A wnaiff Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet nodi faint o ddisgyblion sy'n astudio bioleg, cemeg a ffiseg yn 2018/19, ac egluro gan faint y dylai hyn gynyddu yn dilyn y buddsoddiad o £8.2 miliwn mewn pynciau STEM?
The recently announced £8.2m Trio Sci Cymru programme represents a joint EU and Welsh Government strategic investment.
The programme falls under the portfolio of Ken Skates; the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport but is aimed at supporting STEM progression for pupils in Wales.
It has a specific focus on STEM enrichment and extracurricular activity, as opposed to the statutory provision of education; but it is intended to engage young people in the uptake of STEM subjects at school.
Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSE summer series entries:
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Subject |
2017 |
2018 |
Percentage Inc / Dec |
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Biological Sciences |
6,475 |
7,279 |
12.4 |
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Chemistry |
6,352 |
7,047 |
10.9 |
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Physics |
6,336 |
7,002 |
10.5 |
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Data source: |
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1. The above cohort data is taken from the JCQ Anchor Tables for GCSE Summer Results 2018. |
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2. Anchor Tables consist of both A*-G results and also 9 -1 results for all learners |
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who took GCSE examinations not just pupils in year 11. |
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The above table shows the JCQ Summer results for all learners undertaking GCSE examinations, both A*-G and 9-1. You will see that Wales has seen record increases in the numbers of pupils taking separate sciences this year when compared to last year.
Overall, the increase in science GCSEs means more young people are accessing qualifications that lead to opportunities in further science study and careers.
Trio Sci Cymru is aimed encouraging STEM take-up in relation to GCSE triple science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics). Trio Sci Cymru will seek to establish “Science Capital” amongst targeted pupils via such a respective STEM outreach programme.
The target cohort is pupils aged 11-14 sourced from up to 30 schools within the West Wales and Valleys (WWV) area over a 3-year academic period. It aims to engage over 5,500 pupils, delivering over 140,000 hours of STEM enrichment activities spread over 10 discrete projects; coinciding with the formative several year period leading up to GCSE subject choice.
It is impossible to predict the impact of the Trio Sci Cymru programme since the evidence surrounding impact of STEM enrichment upon pupils is predominantly anecdotal in nature.
Trio Sci Cymru will address the current evidence gap by incorporating an unprecedented longitudinal cohort evaluation, adopting a scientific approach by tracking pupils and assessing the impact of STEM enrichment interventions in relation to GCSE science subject choices.
The evaluation will assess behavioural change over time while highlighting any unintended consequences. Pupils will be issued with a “Trio Sci Cymru Passport”; documenting STEM enrichment activities, including the date and nature of STEM enrichment activities coupled with learning outcomes and skills gained.