Children feel science careers ‘are limited’

Published on Wednesday 11 January 2012 00:00

FEWER than one in five children aged ten to 11 aspire to a career in science, according to research published today.

The report found that although young people enjoy science at school and associate scientists with important work, they believe the subject offers a very limited range of professions.

The research team from the Aspires project at King’s College London concluded that pupils should be made aware of the range of jobs available with qualifications in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The Science Council said the report demonstrated the need to “shine a light” on so-called hidden careers.

Louise Archer, professor of education, who led the study, said: “Children and their parents hold quite complex views of science and scientists, and at age ten or 11 these views are largely positive.

“The vast majority of children at this age enjoy science at school, have parents who are supportive of them studying science and even undertake science-related activities in their spare time.

“They associate scientists with important work, such as finding medical cures, and with work that is well paid. Nevertheless, less than 17 per cent aspire to a career in science.”

However, Professor Archer added that such positive impressions also led to the perception that science was only for exceptional people.