Perception that physics is too hard is causing UK decline

The Guardian : The study of physics in UK schools and universities is spiraling into decline as many teenagers believe it is too difficult, says a report from the University of Buckingham . The number of A-level exam entries in the subject has halved since 1982 and one in four universities which had significant numbers studying physics have stopped teaching the subject since 1994. Even in the 26 top universities with the highest ratings for research, the trend has been downwards. A similar article in the independent asks does it really matter if the number of students studying physics is falling? The newspaper points out that physics contributes a vast amount to the UK economy, with physics-based industries employing over 1.79 million people in the UK and contributing over £130bn in export value to the UK economy. Says Sir Martin Rees, president of the Royal Society, “It is crucial that we get more specialist physics teachers into our classrooms if we are to inspire more young people to study physics at A-level and beyond. Teachers who are both enthused and knowledgeable about their subjects are key to breaking the cycle of decline that physics is experiencing.” The Guardian story Does it really matter if the number of students studying physics is falling? University of Buckingham report Response from the Royal Society Response from the Institute of Physics (UK)