Gender Differences in Relation to Science Choice at A‐level

Abstract

This paper reports on a study which investigates patterns of subject choice and explores some of the factors which overtly influence boys and girls when selecting subjects for A‐level study. Girls in the cohort showed inferior scientific achievements at O‐level, and were under‐represented in science at A‐level; this being most marked in the physical sciences. The interest value of subjects was a major factor in subject choice, particularly for girls. Previous performance and the career value of subjects were important to students of both sexes. Aspirations for higher education were more evident amongst girls than boys, but a larger proportion of girls intended to pursue vocational courses. Such results indicate an urgent need for greater understanding of those factors directly affecting subject choice if we wish to be successful in encouraging more girls to continue with science.

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