Physics lessons could 'die out'

A report is warning that the teaching of physics may die out in schools unless something is done.

Fewer and fewer pupils are studying the science subject and there's a shortage of specialist teachers, according to the survey.

Physics covers topics such as electricity, magnetism, temperature, light and sound waves.

Researchers are urging the government to step in to prevent the subject from vanishing from the school timetable.

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The University of Buckingham studied 432 schools and colleges in England and Wales and found 38% fewer pupils were taking A-level physics than in 1990.

Professor Alan Smithers and Dr Pamela Robinson, who carried out the survey, warned that the subject may die out in schools.

Physics facts One in 10 state schools with sixth forms do not offer A-level physics Nearly 40% of schools had five students or fewer taking the subject at A-level Half of all physics teachers had not studied the subject at all at university

They said: "If physics is to survive in schools, both as essential education and a platform for higher level study and research, there is a need for urgent action."

The research said that the number of specialist trainee physics teachers should be nearly doubled from the current 450 per year to 750 per year.

A spokeswoman for the Department for Education said ministers were "doing a huge amount to reverse what is a long-term trend".

The results were different in independent schools, which generally had more specialist physics teachers than state schools.

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