§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what factors have caused the fall of about 15 per cert. in the proportion of mathematics passes in A-level examinations between 1960 and 1966.
§ Miss BaconBetween 1960 and 1966, passes in G.C.E. "A" level mathematics rose from 26,858 to 40,772, an increase of 51.8 per cent. Passes in all subjects during the same period increased by 78.7 per cent. from 146,362 to 261,490. Mathematics passes were 18.4 per cent. of all subject passes in 1960 and 15.6 per cent. in 1966, a drop of 2.8 percentage points.
Thus the number of passes in mathematics rose considerably but those in other subjects increased more rapidly, particularly in social sciences, vocational subjects, music, drama and the visual arts. This reflects the exercise of options among the growing body of sixth form pupils. Possible reasons for the changes are discussed at length in the Dainton Report, about which I answered a Question by the hon. Member on 30th January.