Discussions

The Supply of Graduates in to STEM Subjects discussion was published on the STEM Advisory Forum on 21 November 2008. This was the same day that Sir Brian Follett gave his keynote presentation, on the same subject, at the STEM Advisory Forum event.

A summary of all of the comments made was then sent to DCSF for a response. The official response can now be viewed below as well as the links to the comments made on the forum and the summary that was sent to the Department.

Response re STEM Graduate Supply - pre University level

We have always recognised that the future economic success of the country is dependent upon a good supply of skilled scientists and engineers. This is even more true now in the context of the global economic downturn.

From September 2008 we have made GCSEs in the individual sciences of physics, chemistry and biology (triple science) more accessible to pupils who will benefit. To achieve this we introduced an 'entitlement' to triple science for all pupils who achieve level 6 in science at the end of key stage 3 and will benefit from studying the three separate sciences. This is not a statutory entitlement, but Specialist Science Colleges will be expected to deliver triple science from 2008 both in their own schools and in their families of schools. All other maintained schools will be encouraged to offer the 'entitlement' to pupils achieving level 6 or above at key stage 3.

The Learning and Skills Network Triple Science Community has developed a generic programme to help all schools, plan develop and implement triple science.

The Triple Science Community Website (http://www.triplescience.org.uk) allows practitioners to share ideas and resources, and to access knowledge and information to schools on triple science.

We have also announced a revised target that, by 2014, 17 per cent of pupils will take triple science at GCSE. This target is double the 2008 proportion, and will equate to around 100,000 pupils studying for triple science in 2014.

We are also developing a STEM careers campaign. Kate Bellingham has been appointed national STEM careers coordinator.

A Level entries in mathematics and science continued to increase in 2008:

Mathematics:

In 2008 there were 66,207 entries for 16-18 year olds for AS level mathematics, up by 3,312 on last year, and 57,618 entries for 16-18 year olds, up by 4,287 on the previous year.

• New A level mathematics specifications are being developed for first teaching in September 2011.
• We are funding a network of further mathematics centres, through the Mathematics in Industry (MEI) project, to increase the number of young people taking further mathematics A level. The national network is made up of 46 regional centres.
• We have begun a three year communications strategy aimed at young people, teachers and parents to promote the value of mathematics learning and skills for future prospects in order to boost take-up of AS and A level mathematics.

Chemistry:

There were 41,680 entries for candidates of all ages for A level chemistry in the UK, up by 1,395 on the previous year. At AS level there were 54,157 entries, up by 1,322 on the previous year.

Biology:

There were 56,010 entries for candidates of all ages for A level biology in the UK, up by 1,447 on the previous year. At AS level there were 72,239 entries, down by 1,333 on the previous year.

Physics:

There were 28,096 entries for candidates of all ages for A level physics in the UK, up by 630 on the previous year. At AS level there were 38,129 entries, up by 806 on the previous year.

• The Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) is currently piloting accredited courses to give existing science teachers without a physics specialism the deep subject knowledge and pedagogy they need to teach the subject effectively. The programme is due to be rolled out nationally from July 2009. TDA is also developing a mentoring programme, due to start in September 2009, to help improve the retention of science teachers. Similarly, the Transition to Teaching programme was launched in July 2008 to get employers to encourage talented staff to retrain as secondary school teachers in physics, mathematics, chemistry or ICT.
• We have already set up a national network of Science Learning Centres, in partnership with the Wellcome Trust to provide professional development for science teachers, technicians and other science educators. Physics related courses provided by the network are eligible for a bursary of up to 200 pounds per day to cover the costs of training. Similarly, bursaries will be available through Project Enthuse, enabling science teachers to experience high quality professional development in contemporary science at the National Science Learning Centres over the next five years.
• We have begun a three year STEM communications programme to inform pupils, parents and others of the wide ranging and exciting opportunities that are open to students when they choose to study STEM subjects up to and post 16. Television adverts commenced in November 2008 and radio ads from January 2009. Meanwhile, the Institute of Physics, working with the network of Science Learning Centres, has been commissioned to look at how schools might encourage more girls to take up physics post-16, and the Secondary National Strategy has produced a range of case studies investigating the school level factors that might influence high levels of progression to post-16 science study.

Graduate supply forum comments

Graduate Supply Summary

Graduate Supply Official Response