2nd July 2008
A new report that shows science subjects are graded harder at A-level than arts and humanities is bad news for business, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has said.
Researchers at Durham University found that A-levels in physics, chemistry and biology were marked a grade lower than A-levels in drama, sociology and media studies. The sciences were also marked three quarters of a grade lower than English, religious education and business studies.
There are fears that poor grades will convince students to take 'easier' subjects in higher education, leading to a skills shortage in industries needing science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
"Three years on from the government's vow to increase pupil numbers taking science subjects, this report is terrible news," said David Frost, director-general of the BCC.
"The UK's economy is riddled with skills shortages in several key sectors, and our STEM subject take up remains depressingly poor."
The Durham researchers recommend a scaling system, so that a grade in science is worth more than the same in another subject.
Nick Palin, the Forum of Private Business' director of human resources, added that there exist broader concerns about skills shortages in the workplace.
"The FPB is deeply concerned that school and university leavers are entering the world of work without even the basic skills that are required by employers, such as literacy, numeracy and the ability to communicate effectively," he told More Than Business news.
Harsher grading for sciences 'bad news for business'
Researchers at Durham University found that A-levels in physics, chemistry and biology were marked a grade lower than A-levels in drama, sociology and media studies. The sciences were also marked three quarters of a grade lower than English, religious education and business studies.
There are fears that poor grades will convince students to take 'easier' subjects in higher education, leading to a skills shortage in industries needing science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
"Three years on from the government's vow to increase pupil numbers taking science subjects, this report is terrible news," said David Frost, director-general of the BCC.
"The UK's economy is riddled with skills shortages in several key sectors, and our STEM subject take up remains depressingly poor."
The Durham researchers recommend a scaling system, so that a grade in science is worth more than the same in another subject.
Nick Palin, the Forum of Private Business' director of human resources, added that there exist broader concerns about skills shortages in the workplace.
"The FPB is deeply concerned that school and university leavers are entering the world of work without even the basic skills that are required by employers, such as literacy, numeracy and the ability to communicate effectively," he told More Than Business news.
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