Product category:
Education, Training, Courses
News Release from: IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers) | Subject: The need for GCSE science
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 27 August 2007
The urgent need for single-science GCSE
UK exams
Double GCSE Science courses are failing to equip UK school-leavers with essential skills: the urgent need for single-science GCSEs in the UK has been re-iterated today, despite excellent exam results
Speaking live on BBC News 24, Andrew Furlong, Director of Policy and Communication at IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers) said that whilst the students responsible for the latest GCSE results deserved nothing but praise, more long-term thought was required if a looming skills gap in science and engineering is to be addressed "Double GCSE Science is not preparing students for further study and is leaving big gaps in essential knowledge
Pupils must be allowed to study single-science options like Chemistry and Physics at GCSE if we are to maintain the UK's excellent track record in engineering innovation," said Furlong: "The UK will need 2.4 million new science and technology graduates by 2014.
They simply won't be around unless the talent pipeline is fixed - and fixed fast," he warned.
Almost one-in-five GCSEs was awarded an A* or A grade, despite a small drop in overall pass rates.
Around 15% of students studying a Dual Science degree achieved an A* or A grade.
Earlier this month, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) revealed the worrying shortage of science and technology graduates set to hit the UK.
Furlong says that IChemE - along with other UK Science and Engineering groups - are backing calls for the implementation of a range of measures, in an effort to stem the shortage: "We need to support science and engineering graduates by helping them pay off their student debts, we must ensure secondary school science teachers are better paid so we can attract more, high-quality people into the profession, these teachers need to be properly qualified in the science discipline they are teaching and, in the long term, we need to get a science specialist in every primary school".
Furlong added: "We'll only be able to inspire youngsters into a science or engineering career, if they enjoy their science at school and are taught properly.
For this, we need to attract first-class science teachers".
Notes.
1) Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, maths and economics to the process of turning raw materials into everyday products.
Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world.
Pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the products where chemical engineering plays a central role.
2) IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers) is the hub for chemical, biochemical and process engineering professionals worldwide.
With a global membership of around 27,000, the Institution is at the heart of the process community, promoting competence and a commitment to best practice, advancing the discipline for the benefit of society and supporting the professional development of its members.
For more information, visit www.icheme.org - this article was provided by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).
• IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers): contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Processingtalk email newsletter
• Processingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
