Educational studies as a discipline is now a feature in many British universities, but little research has been undertaken to explore what kinds of student choose the subject, how easily they access it or how they fare as undergraduate students. This article attempts to address this paucity of research by drawing on a selection of findings from a…

Australian (n=332) and British (n=234) students were asked what influenced their choice of academic or vocational education before they were employed, during employment, and for the future. Internal factors influenced academic choices; employers and funding influenced vocational choices. Some between-country and gender differences were found.…

Discusses the decline of the number of students wishing to continue with physics in many countries. Brings together the relevant findings of two research projects and considers the effect of changes in the school curriculum. Contains 18 references. (DDR)

Analyzes the characteristics of the British student population in mathematics at both the interface between the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) and A level and between A level and high education. Focuses on the changes in GCSE and A level mathematics, entry standards in higher education, and gender balance issues. (CMK)

Explores the reactions of third-year pupils to their science lessons. Discusses the extent to which these boys' and girls' reactions can be used to predict enrollment in the different branches of science in their fourth year. Describes ways to encourage students to continue in science. (CW)

Addresses several questions related to British secondary students' choices in science, particularly as they relate to gender differences. Cites several national surveys that suggest that girls tend to choose biological science courses, while boys choose physical and technological science courses. (TW)

Compares the degree to which two qualifications that are pitched at the same level--General Certificate of Education Advanced Level and the Advanced Science General National Vocational Qualification--meet the needs of employers and tutors in higher education. (DDR)

A set of materials compiled for use in British schools and designed to provide information for students, teachers, administrators, and counselors concerning the relationship between second language knowlege and careers is presented in this packet. It consists of the following items: (1) a collection of essays for teachers on languages and careers,…

Analyzes answers to a questionnaire given to British secondary school children who had opted out of foreign language study. Identifies reasons why the students chose not to continue language study. Concludes that enjoyment of the subject and opportunities for contact with the country of the target language are factors motivating students to…

A sample of approximately 50 educational organizations in England and Wales were invited to supply statistics or other information regarding where adults start their return to learning. Approximately two-thirds responded and also commented on the feasibility of collecting such data. Responses indicated a lack of "hard" quantitative…

Reports on a study of school subject preference among 566 male and 567 female students in both single-sex and coeducational British secondary schools. Finds an effect of school type for younger students only. Also finds clear effects of gender with higher rankings given to mathematics and science by boys and to art by girls. (CFR)

Reports on a study of preference for 9 curriculum subjects by 93 British middle school students. Finds significant gender differences in the rankings of English and humanities courses, which were preferred by girls, and of physical education and science, which were preferred by boys. (CFR)