Subject preferences at A level in Northern Ireland

Abstract

A representative sample of 1434 sixth‐formers in Northern Ireland grammar schools was surveyed to ascertain the factors affecting post O‐level subject choice, with particular emphasis upon the uptake of science. The ability of the pupils was assessed by the ah5 Test of High Grade Intelligence, and attitudes and biographical details were determined by a battery of questionnaire items. All pupils were classified as one of four main types, viz., physical scientist, arts student, arts/science hybrid or biological scientist. Results were analysed with reference to social class, type of school, ability, religion and sex to see where differences lay. There was a greater tendency for the boys in the sample to choose science A‐levels. The percentage of boys choosing three sciences was almost double the corresponding figure for girls, confirming the fact that science is still largely perceived as a masculine domain. This ratio of boys to girls taking science at A‐level is similar to results obtained in England. However, the percentages of both boys and girls choosing science subjects in their post O‐level year are both lower than the corresponding figures for lower sixth formers in England. The results support arguments that school type has a minimal effect on science choice, and that the most powerful indicators of science choice are ability and social class. However, both boys and girls in co‐educational schools have a slightly greater tendency to study at least one physical science in comparison to their single‐sex counterparts. There appears to be no disadvantage attached to co‐education for girls which has been found by other researchers.

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