A lot of subjects now commonly taken at GCSE and A level were unheard of a generation ago.

It's fair to say although today's pupils face many more exams during their time at school than their parents ever did, many believe some of the "new" subjects are not as rigorous as basics like chemistry, physics and maths.

Science especially has suffered as pupils prefer using computers to bunsen burners and investigating gravity.

In the past couple of years a national effort has been made to woo pupils back by making science more attractive and sexy to teenagers.

So it's sad to hear that Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School's scholarship scheme for state school students who want to take science A levels has failed to attract a single student.

As headmaster Dr David Hempsall says, one of this country's strengths has been innovation and that means having the brightest brains in science and maths subjects which are also the basis of a host of other vital roles from pharmacists to vets.

There are lots of other reasons why this "crisis" has happened not least because our society places too little value on scientific and engineering jobs.

This needs to change.