NEWS COPY - With Video
By Gemma Francis
Youngsters have ambitions to become the next top singer rather than the nation’s Prime Minister, a study has found.
Children today – dubbed the ‘X Factor Generation’ – are more likely to want to top the charts instead of taking the top job in politics, with just three per cent aiming for a career in Parliament.
Instead, almost one in five aspire to singing stardom, either as a solo artist or as part of a band, while another 15 per cent dream of being a film or TV star.
Around one in seven want to make it as a successful sports star while 15 per cent would like to become a scientist responsible for a big discovery.
A spokesperson from ACS International Schools, which commissioned the survey to mark the opening of a new Science Centre at its Hillingdon school, said: “It’s heartening to see this fairly even split across art and science subjects amongst our young people which bodes well for the future.
“However, the sharp rejection of politics is worrying.
“While political careers are often forged later in life, it would seem that young people are perhaps being discouraged or put off by the political uncertainty they are seeing at the moment.”
The study of 2,000 children under 18 also found nine per cent of youngsters have ambitions to become an astronaut while the same number dream of a career as a brilliant surgeon or doctor.
And while boys are most likely to want to become a famous sports star, an astronaut or doctor, girls have bigger aspirations to be a successful scientist or a famous actor.
Researchers, from OnePoll.com, also quizzed kids on the qualities they think are most important in different careers, with 35 per cent believing good leadership is important to become Prime Minister.
Intelligence and confidence also rank highly while just one per cent consider it important for a PM to be a team player.
But for stage and theatrical careers, 39 per cent think a natural talent is vital, followed by confidence.
In order to become a successful scientist, 52 per cent believe you need to be intelligent while 16 per cent think hard work is the key.
A spokesperson for ACS International Schools added: “While you would expect an emphasis by young people on fame and fortune achieved via the creative industries, the extent of interest in the sciences as a career choice is very encouraging too.
“They also seem to have a realistic grasp on the qualities needed to succeed in their chosen field.
“The survey will perhaps make less encouraging reading for our world leaders who could do well to ponder its findings and consider the current impact being made by politics on future generations of voters of voters.”
ENDS
You can view the video here: https://vimeo.com/257488162
