The number of entries for maths increased by 12.5% to 760,170, with the largest increase seen in the 15 year old age group.
Entries for the separate sciences continued to climb, with Biology increasing 5.0%; Chemistry 4.4%; and Physics 2.1%. Boys have traditionally dominated entries for separate sciences, but this year’s figures show girls are closing the gap.
In Physics, entries by girls increased 6.5% compared with a 1.7% decrease for boys.
The
Institution of Engineering and Technology(
IET) has welcomed the increased uptake of enabling subjects for engineering and technology such as maths and physics, particularly amongst girls.
Stephanie Fernandes,
IET
Principal Policy Advisor, said: “GCSEs in the STEM subjects are the first crucial stepping stone to progressing into not just the engineering and technology sector but a wide range of careers and it is therefore crucial that a high level of uptake and attainment is maintained.
“However, GCSEs do not always provide the level of practical experience that employers need.
“The
IET’s Skills & Demand in Industry Report 2013 showed that 42% of employers have expressed disappointment with the skills of new employees.
“This can be addressed in schools via work experience placements or by completing an apprenticeship after students have taken their GCSEs.
“Apprenticeships can offer school leavers a route to industry that enables students to earn while they learn and a way of progressing to other professional qualifications. The UK needs more Higher Level apprenticeships to tackle the skills gap and to ensure that they are of sufficient quality to meet industry demand.
“It is important that students understand that they have a choice to study an apprenticeship as an alternative to university.”
GSCEs in science, technology, engineering and maths have proved popular in Northern Ireland.
The
Institution of Engineering and Technology(
IET) said it is “delighted” by GCSE STEM increases and the high grades being achieved, which echoes the recent A-level performance by Northern Ireland students.
In Northern Ireland, 76.5% of exams were awarded an A* to C grade - better than the overall UK picture of 68%.
Paul Davies,
IET
Head of Policy, said: “Analysis of this year’s GCSE results shows very welcome increases in the number of students studying STEM subjects.
“Given the reported tougher GCSE science and mathematics questions it is pleasing to see the high grades being achieved which is a testament to the hard work by the students and the dedicated excellence of Northern Ireland teachers.
“Particularly welcome is the increase in the number of female candidates studying mathematics (and additional mathematics) in addition to the sciences.
“Encouraging young women to pursue STEM careers is an important route to ensuring that Northern Ireland has the necessary science and engineering workforce needed for future economic success. To attract and retain women in the profession there should be employment policies to enable them to balance their work and home-life accordingly.”
The
IETEngineering Skills & Demand in Industry Report 2013 revealed that just seven per cent of the engineering and technology workforce was female.