Why choose science?

National concerns over the uptake of science subjects and an analysis of how school science departments together with careers programmes influence students’ subject choices feature in a recent report from the UK’s National Institute for Careers Education and Counselling. It points out that decisions on science subjects are taken very early in pupils’ education, often well before the implications of those choices can be clearly understood. If pupils are to be encouraged to keep science options open, then both science teachers and careers advisers have important roles to play.

Physics is in fact singled out in the report’s recommendations as in need of special attention, due to its perceived difficulty both within the double-award science course and also at A-level. The lack of qualified teachers in physics is noted as a problem for schools and the many initiatives to address these issues should be encouraged according to the report, but within an overall high-profile and well funded national strategy for developing science education in schools.

The report also notes that science teachers do not feel able to keep up with career information, whilst few careers advisers have a science background and have little opportunity to build up their knowledge of science syllabuses or of science and engineering careers. More contact between both types of specialist is naturally advocated.

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