The Physics Mentoring Project aims to support physics in Wales, by sending trained undergraduate students into schools to mentor year 10 and 11 pupils.
In Wales:
- the number of students taking A-level Physics is much lower than the numbers taking Chemistry or Biology,
- Of those students taking Physics A-levels, only 18.5% of them were female in 2017, and;
- Less than 45% of Physics teachers have a physics degree.
Notoriously, physics is perceived to be a difficult subject. Students and parents often struggle to see the benefits of the subject, including transferable skills and possible careers. The Physics Mentoring Project aims to tackle this, in order to ultimately contribute to the future economy and prosperity in Wales.
The project is delivered collaboratively by five Welsh universities; Aberystwyth University, Bangor University, Cardiff University, Swansea University and University of South Wales.