Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Karen Lumley and Nick Gibb

Monday 2nd March 2015 Commons Chamber

[Heather Wheeler (South Derbyshire) (Con)]

9. What assessment she has made of recent trends in the number of pupils taking up STEM subjects.

[The Minister of State, Department for Education (Mr Nick Gibb)]

Record numbers of students are taking mathematics and the sciences at A-level—15% more students took physics in 2014 than in 2010. Maths is now the single most popular A-level, with an increase of 13% since 2010, but more needs to be done. We need even more young people to take these subjects at A-level. That is why we are supporting the Your Life campaign headed by Edwina Dunn of Dunnhumby, which aims to increase the numbers taking maths and physics A-level by 50% over the next three years.

[Karen Lumley]

When I visit engineering companies in Redditch, I find that one of their main issues is attracting apprenticeships or graduates, especially women. Does my hon. Friend agree that along with the take-up of STEM subjects, we need to encourage students to see that careers in engineering are a great choice for all?

[Mr Gibb]

Indeed. We want all young people to have the right careers advice so that they take informed decisions about their future and so that they are aware of all the options available—including, as my hon. Friend said, apprenticeships—and of the advantages that studying maths and the sciences to A-level can bring.