Physics: number of A-level entrants roars beyond 30K

A-level results published this morning by the Joint Council for Qualifications show an increase for the fourth consecutive year in the number of students sitting examinations in physics across the UK.

The total number of students entered for physics A-level has risen by 5.2%, from 29 436 in 2009 to 30 976 in 2010.  This encouraging result is supported by a continued increase in AS level numbers, with the number of entrants increasing from 41 955 last year to 45 534 this year – an 8.5% increase. 

Although the number of entrants has increased much work is still required to reduce the gender divide in the physics classroom as the proportion of girls against boys taking physics exams remains stubbornly fixed at approximately 1 girl to every 3 boys.

There also remain concerns that some students – especially girls – are not following through from AS to A level – possibly because they think it will be easier to get a higher grade in other subjects despite the data showing that students who stick with the subject are very successful: 53% get an A*, A or B.  With universities looking to recruit students with good grades in traditional subjects, physics is a subject to stick with.

Charles Tracy, head of education pre-19 at the Institute of Physics (IOP), said, “Only five years ago we were meeting results day with a sense of dread as we anticipated further decreases in the number of physics entrants.  We are delighted that all of the hard work undertaken by policy makers, and through programmes like our own Stimulating Physics Network, is paying off.

“When it is taught well, physics is a rewarding and valuable subject for school students; however, there remain many schools where students don’t have access to the quality of teaching that will encourage them to pursue it beyond the age of 16.  The challenge now is to provide all students in all schools with the opportunities that many are now enjoying.”

Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, president of IOP, said, “The increase in candidate numbers is good news but we can not lose focus now.  We need the Government to continue expressing the importance of qualifications such as physics and avoid sending negative messages through hasty cuts to the UK’s science base.  Students will be encouraged to take subjects like physics if they can be assured that qualifications in physics lead to the brightest prospects.”