Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

The purpose of this survey was to study the ways in which secondary school pupils come to choose or reject mathematics as an A-level subject.

Main Topics:

Variables The survey consists of two parts. The first part was concerned with A level results from 24 schools. The second is a longitudinal survey with data from the third, fifth and sixth forms of 5 comprehensive secondary shools. The variables studied in the second part were concerned with pupils' choice of job, selection of subject options and attitudes to school subjects. Particular attention was paid to mathematics and about 30 items were included on this subject both in the third and fifth years. Other variables included scores on Test AH4, teachers' assessment for mathematics, and O-level grades for several subjects.

Five of the earliest reorganised schools in Oxfordshire were selected. Each school was asked to include from their third year all those who, in the opinion of the school, were likely to take at least one subject at `A' level

Face-to-face interview

Educational measurements