Huge rise in maths and sciences... as boys close the gap

Exam chiefs: hail 'Brian Cox effect' as students turn to maths and sciences
12 April 2012

Soaring numbers of teenagers are taking maths and science A-levels, today's results show.

Experts say the increase could be partly down to a "Brian Cox effect" and pupils choosing subjects that will help them secure jobs. Professor Cox is the physicist who presents BBC2 show Wonders of the Universe.

Maths entries have risen by 40 per cent in the past five years, to 82,995 this year. The numbers taking chemistry and physics have risen by almost 20 per cent in the same period and biology saw a 13 per cent rise. Entries for languages have dropped by 6.3 per cent in the past five years.

Today's results also show that boys have closed the gaps with girls on the top grades: 8.2 per cent of boys' entries achieved an A this year, up from 7.9 per cent last year; 8.2 per cent of girls' entries were awarded the top grade, down from 8.3 per cent.

Andrew Hall, chief executive of exam awarding body AQA, said: "The stonking increase in maths and science over the last five years is the most significant thing we have seen in this set of results." Speaking about the increase in boys getting top results, Mr Hall said: "The creation of A*s has created a challenge and boys have risen to it."

Ziggy Liaquat, managing director of Edexcel, said: "It could be the Brian Cox effect. It could be as simple as that."

Professor Cox said today he believed there had been a "step change" in the public's opinion of science. He said: "I go to schools and I see and hear there are a lot of kids, girls as well as boys, interested in science and engineering.

"This is the message, that these subjects are great things to do - for the individual it's great because there is a shortage of scientists and engineers, but it's also great for the country, because our country needs these people to improve our economy in the 21st century."

Mr Liaquat said many pupils decided to study science and maths at the start of the financial downturn two years ago, "when businesses were crying out for students and young people to have skills in science, engineering and maths".

Christine Blower, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: "The NUT welcomes the increased take up and the overall high results achieved in the sciences and mathematics, but continues to have grave concerns about the declining entry for modern foreign languages."

Universities minister David Willetts has said tougher A-level subjects such as maths, sciences and languages should carry more Ucas points than "softer" subjects.

A-level success stories

St John Ambulance volunteer Lady-Namera Ejaimike, 18, won a place to study medicine at University College London.

Lady-Namera, a student at Our Lady's Convent High School in Hackney, said: "Working at events such as the London Marathon where I'm part of a team of professionals and volunteers is great experience for me."

I urge the Government to come up with a coherent policy for ensuring that all young people acquire at least one modern foreign language."

Patreese Erskine hopes to become a youth worker after two As and a B earned her a place to study psychology at Royal Holloway.

The South Thames College student from South Norwood plans to get a part-time job and said: "I am worried about money but I think I will be able to manage it quite well. I am looking at budgeting."

There was a double celebration for one family today as 11-year-old twins Paula and Peter Imafidon (above) both passed ICT A-levels.

Each sibling scored passes after studying for their exams with the Wilson Foundation's Excellence in Education programme. The charity was set up to mentor children in urban areas.

Proud father Chris from Barking said: "They see computing as a game, so are not fazed by exams. They are perfectly well rounded - Paula plays rugby for the county and is more interested in rugby scores than her A-level grades."

Ryan Walters from White City will take an accountancy degree sponsored by KPMG after getting straight As. The 18-year-old Burlington Danes Academy pupil will earn a salary while studying at Durham.

He said: "I would prefer to do economics but because of the opportunity that KPMG provides it outweighs the choice of course."

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