There is also a link between longer hours in class studying a subject and the improved chances of poorer pupils.

BBC: UK pupils 'among least likely to overcome tough start'

And it seems school children are getting that message too because the numbers studying the subject are on the decline.

BBC: Coding - the new Latin

Sasha had demonstrated a serious interest in development work, studying the subject at University of Vermont and interning at a non-profit that helped rebuild schools in Sudan.

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There has been a slight increase in the number of girls studying physics in recent years but this has been dwarfed by a more rapid increase in boys studying the subject.

BBC: State schools 'failing girls who want to study physics'

Vatican experts are studying legal documents on the subject, he explained.

CNN: February 12, 2013 -- Updated 2035 GMT (0435 HKT)

It would include a range of A-levels, with an expectation that pupils would study a less narrow selection of subjects - such as studying sciences with an arts subject.

BBC: A-level students facing shake-up

When you enjoy a subject, learning and studying become extremely exciting.

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When schools are poorly run, studying what is wrong is the most vital subject of all.

ECONOMIST: Education

A-level pupils take fewer subjects than those studying for Scottish Highers, they have more scope to boost their grades by switching subject.

ECONOMIST: Exam results

And it has said from September, teenagers will keep studying maths until they are 18 if they have not passed a GCSE in the subject at grade C or above.

BBC: Maths skills add up to higher earnings, study finds