Students’ participation in post-16 mathematics: a perspective from Wales

This paper considers the results of an investigation into the factors influencing students’ participation in AS-Level (Advanced Subsidiary) post-16 mathematics. National statistics for Wales illustrate that considerably fewer females choose to study mathematics at AS-Level. This is despite a similar...

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Main Author: Rosemary Jones
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: The International Education Studies Association 2025-01-01
Series:Educational Futures
Online Access:https://educationstudies.org.uk/?p=383
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author Rosemary Jones
author_facet Rosemary Jones
author_sort Rosemary Jones
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description This paper considers the results of an investigation into the factors influencing students’ participation in AS-Level (Advanced Subsidiary) post-16 mathematics. National statistics for Wales illustrate that considerably fewer females choose to study mathematics at AS-Level. This is despite a similar proportion of females and males achieving A*-C grades at GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) mathematics. This paper considers evidence from pupils which helps to identify some of the main influences on students’, and in particular girls’, mathematical participation. Supported by considerable statistical data, this paper suggests that anxiety about, confidence in and enjoyment of mathematics are all significant factors on students’ mathematics AS-Level choices, with gender stereotypical career aspirations also being a determining influence on students’ subject preferences.
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spelling doaj-art-6b2b40288f4d4509bf87b5925f1fbf032025-08-20T01:57:15ZengThe International Education Studies AssociationEducational Futures1758-21992025-01-01117178Students’ participation in post-16 mathematics: a perspective from WalesRosemary Jones0University of Wales AberystwythThis paper considers the results of an investigation into the factors influencing students’ participation in AS-Level (Advanced Subsidiary) post-16 mathematics. National statistics for Wales illustrate that considerably fewer females choose to study mathematics at AS-Level. This is despite a similar proportion of females and males achieving A*-C grades at GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) mathematics. This paper considers evidence from pupils which helps to identify some of the main influences on students’, and in particular girls’, mathematical participation. Supported by considerable statistical data, this paper suggests that anxiety about, confidence in and enjoyment of mathematics are all significant factors on students’ mathematics AS-Level choices, with gender stereotypical career aspirations also being a determining influence on students’ subject preferences.https://educationstudies.org.uk/?p=383
spellingShingle Rosemary Jones
Students’ participation in post-16 mathematics: a perspective from Wales
Educational Futures
title Students’ participation in post-16 mathematics: a perspective from Wales
title_full Students’ participation in post-16 mathematics: a perspective from Wales
title_fullStr Students’ participation in post-16 mathematics: a perspective from Wales
title_full_unstemmed Students’ participation in post-16 mathematics: a perspective from Wales
title_short Students’ participation in post-16 mathematics: a perspective from Wales
title_sort students participation in post 16 mathematics a perspective from wales
url https://educationstudies.org.uk/?p=383
work_keys_str_mv AT rosemaryjones studentsparticipationinpost16mathematicsaperspectivefromwales