Dr. Michael Kyle:

To build on what the Deputy said, physics is, of course, dependent on maths but the thing about maths is that it is about failing and failing until you succeed. That is what I always tell young people. I tell them not to be afraid to have a go. There is often a reluctance to try to solve problems, for example, because you may not get it right first time. It is matter of failing until you succeed. Once kids get that idea into their heads, there is a sea change.

Maths, and particularly physics, are more about concepts than getting it right. There is abstract reasoning involved. There are conceptual maps that need to be embedded in kids' minds rather than just getting a calculation 100% right. That has to be imparted to the students. It is important and very often that has not been the case. Of course, getting the right number is extremely important but the concept is probably more important.