A teacher-run study is canvassing this year’s students’ attitudes to the subject and will track how many return for A2 physics in September.
Physics has a higher student dropout rate after AS-level than most subjects.
“It always upsets me when we lose them but the biggest upset is when we lose high performing girls,” said study co-ordinator, Ronan McDonald.
Mr McDonald, who teaches physics at a London state school, said the study emerged from a discussion on an online physics teachers’ forum.
Steep rise
Teachers want to know why girls are more likely than boys to drop physics, often despite getting better grades.