Einstein-a-go-go

From bbc.co.uk

A report this week says that fewer pupils are taking A-level physics, as compared to 1982. No surprise there, then. You could say that fewer people watch BBC1 now than in 1982 - more choice means people will take advantage of those choices. You could also say that people will take the easiest route, and, fair to say, physics is not an easy route. Also, physics still suffers from the tweed jacket, beardy-weirdy image. Einstein is the biggest icon (as can be seen from my chosen image), and he matches the "mad professor" image which is hard to shake.

But, in the same week, another report shows that many graduates are in low paid, dead-end jobs, unrelated to their degree. The fuller report indicated that unemployment was low for

Medicine & Dentistry (0%, surprise surprise!), Veterinary Science (3%) and Education (3%), rising to 10% for Creative Arts & Design. Physical sciences fared well, although it was noted that lower numbers of students take these subjects.

An old report backs this. Chemistry and Physics graduates earn more than History graduates. Whilst the vocational degrees (medicine, dentistry, law) obviously earn more, the sciences are good for employment rates. Surfing degrees (honest!) - not so good.

So what's my point? Firstly, that the government gives up this 50% target for University education. This is not intellectual snobbery - far from it. It is a way of massaging the unemployment figures which benefits few - resulting in massive debt, depression and unemployment. The aim was admirable: to remove the class barrier of going to Uni. But that barrier was long gone, in reality. If there was a barrier, it was in the schools, not at the Universities. Secondly, that the goverment (if it must meddle) looks to business to find out which graduates they actually want - and cap the trendy degrees, perhaps subsidising the needed degrees. There is a danger in this, however. I completely believe in the value of a wide-ranging experience, in the value of Arts degrees, in education AS eduation....so perhaps the government should stop meddling, and stop setting ridiculous targets.

End of week rant over. Back to fluffiness soon.