• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Should More People Be Taking Science at A-Level? ; YOUR SHOUT: He Page Where Teenagers Set the Agenda

Posted on: Friday, 27 January 2006, 09:00 CST

By LUCY LYNCH

SCIENCE subjects are waning in popularity among school sixth formers, particularly physics and chemistry.

Numbers taking A-level physics have fallen by nearly 40 per cent nationally in the last 20 years. The numbers taking A-level chemistry have also dropped off, leaving some universities so short of students they've cancelled their degree courses orrebranded them forensic science.

Education reporter LUCY LYNCH visited Ernesford Grange Community College, a specialist science college in Princethorpe Way, Ernesford Grange, Coventry, to ask pupils doing A-level science subjects for their opinions.

LEWIS BROWN, AGED 17 D30413_7 HOME: Lives in Binley with mum, dad and older sister.

AMBITION: A career in outdoor recreation..

INTERESTS: Rock climbing, socialising and listening to music.

A-LEVEL SUBJECTS: Physics, psychology and art.

VERDICT: Doing a science is useful and it looks really good on your CV. I think people can get put off by science because it's hard. But I'm not expecting A-levels to be easy and I'm just going to work at it.

VICKI SEDGLEY-CLARK, AGED 17 D30413_3 HOME: Lives in Willenhall with mum and two younger sisters.

AMBITION: A career in art.

INTERESTS: Art.

A-LEVEL SUBJECTS: Biology, sociology and art.

VERDICT: I chose biology because I was thinking about a career in health but I didn't realise how hard it would be. I don't think it matters if people aren't doing science as much as before. They should do what they're good at.

MARTIN SMITH, AGED 17 D30413_4 HOME: Lives in Binley with mum.

AMBITION: To be a forensic scientist.

INTERESTS: Playing squash.

A-LEVEL SUBJECTS: Biology, chemistry, physical education, sociology.

VERDICT: I think other subjects are easier than science. I'm finding sociology much easier than biology and chemistry. But sciences are important for careers. I think more people should be encouraged to do science even though it is hard.

CHRIS WATKINS, AGED 16 D30413_5 HOME: Lives in Binley with his dad, stepmother and younger brother.

AMBITION: A career in sport.

INTERESTS: Football, squash and supporting the Sky Blues.

A-LEVEL SUBJECTS: Chemistry, sociology and physical education.

VERDICT: Sciences are harder because there are lots of equations to remember. But there are more career options with science and they can be enjoyable, especially the practical side of chemistry.

LETITIA MORGAN, AGED 17 D30413_2 HOME: Lives in Stoke Green with mum and her partner, six younger brothers and one younger sister

AMBITION: To be a vet.

INTERESTS: Music.

A-LEVEL SUBJECTS: Biology, chemistry and sociology.

VERDICT: I chose sciences because I need them to be a vet. I think there should be more people doing science because scientists are the ones that find cures to illnesses and important things like that.

DEV RAVAL, AGED 17 D30413_6 HOME: Lives in Binley with mum, dad, a younger brother and a younger sister.

AMBITION: To be a forensic scientist or an environmental chemist.

INTERESTS: Playing the piano, saxophone, base guitar and drums.

A-LEVEL SUBJECTS: Physics, chemistry, biology.

VERDICT: Doing all three sciences looks good when you go to university. It means being able to choose what courses. It's bad for science generally if people stop doing it at A-level.

HIELA GHARANEI, AGED 16 D30413_9 HOME: Lives in Stoke Green with mum, dad and three younger sisters.

AMBITION: A career in medicine.

INTERESTS: Basketball.

A-LEVEL SUBJECTS: Biology, maths and chemistry.

VERDICT: I want to do medicine so I have to do these subjects even though they are hard. I don't think people should have to do science though. I think people should do what they are good at.

RICHARD REECE, AGED 16 D30413_1 HOME: Lives in Hinckley with mum, dad and one younger brother.

AMBITION: A career in information technology.

INTERESTS: Football and music.

A-LEVEL SUBJECTS: Chemistry, physics and information technology.

VERDICT: Sciences may be harder but in the long run they look good. I enjoy chemistry but find physics a bit harder. Fewer people doing sciences is a good for me because it means less competition for jobs!

VIMBAI MUSUNDA, AGED 16 D30413_8 HOME: Lives in Binley with mum and four brothers, two older and two younger.

AMBITION: A career in forensic science.

INTERESTS: Rap music.

A-LEVEL SUBJECTS: Chemistry, biology, maths and sociology.

VERDICT: It's their own decision in the end whether to do science or not. But I think it's bad that fewer people are doing sciences. Education should be challenging and you have to aim high.

Source: Coventry Evening Telegraph

More News in this Category