The government could squander the future crop of scientists if it does not heed the Cambridge Primary Review, according to a leading Oxford science think-tank.
Dr Charles Pasternak, director of the Oxford International Biomedical Centre, is backing his Cambridge peers in demanding a broader curriculum with a stronger emphasis on the sciences.
He said: 'The recent study written by Professor Robin Alexander is to be welcomed as it introduces yet another reason for the present failure.
'It is certainly worthwhile following up this research.
'The scientific advancements and medical cures of tomorrow rely on the children in the classrooms of today.
'Insufficient science teachers in the state sector who are themselves not enthused is hardly a benchmark.' Pasternak's charity, the Oxford International Biomedical Centre (OIBC), holds annual science symposiums for school children throughout Oxford, in the hope of broadening their scientific education.
He added: 'Today's youngsters are not as enthused with science as they used to be.
'Biology may be holding up relatively well, but physics and chemistry are not.
'This needs to change.'
