It was fascinating to read about the resurgence in the number of young people choosing to study maths and science. As school-leavers across Britain received their A-level results on Thursday (August 17) it emerged that maths has been the fastest growing “Stem†subject in schools. There was a 7.8 per cent increase in the number of people taking A-level maths in 2010-11 alone, which brought the total increase since 2005 to 57 per cent, according to the FT today. Over the same period, the sciences have also seen a 17 per cent rise.
However, languages are in decline with French, Spanish and German decreasing by a combined 6.3 per cent. But Chinese increased by 37 per cent in a single year – up from 2,372 candidates to 3,237 candidates. This compares to 5,166 candidates who studied German.
The rise in A-level take-up for maths and science subjects is being described as the “Brian Cox effect†after the physics professor and popular television presenter credited with making science “sexyâ€.
It also seems clear that the impact of the recession and publicity about what qualifications are needed to meet a skills gap in the jobs market is influencing some youngsters’ choices. And that goes for the increase in the study of Chinese, too.
Professor Cox told the Daily Mail yesterday: “The message is 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.â€
Experts are still warning that there is a long way to go as numbers taking “Stem†subjects are still too low to meet the needs of both business and education, but the signs are encouraging.
What I think is interesting here is the way Professor Cox is his response yesterday married two themes: enthusiasm for a subject in its own right; and its importance for the country and the economy. So, it adds up to self-fulfilment and a valuable career.
Isn’t that great careers advice?
And, in a nutshell, doesn’t that show how vital it is that youngsters – indeed, all ages – receive inspirational, personal and practical careers advice and guidance. A lot depends on getting this advice across to schoolchildren and plans for the new national all-age careers service don’t appear to be shaping up well:  (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-14446649)
It needs the Brian Cox effect – face-to-face and online. People need to be inspired and motivated. The potential to be more than you think you can be starts as soon as you get to school. I’m not surprised Professor Cox’s “Wonders of the Universe†on BBC 2 caught the imagination. The next day, Chris Evans raved about it on his radio programme. It caused a buzz. It opened a door ….
We need this kind of inspirational touch to convey the meaning and value of a wide range of subjects. I have a real fear that in 10 years time, probably less, we will be facing a major skills gap in communications and language skills – and not just in our young people.
Now how do we make that “sexy�
