HC Deb 13 June 2003 vol 406 c222W
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps he has taken to encourage young women to take up physics A Level. [116616]

Mr. Miliband

We are working closely with our colleagues in the Promoting SET for Women Unit at the DTI to take forward recommendations made in Baroness Greenfields report, SET Fair. From September 2003, a new science GCSE, Science in the 21st Century, will be piloted in 50 schools. The aim is to provide a sound and stimulating science education for all students whether they become consumers, users or producers of science. We are currently consulting on the programme of study for science at Key Stage 4, following a review by the QCA. In partnership with the Wellcome Trust, we are creating a national network of science learning centres that will provide innovative training for science teachers and technicians, aiming to bring the excitement of science into the classroom, including encouraging more young women to continue studying science post-16. We are also developing innovative materials and teacher training to improve the teaching and learning of A Level biology, chemistry and physics. We also fund specific initiatives that aim to promote physics to young people including the British Physics Olympiad.