A-level subjects

The major survey © of 500 UK students, to investigate pupils’ reasons for choosing their career-defining A-level options, reveals that 70% of students believe that it is harder to get an A-grade at A-level in science-based subjects compared to ‘softer’ subjects. When deciding whether or not to take a science subject, the level of difficulty in getting high grades is an important factor for 65% of students. Furthermore 66% factor in the balance between coursework and exams and 46% of pupils believe that the coursework accompanying science-based A-levels is harder than that associated with other subjects.

How much they liked the subject teachers was an important factor for 74% of students and predictably, for 95%, how much they had enjoyed the subject at GCSE level.

The results come as the UK is currently suffering Europe’s worst brain drain and will fall behind the rest of the world in science and research if this continues. Demand for science courses is falling (30% of university physics departments have merged or closed since 2001), whilst demand for science graduates is rising.

Alan Wood, chief executive of Siemens plc, said: “The growing shortage of scientists, engineers and science and maths teachers will have serious long-term consequences for the UK unless we get more young people to take the subjects at least to A-level.

“We feel it is time to consider innovations in how the subject is taught at GCSE level, the degree of support given during A-levels and perhaps even a different points system for science and maths subjects. This is not to suggest ‘dumbing down’ the subjects at all, but we do need to ensure that students do not feel that if they choose harder subjects they will be less likely to get a place at a good university.

“Siemens is committed to generating interest in science amongst the next generation. We are currently sponsoring the ‘Building to the Limits’ exhibition at the Science Museum and organising roadshows in schools throughout the country to show just how interesting the sciences can be. However, the situation needs to be addressed by a combination of government, schools, universities and employers if we are going to produce the highly trained individuals that industry needs.”

The survey results have also attracted comment from the National Association of Head Teachers. Eric Frisk, Chairman, National Association of Head Teachers Secondary Committee, said: “A-level results are at an all time high and competition for university placements is extremely competitive. Consequently, students are taking ‘the safe’ option when picking A-levels at the expense of subjects like physics and chemistry that could potentially be more rewarding to themselves and of greater value to the economy."

The UK is already in the unenviable position where only a quarter of schools have a physics teacher with a relevant degree* - a situation highlighted by the Royal Society, which too has called for urgent government action.

According to Jonathan Kestenbaum, CEO of the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA): "Our recent 'Real Science' research showed that there's a need to make science more engaging in the classroom through practical experiments. It makes science compelling for young people.

"We have to increase the take-up of science as the UK's global competitiveness will be founded on our capacity to meet ever greater demands for innovation."

This research is part of Siemens Generation21 initiative, a worldwide Siemens programme to promote the education and training of young people. This is just one of the ways in which Siemens is honouring its commitment to society and fostering the innovators, leaders and creative talents of tomorrow.

As part of the same Siemens Generation21 initiative, Siemens and the Science Museum’s Outreach Team, supported by a grant from Arts and Business, have been running science shows for schoolchildren in locations around the country, from Poole to Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

The shows take place in schools with which Siemens has local links and the subject matter relates to the “Materials” module of the National Curriculum. They are highly interactive, entertaining and fun as well as educational. More shows are planned and will conclude in March with a visit to Nottingham, by which time more than 2,400 schoolchildren will have had the chance to experience a science show. (images of children at shows are available).

(* Research statistics from the University of Buckingham, published 21 November 2005.)

Siemens science research - 9 February 2006

© Copyright: All references to this survey must credit Siemens.