7. How is the Welsh Government supporting the study of STEM subjects in schools? OAQ(5)0084(EDU)

Support for STEM in schools is a key priority and we are investing in capacity-building for science subjects. Our education reforms will see practitioner-led and evidence-based changes to the STEM curriculum, with networks for excellence to support our teaching workforce going forward.

Thank you, Cabinet Secretary, for your response. ‘Talented Women for a Successful Wales’ has noted that girls are under-represented in most STEM subjects at A-level, despite performing as well or better at GCSE than their male counterparts, with particular challenges, for example, in physics, where just 20 per cent of A-level students are female. How is the Welsh Government tackling this gender divide? Also, do you think, Cabinet Secretary, that there are any opportunities in the new curriculum for us to try and reverse this trend?

Thank you for that. I’ve been taking a range of positive steps to increase girls’ engagement in the study of STEM subjects, linked to the education actions that were set out in the report that you mentioned, ‘Talented Women for a Successful Wales’. But, to make that difference, I want to see our teaching professionals—they need support to make that happen. That’s why the national networks for excellence in maths and science and technology, which I announced recently, are being tasked to consider the issues of gender equity. So, that is actually a named part of what we expect them to do. Next to parents, our teaching workforce has the greatest influence on young people’s study choices. So, it’s essential that those working in STEM in our schools, from the ages of three—because we have to have great scientific experiences early on in a child’s educational career—to 18 are supported to enhance girls’ experiences and the relevant and inclusive way in which they deliver STEM in schools.

You’re right about physics. There are many girls who study biology, a few fewer then study chemistry and then we have a drop-off in the number of girls who are studying physics, so especially with the grant to physics we are funding the Institute of Physics’s Stimulating Physics Network programme, delivering non-specialist mentoring for physics teachers: an approach which we know there is a proven track record to improve girls’ provision on to A-level study of physics.