Opt-out science GSCEs 'could help plug skills gap'

Capable pupils should be automatically entered for Triple Science GCSEs, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has said.

From September, students achieving Level 6 or above in their science SATS will be entitled to study Triple Science at GSCE.

However, the CBI has said that such students should be automatically entered for the course to help fill skill gaps in British business.

Triple Science, which teaches physics, biology and chemistry, is worth three GCSEs. It is currently taken by just 7% of GCSE students, with most sitting the less comprehensive double or single combined science GCSEs.

"We need to send an unambiguous message to young people who are good at science that science as a career can be fascinating and worthwhile," said the CBI's director-general Richard Lambert.

Last month, the British Chambers of Commerce voiced concern that students could be put off taking science after a report showed that science subjects are graded harder than arts and humanities. This could lead to a skills shortage in industries needing science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), it explained.

Also last month, Colin Osborne, education manager, schools and colleges at the Royal Society of Chemistry wrote that Triple Science "may not be the best option for many pupils".

"There is likely to be a negative effect on pupils' learning if they are forced to study more of a subject they do not like," he said.

Chairman of Shell UK Ltd James Smith said that the application of advanced science and technology has "never been more important to the energy industry".

"Incentives for more children to take science at school could help produce the next generations of scientists and engineers that our industry really needs," he added.