Description
Combining science and the arts is becoming commonplace in primary schools, with STEAM clubs appearing around the country. But how common is it for students to study a combination of STEM and arts subjects once they’re given the choice?
After age 16, when students in England can take a range of A-level and other qualifications, neither STEM nor the arts are compulsory. In this session, we’ll start with a look at the relative popularity of these subjects: a controversial topic for some, who argue that changes to school accountability measures and qualification reform in the 2010s are behind a decline in entries to arts subjects.
But does there have to be a choice between STEM and the arts? Not for students who study both areas, with combinations such as art, maths and physics at A-Level among the most popular options. We’ll look at trends in entries to STEAM subject combinations over the last few years, exploring the most common subject combinations, academic and technical or vocational pathways, and the impact of the pandemic.
