Read all about it.
Numbers Taking Maths and Science A levels Rise English and Languages Also On The Up
Dated: 14/08/2008
Numbers Taking Maths and Science A levels Rise English and Languages Also On The Up
Schools Minister Jim Knight welcomed news that increased numbers of pupils are passing A Levels, with rises in key subjects like sciences - and maths at its highest level in over a decade.
The UK 2008 A Level and AS results show:
- There was a 2.7 per cent increase in entries at A Level (827,737 compared to 805,657 in 2007) and 1.2 per cent at AS Level (1,128,150 compared to 1,114,424 in 2007) this year;
- A significant rise (7.5 per cent) in the numbers taking Mathematics A Levels, 64,593 entries compared to 60,093 in 2007;
- In England this was up 7.8 per cent to 59,105 (compared to 54,833 in 2007) - this meets the Government target of over 56,000 entrants by 2014 six years early;
- Further maths was also up by 15.5 per cent to 9,091 (compared to 7,872 in 2007);
- In sciences – biology was up 2.7 per cent, chemistry up 3.5 per cent and physics up 2.3 per cent, with other sciences recording a 0.2 per cent rise;
- English was the most popular A Level, with 89,111 (10.8 per cent of candidates) taking it. This was followed by maths (64,593 or 7.8 per cent) and biology (56,010 or 6.8 per cent);
- A rise in the overall pass rate (A-E) from 96.9 in 2007 to 97.2 at A Level this year. At AS Level, the pass rate has increased by from 87.8 per cent to 88.2 per cent;
- A rise in the proportion achieving A-C grades at A Level from 72.8 per cent in 2007 to 73.9 per cent this year; and
- A rise in the proportion of A grades awarded at A Level from 25.3 per cent in 2007 to 25.9 per cent this year.
The latest results mean that there has been a 9.6 per cent percentage point rise in the pass rate at A Level since 1997 (from 87.6 per cent to 97.2 per cent), and a 18.2 percentage point rise in the proportion of A-C grades awarded (from 55.7 per cent to 73.9 per cent).
Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, said:
“Many congratulations to all the students who have done so well this year. Their hard work has paid off and I wish them all the best in their future study and careers.
“I sincerely hope that this year, with the formation of the new independent standards regulator Ofqual, we can finally begin to put a stop to the annual sterile debate which claims that improved results mean “dumbing down”.
“The public can have full confidence that Ofqual, the independent guardian of standards, will provide a robust, transparent regulatory framework which can continue to give people confidence in the standards of both new and existing qualifications and tests.”
Jim Knight, Minister for Schools and Learners, said:
“I heartily congratulate all students who have successfully completed their A Levels and thank teachers for their hard work. This year’s results are a tremendous tribute to all the effort that has gone into achieving these qualifications by students, supported by parents and teachers. They also show a good return on a decade of record investment and policies which have encouraged more young people to continue and achieve in education.
“More pupils are now passing Maths A Level than at any time in over a decade. It’s crucial for society that we have talented mathematicians and maths is essential for science and innovation – today’s A grade mathematicians will soon be solving the problems of tomorrow.
“The continued increase in those taking sciences and languages, also vital for the health of the UK business, is also positive and testament to our drive to increase take-up of these subjects.”
There was still more to do, said Mr Knight, with a raft of reforms to improve 14-19 education. He added:
“But we must not be complacent, there is still further to go to make sure all young people have the choices they need to do the best they can. That is why we are making significant changes to the education system for 14 to 19-year- olds.
“From this September students will be able to study the exciting new Diplomas, helping end the historic divide between academic and vocational learning. We will also see the first generation of school children starting secondary school who will be required to stay in education or training to 17. A Levels will stretch the brightest students starting this year, who will have the chance to get an A* in 2010. And sixth formers can now do an extended project, which will give them the independent study skills that universities want. We are also further expanding the availability of apprenticeships.
“Today’s results give us good reason for optimism and our further reforms will help pave the way to a world class education for all.”
Celia Hoyles, Director of the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics, said:
“I am delighted with the news of the significant upturn in take-up of mathematics post-16 and the increase in performance. This is so important for us all as individuals as well as for the country. I believe that we are - at last - seeing a shift in our culture where no longer will it be socially acceptable to say that 'I can’t do mathematics - and I am even proud of it’. In order for this upwards trend to continue, we must now try to ensure that we have enough well-qualified and confident teachers of mathematics post-16. The NCETM is looking forward to working with partners to find ways to achieve this objective.”
Derek Bell, Director of the Association of Science Education, said:
“These results are good news for science and maths and provide grounds for optimism as we endeavour to meet future needs in the STEM disciplines. However, if we are to make further progress next year and beyond it is essential that we maintain our efforts to engage young people in science and maths. Most importantly, today, we should celebrate the achievements of these young people and the commitment of their teachers.”
Subscribe to our RSS feed.
Subscribe to our RSS feed to receive all the latest E-education news as and when it happens.
