Press releases
GCSE results: young people are not being encouraged to study separate sciences
21 August 2008
Whilst this year’s GCSE results are likely to show record grades, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is concerned that young people are not being encouraged to study triple or separate sciences.
IET chief executive, Robin McGill said: “We want to know why so few young people study triple or separate sciences. It’s conceivable that they are not encouraged to do so, going for the so-called ‘softer’ options. Questions need to be asked. We hope that the inclusion of measures for performance in maths and science in the school performance tables will shed light on this. If there is a disparity between school performance generally, and in science, we must find out why and act on it to ensure we lose no more time in producing the scientists and engineers of the future.
“We believe it is important that young people are offered all opportunities possible to explore science and technology during their studies. Science and technology opens up endless opportunities for exciting and rewarding careers in science, engineering and technology. There is a major skills shortage in these sectors and opportunities to play a significant role in determining how our technological future is shaped.
“The IET is committed to promoting the industry and careers in science, and we are involved at the highest levels in dealing with solutions to the lack of uptake of relevant courses. We are firm supporters of the new Engineering Diploma and have been working hard to help the development partnership* ensure it offers an exciting, relevant and engaging course for students.
“Ultimately, if young people aren’t given the opportunity to study triple or separate science, they are closing a number of doors behind them that will limit career options later in life and have an adverse effect on our economy. As we all know, as we go through life, it’s always better to keep your options open.”
Media enquiries to:
Robert Beahan
IET Press Officer
T: +44 (0)1438 767336
M: +44 (0)7590 776281
E: rbeahan@theiet.org
Mary Donovan
IET Head of Communications
T: +44 (0)1438 765587
M: +44 (0)7533 671949
E: mdonovan@theiet.org
Notes to editors:
- The IET operates a number of activities and initiatives to promote science, engineering and technology, including the Faraday programme (www.theiet.org/faraday) that is mapped against the curriculum and the Diploma and available to all schools. The IET also publishes Flipside magazine (www.flipside.org.uk/subscribe or call 01206 796351), which is the only publication of its kind aimed at teenagers promoting the profession. We also award over £3m in grants and bursaries to help young people finance their studies.
- The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is a world leading professional organisation working to develop science, engineering and technology.
- The IET dates from 1871 and has more than 150,000 members in 127 countries with offices in Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific. It provides a global knowledge network to facilitate the exchange of information.
- The IET registers more engineers than any other UK institution and approaching half the engineers on the Engineering Council register are IET members. More information, please see www.theiet.org.
- The IET operates IET.tv, a web TV service which covers a wide range of engineering and technology events and content. For more information, visit www.iet.tv.
* Engineering Diploma Development Partnership, which is run by SEMTA-led consortia of sector skills councils