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<p>The number of girls taking science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
A Levels has increased by 20% since 2010 and we are closing the gap between males
and females in some subjects (chemistry, biology, mathematics and computing). The
Department recognises that we need to do more to increase the number of girls participating
in STEM subjects. The Department runs a number of projects to improve participation.
For example, we are funding the Stimulating Physics Network to improve the take up
of A level physics, particularly by girls. The Department announced a new Level 3
Maths Support Programme, worth £16m over two years, which will be required to raise
the participation of girls in A level mathematics and further mathematics, and we
continue to fund support to schools to improve the quality of teaching in mathematics,
computing and science in primary and secondary schools.</p><p> </p><p>The Department
is taking action to improve STEM participation throughout the education pipeline.
For example, in Higher Education we have seen applications from women to engineering,
computer science and maths degrees rise since 2013 but, we know there is more that
we can do. From the 2018/19 academic year, we are introducing maintenance loans available
for part-time undergraduate students to help with living costs, which we anticipate
will help widen participation.</p><p> </p><p>We are raising awareness amongst children
of the range of careers that science and technical qualifications offer, and providing
stimulating scientific activities to increase their interest in STEM subjects. This
includes the STEM Ambassadors programme, a nationwide network of over 30,000 volunteers,
42% of whom are women, from a range of employers, who work with schools across the
UK.</p>
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