§ Lord Lewisasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many students took GCSEs in (a) chemistry and (b) physics in each of the years 1999, 2000 and 2001; and how these figures compare to the number taking GCSE combined sciences in each of these years; and [HL4535]
What was the distribution in each of the years 1999, 2000 and 2001 between candidates from state and independent schools taking GCSEs in (a) chemistry, (b) physics, and (c) combined sciences; and [HL4536]
How many students (a) start courses in A-level chemistry and physics and (b) complete the courses. [HL4537]
§ Baroness Ashton of UphollandThe number of 15 year-old pupils taking GCSE in each of the specified subjects in England were:
1999 2000 2001 (a) Chemistry 37,640 37,699 38,797 of which Maintained schools 58% 56% 60% Independent 42% 44% 40% (b) Physics 37,205 37,532 38,455 of which Maintained schools 58% 60% 60% Independent 42% 40% 40% (c) Double Science 441,897 455,100 464,403 of which Maintained schools 96% 96% 96% Independent 4% 4% 4% Information on the numbers of students starting and completing GCE A-level courses is not available. However, in 2000–01, 33,538 students aged 17 or 18 took GCE A-level chemistry, and 27,704 took GCE A-level physics.