Craig Whittaker – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Education

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Craig Whittaker on 2016-03-11.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to increase the study of STEM subjects by girls at GCSE.

Nick Gibb

The number of girls studying mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology at GCSE is broadly similar to boys and the inclusion of science GCSEs in the EBacc will support greater take up of these subjects by all pupils. The Government wants to see more girls progressing to mathematics and science subjects at A Level, building on the 12,000 additional A Level entries in these subjects by girls since 2010. Improving the quality of teaching is vital and we are taking action by investing £67 million over the term of this Parliament to recruit and train more mathematics and physics teachers, and by offering bursaries and scholarships to attract top graduates into mathematics and science teaching.

We are also providing support to schools to raise the quality of mathematics and science teaching through the network of mathematics hubs and science learning partnerships, and other programmes such as the Stimulating Physics Network which has a particular focusing on engaging more girls in physics.

The Government supports the “Your Life” campaign which aims to change the perceptions of science and mathematics among all young people, but with a focus on girls.