Exploring young people's views on science education (Wellcome Trust report)

A new report from the Wellcome Trust has found that school pupils are interested in science at school and recognize that studying science could lead to a better career. The report comes in the wake of record results in this year's Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics subject GCSEs and A-levels and reveals an increased enthusiasm for the STEM subjects. However, the report also found that several areas - such as careers guidance and exam culture - need to be addressed if this apparent increased appetite for science is to be sustained.

Of the 240 pupils (from 20 schools) surveyed for the report, almost two-thirds said that they found science lessons "fairly" or "very" interesting, and a very encouraging 90% felt that compulsory teaching of science in school up to the age of 16 is important.

80% felt that having a good understanding of science would improve their career prospects; however, many students did not have clear ideas of what a science career constitutes beyond 'doctor', 'engineer' or 'vet'. A need for better careers guidance was identified to ensure that young people are equipped with all of the options available to them for a career in, or from, science.

Clare Matterson, Director of Medical Humanities and Engagement at the Wellcome Trust, commented: "The results are extremely encouraging, but we must not rest on our laurels. With the rising personal cost of higher education, it is ever important to ensure that young people are educated about the broad value and benefits that careers from science can offer."

Another clear finding from the report is that pupils want their science lessons to be more relevant to the real world. Almost 40% of those surveyed had difficulties in making direct links between what they learn in the classroom and how they apply this to everyday situations. Many felt that they were learning science solely to pass an exam and identified this as being a demotivating factor in their engagement with the subject.

The full report can be downloaded below.