Electronic Specifier Design Magazine, September 2024
Over a million students celebrated receiving GCSE and vocational qualification results at the end of August.
The proportion of entries achieving top grades (grade 7 and above), and standard passes (grade 4) are consistent with last year as, for the second year in a row, grading has returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Figures released by the Joint Council for Qualifications for UK wide results show:
- Science (980,786 entries) and Mathematics (878,165 entries) remain in the top ten subjects
- Statistics has seen the largest percentage increase at 19.9% - 26,559 entries to 31,844
- Continuing uptake in Computer Science with an increase at 5.8% - 90,558 to 95,841, however Digital Technology (previously ICT) has decreased from last year (8,527 vs 8,753)
- Design and Technology has increased from last year (88,607 vs 86,840)
- Engineering has increased from last year (3,018 vs 2,746)
- More males studying Science, with significant gaps in Construction, Engineering, Computing and Design and Technology
- Vocational and Technical Awards: Increases in Information and Computer Technology (23,300) and Construction Planning and the Built Environment (14,700) but a drop in Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies (27,300 entries) compared to 2023
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) celebrated the increase in crucial engineering gateway subjects but highlighted the need to show how these subjects apply to real-world careers.
David Lakin, Head of Education at the IET, said: “It’s positive to see that Science and Mathematics remain the top two subjects, with significant increases in Statistics and Computer Science and an uplift in Design and Technology – all of which could open the door to an exciting and creative career as an engineer or technologist.
“We know that the appetite for studying and working in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) is there, so we need to make sure young people now know how these subjects apply to their future ambitions, what roles in the STEM sector are available and what routes they can take to get there.”
More males are studying Science, with significant gaps in Construction, Engineering, Computing and Design and Technology. This shows that there is still so much to be done to tackle the gender gap in STEM, notes Dr Laura Norton, IET Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and WISE Managing Director.
“We must inspire the next generation of women engineers, and this starts from a very young age. We need to be telling primary school children about the opportunities and range of careers within engineering and technology – so that they know that there is a place for them in the sector.”
The uptick in GCSE computer science is great news but EngineeringUK expressed concerns over the uptake of D&T GCSE’s which is important for STEM career pathways.
Becca Gooch, Head of Research at EngineeringUK comments: “We know that students are motivated by opportunities for practical science but that these opportunities have almost halved since 2016. D&T provides students with contextualised, hands-on learning opportunities and is an important subject for future STEM careers.
“There’s more to be done to ensure more students from all backgrounds take Computing, D&T and other STEM subjects at the greater levels required if the UK’s need for a skilled workforce to meet net zero targets is to be met.”
The importance of encouraging students to continue with STEM subjects cannot be overstated. The UK, like many other countries, faces a significant skills gap in these areas. Employers are increasingly looking for candidates with strong foundations in STEM, not only for traditional roles in engineering and science but also for emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. By continuing their studies in STEM subjects, students can equip themselves with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing job market.
Paige West, Managing Editor
