Pupils’ Attitudes to Science in Key Stage 3 of the National Curriculum: a study of pupils in South Wales

Abstract

This paper describes a study of the Attitudes of 13‐14 year old pupils towards science. It was carried out 4 years after the introduction of the science National Curriculum, into schools in England and Wales. The research involved the analysis of a 34 item questionnaire completed by 1038 pupils in eight comprehensive schools. This was followed by conducting structured interviews with a representative sample of the pupils. It was shown that overall both boys and girls have positive attitudes towards science and confirmed previous research showing that boys have a greater preference for science. The involvement of practical work in lessons was seen as the most significant factor in promoting positive attitudes. The majority of pupils were aware of the importance of science and would have continued to study it until 16 years of age if it had been an optional subject. Relatively few pupils saw it as an area of study that they would wish to pursue beyond the age of compulsory schooling.