Media release - 5/8/2009
Good News for Engineering as Participation and Entry Levels Up for Physics and Maths Teachers
Nearly 160,000 school pupils across Scotland have received their examination results today, and there is good news for engineering subjects as entry levels for both Advanced Physics and Advanced Maths Highers have gone up by ten percent.
Though the picture is undoubtedly a complex one, there are some clear encouraging signs with a seven percent increase in female entrants for Higher Level Physics, a twelve percent overall increase in entrants for Advanced Higher Level Computing and passes in Advanced Higher Level Computing rising by six percentage points. This is particularly encouraging in addressing the wider UK context, with universities and employers facing shortages in science and technology qualified females.
In the light of the increased number of young people taking many science subjects, the ETB have identified a focus on improved pass rates as being the next step in increasing the supply of well qualified scientists and engineers in Scotland.
Paul Jackson, Chief Executive of the ETB, said: “Though we must not be complacent as there are still issues to address, young people have clearly demonstrated their appreciation of the value and importance of science and technology subjects. These new qualifications will provide them with great opportunities and are vital for the future health of the UK’s science and engineering base. Having seen increases in the number of entrants for many science subjects the next step is to look at pass rates and ensure that as many young people as possible are getting these qualifications.”
Notes to Editors
For further information please contact:
Laura Marsh, Senior Communications Executive, EngineeringUK
Tel: 020 3206 0444 or (m) 07887 943 017
Download as pdf: Good News for Engineering as Participation and Entry Levels Up for Physics and Maths Teachers
Date Published: November 16, 2009
