A quarter of parents say their children find science “too difficult” – despite the fact that their children want to pursue a science-based career, according to research by BAE Systems and the RAF.
According to the survey by the defence giant, a quarter of parents said their children find science a difficult subject to learn, with 24% saying their children think “it's too much like hard work” and 19% citing it as “boring”. Despite this, almost half of the 1,000 parents of children aged 5 to 18, who were asked about their children's career ambitions, cited professions that relied on technical subjects as ideal career choices.
The research found that 15% of British children would like to be a computer game designer, more than 12% want to be a scientist and 6% cent a pilot. Just 3% said they wanted to be a TV presenter. However, despite qualifications in science and an understanding of physics in particular being essential for these jobs, the poll revealed a quarter of children “can't wait” to give up science as soon as they are given the option to do so. Other popular career choices where science is needed included doctor (9%), inventor (7%), architect (6%), forensic scientist (5%) and astronaut (4%).
The results of the research were released to mark the launch of the ninth annual BAE Systems and Royal Air Force Schools Roadshow at St. Marylebone C of E School, London. This year's show was themed around the real-world application of physics with an emphasis on how the subject has helped Team GB athletes at this year's Olympic Games in Sochi. It aims to inspire around 25,000 pupils about science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem) subjects every year.
Nigel Whitehead, group managing director at BAE Systems said: “Quite simply the UK needs more people to study physics. We've got to do more to link up the most exciting careers – like being a pilot – with physics. The subject opens up opportunities to so many careers but there is no doubt that it does get difficult.
“This is where industry and organisations like the Royal Air Force can help teachers show the application of physics in the real-world and encourage young people to keep studying.”