Gender, science choice and achievement : a Maltese perspective

Abstract

Drawing on a number of studies, this paper explores gender differentials in the choice of science subjects at secondary school level, factors influencing choice, differences in achievement and recruitment to science courses at a higher level in the particular

educational context of the Maltese Islands. In this context all secondary schools are single- sex, the state system is highly centralized, selection and streaming are widely practised, a

high proportion of students (25%) attend private schools, and Physics is compulsory. The results show that: more girls than boys study Physics and Biology at the lower secondary level (ages 11-16); more boys study Chemistry; achievement at this level is on a par in Biology and Chemistry; girls achieve slightly lower in Physics. At the upper secondary level (ages 16-18 ), almost equal numbers of boys and girls study Biology and Chemistry but boys predominate in Physics. Girls avoid the option of Physics and Mathematics, a popular choice with boys. Consequently, at tertiary level very few girls opt for courses in engineering and prefer to subscribe to courses relating to medicine.