Girls in Physics
Addressing the gender issue is an important challenge. Currently only 22% of A-level candidates are girls. Whilst physics is the sixth most popular A-level with boys, it is the 19th most popular with girls.
However, the research suggests that there are no simple solutions. Girls cite a range of explanations for their lack of participation in physics. These include:
- the lack of relevance of physics to themselves as individuals;
- the lack of relevance to what they want to do in life and in their career;
- not enjoying physics lessons; and
- not feeling confident in their own abilities.
Given the broad range of issues that need to be tackled, we believe that the solution must be holistic. It would be neither plausible nor desirable to categorise large numbers of girls and provide targeted remedial action. What will persuade one girl to continue with physics will not work for another. Therefore, we propose working with schools to put a range of measures in place that will address the issues above.
To find out more about the Girls in Physics project, please visit the IOP website.