STEM Subjects Uptake by Girls 2021-09-22
2021-09-22
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP inquired about recent trends and barriers to girls studying STEM subjects, noting an increase in entries but highlighting the importance of qualified teachers.
What recent assessment has been made of trends in the level of uptake of STEM subjects by girls? The increase in A-level computing entries for girls is encouraging, yet there remains a lack of high-quality, qualified teachers in these areas which acts as a significant barrier to entry. Are interventions such as funding programmes being implemented to address this issue?
We have seen an overall increase in entries for STEM A-levels and GCSEs by girls this year, including a notable 12.7% increase in A-level computing entries. We are funding interventions such as the gender balance in computing programme to further improve girls' participation.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted the importance of employer interactions in encouraging young people to study STEM subjects, specifically mentioning Burnley College and BAE Systems' efforts.
One of the biggest barriers is the lack of high quality, qualified teachers. Will my hon. Friend join me in congratulating organisations such as Burnley College in my constituency and BAE Systems for encouraging young people to study STEM subjects? Will she encourage more employers to sign up to similar schemes?
I thank my hon. Friend for highlighting the work taking place in his constituency and extend thanks to Burnley College and BAE Systems. We recognise the value of employer interactions for girls' ambitions, continue leading STEM outreach efforts, and secondary schools are expected to provide pupils with at least one meaningful interaction with employers per year.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP argued that early stimulation of young people, especially girls, is crucial to foster an interest in maths and science from a very young age.
The Minister must surely know the importance of stimulating young people at the earliest age. Pre-school and infant school are critical periods for sparking interest in STEM subjects. Does she agree that we need special efforts at these early ages?
I agree that early age is crucial for starting STEM interests. Learning coding at seven and being an engineer today are not coincidental. We do everything possible to ensure young people, especially girls and women, can pursue STEM careers.
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Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP discussed a new model of tertiary education institution in Hereford that blends further and higher education with a focus on women's enfranchisement in engineering.
It is delightful to address my former colleague. Is the minister aware of the innovative work being done in Hereford for technology and engineering, combining further and higher education with support for women in engineering? Will she be interested to learn more about this initiative?
I was not aware of this fantastic work but would love to hear more. I am happy for my right hon. Friend, the Minister for Women and Equalities, to write about it.
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Assessment & feedback
The initiative's specifics were not addressed directly; only an offer to learn more was given.
Not Aware
Will Hear More
Response accuracy