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Young people in Wales urged to ‘Focus on Science’

A new campaign encouraging young people in Wales to focus on science and play their part in helping to build a strong science talent pool was launched recently.

Education Minister, Huw Lewis will return to Afon Taf High School in Merthyr Tydfil - a school at which he previously taught – to launch the Welsh Government’s ‘Qualified for Life - Focus on Science’ campaign.

The Minister will be joined by Aberdare born, world famous scientist, Dr Lyn Evans, along with Wales’ Chief Scientific Adviser, Prof Julie Williams. All three will speak to Year 10 pupils about the benefits of pursuing a science based career.

Huw Lewis said:

“This new campaign is all about encouraging more of our young people to study science and consider a career based around science skills.

“We want to spread the message that science is fun, that  the skills and knowledge gained in science lessons are directly relevant to many jobs and industries, and that science really can pave the way to a stimulating and financially rewarding career.

“We particularly want to encourage more girls into Science. Currently only 18% of those learners studying Physics A Level in Wales are girls. This is far too low and it is something we need to address.  

“Science qualifications are crucial to a strong economy and a prosperous future and I hope this campaign will encourage many more young people to think seriously about a science based career.”

Wales’ Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Julie Williams said:

“We will need one million new scientists, engineers, technicians and mathematicians in the UK by 2020.  We also know that an average job involving science pays more than others and makes a considerable contribution to the success of the Welsh economy.

“ But most importantly jobs in science are interesting and rewarding. They contribute to an understanding of the treatment of diseases like Ebola, issues such as climate change and result in new  products  such as the internet and mobile phones that affect all our lives.”

The Focus on Science campaign has been designed to reinforce the value of science to primary and secondary schools, learners and their parents, and to help to improve performance.

As part of the campaign new bilingual resources are being produced to assist teachers and learners with their science studies, and help develop an approach that would see all Wales’ young people becoming scientifically literate. There will also be information for schools and parents on resources, events and competitions.

Campaign materials will highlight the benefit of science and demonstrate that it can be fun. This will include clear information on what science can mean for a learner’s future career and earning potential.

Afon Taf is a Pathways to Success school and is benefitting from the Welsh Government’s School Challenge Cymru initiative. This is resulting in £20m worth of additional funding being injected into 40 schools across Wales to help them improve.

 

Channel website: http://gov.wales

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