the-BA : BA Press Release - 18 August 2006

Today, following the publication of this year’s A-Level results, the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing young people with enrichment activities in science, engineering, technology and mathematics as a valuable strategy for improving the uptake of science subjects among students making their GCSE, A-Level and degree choices, and for enhancing the scientific literacy of the general public.

This announcement comes after a press release from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) on 14 August and a study from the University of Buckingham, released on 11 August; both decrying the fact that thousands of students are turning their back on science courses because of a ‘stripped-down’ curriculum, a lack of specialist teachers and uninspiring careers advice.

The two documents suggest that the number of students studying physics at A-Level has halved since 1982, while the numbers taking chemistry A-Level have dropped by 37% in the same period. In addition, the proportion of degrees in physics has fallen by almost a third and the vacancy rate for maths and science teachers is 50% higher than for other subjects.

As part of the BA’s mission to engage and inspire young people about science, the BA’s CREST (CREativity in Science and Technology) Award scheme accredits the project work of around 30,000 science and technology students aged 11-19 from across the country, every year. The scheme enriches the learning experience by enabling students of all abilities to explore real scientific, engineering and technological questions and encouraging them to develop their scientific curiosity and their communication and problem-solving skills.

Over the past eight months, BA CREST has been the subject of a comprehensive evaluation study conducted by the Science Communication Unit at the University of Liverpool and financed by AstraZeneca, the chief supporter of the scheme. The findings of the evaluation support the BA’s commitment to enrichment activities by revealing that the CREST scheme has a strong positive impact on its primary target audience. Students gained knowledge, developed transferable skills and showed improving attitudes towards SET and SET careers. Many teachers felt that the scheme helped inform their teaching, and that BA CREST raised the profile of SET in their school. Mentors highlighted the impact of CREST on students’ decision-making and their subject choices at university.

Annette Smith, Director of Regions at the BA said: “As the only UK-wide science accreditation scheme, BA CREST is the largest and the most extensively monitored SET enrichment scheme of its type, but as yet only a small proportion of students have access to it. Now the CREST evaluation has proved that this kind of activity works, both for students and for teachers, we would like to see BA CREST employed far more widely as a cost effective way to address the slide in uptake of science subjects.”

ENDS

For further information about BA CREST please go to
www.the-ba.net/resourcesforlearning or contact:

Richard Elliott, Press Assistant, the BA
Tel: 020 7019 4947
Email: richard.elliott@the-ba.net

Sharmila Banerjee, Young People’s Programme Manager, the BA
Tel: 020 7019 4942
Email: sharmila.banerjee@the-ba.net

Note for editors

1. The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) is the UK's nationwide, open membership organisation dedicated to connecting science with people, so that science and its applications become accessible to all. The BA aims to promote openness about science in society and to engage and inspire people directly with science and technology and their implications. Established in 1831, the BA organises major initiatives across the UK, including the annual BA Festival of Science, National Science and Engineering Week, programmes of regional and local events, and an extensive programme for young people in schools and colleges. For more information about the BA, please visit www.the-ba.net/.

2. BA CREST is an enrichment scheme which accredits students' project work in science and technology. CREST stands for CREativity in Science and Technology. Currently around 30,000 students each year take part in the BA CREST awards which are celebrated at regional events and at the BA CREST Science Fair in London each February. The BA CREST awards are sponsored by AstraZeneca plc and Research Councils UK. A mentoring system is employed which facilitates links between schools, industry and higher education, helps to boost student confidence and promotes the pursuit of careers in science, engineering and technology (SET).

3. The evaluation study carried out recently by the University of Liverpool consists of two parts: an impact study and an operational and strategic review. The findings of the study are yet to be reported in full, but the main points are as follows:

- BA CREST appears to have a strong positive impact on its primary target audience (SET students aged 11-19).

- Students gained knowledge and developed transferable skills. Their attitudes towards SET and their aspirations for SET careers were improved.

- Many teachers felt that the scheme helped inform their teaching, and that BA CREST raised the profile of SET in schools.

- Mentors from industry and higher education highlighted the impact on students’ decision-making at Gold level, and described the impact on young people’s subject choices at university.

- Many teachers felt that the scheme gives students a broader experience of SET than schools alone can offer.

- A large number of teachers commented that BA CREST enthuses and motivates students and several also commented on the skills and confidence that students develop from participating in the scheme.

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