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Uncovering the real level of science skills at school and university

On 28 September 2009, the think tank Policy Exchange published a report (Science fiction) which contests government claims about the performance and take-up of science subjects at every level – GCSE, A Level and degree.

The report insists that misleading figures and lowered standards explain many of the apparent ‘improvements’, with the result that British businesses now face a critical skills shortage.

The report makes several recommendations including proposals for:

• a clear entitlement for every pupil to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics at GCSE level, no matter where they go to school;
• universities to publish clear, unequivocal lists of less-preferred A-level subjects;
• a new ‘Standards Agency’ to replace OFQUAL and take control of GCSE and A-level examination standards. This should be run by school, business and university representatives, thus removing the incentive to lower grade boundaries as a means of increasing pass rates.

Science fiction? Uncovering the real level of science skills at school and university (PDF)