Call for more vocational subjects after GCSE survey.

AS teenagers across South Wales prepare to find out their GCSE results, new research has revealed how much youngsters are turned off some of their academic subjects.

Educational charity Edge found that 56% of GCSE students were uninspired by at least three of their subjects and 41% of pupils were uninspired by at least four subjects.

Two thirds of the students polled said their talents would have been better developed with a wider range of "hands on" learning through practical and vocational courses.

And 57% of youngsters taking part in the research believed everyone should study at least one practical and vocational subject, such as engineering or hospitality, as well as academic subjects like English and maths.

This year's GCSE students in South Wales will find out their grades on Thursday, but Edge has called for future changes to the education system to ensure all students can take a broad balance of theoretical and practical courses.

Andy Powell, from the charity, said: "The GCSE students of today are tomorrow's entrepreneurs, entertainers and world leaders, but the current exam options don't help all their talents to flourish.

"This research proves the menu of options for young people needs to be much more varied, offering many paths to success."

Edge wants young people to visit its website to suggest the subject they would most like to see included in the GCSE portfolio.

Information collected will be given to politicians and used in advertising campaigns. For details visit edge.co.uk