SCOTTISH schools are bucking the worrying trend in English

secondaries, where fewer pupils are taking science subjects. Recently

published A Level results confirmed the decline in the number of

candidates studying sciences. However, figures released by the Scottish

Examination Board show that more than 57,000 candidates took this year's

Higher exams in science subjects, compared with 52,000 in 1990. The

board said the reasons for the difference between Scotland and the rest

of Britain were not clear but pointed out that staying on rates beyond

compulsory schooling were better in Scotland than in England and Wales.