"If we are to plug existing skills gaps and develop the new talent we need, then young people should be excited and inspired by the curriculum in this area."

The initiative will be launched at 20 schools in England in November and run until June 2012. Around 100 students in Year 9 (aged around 14) will take part in the voluntary, extra-curricular trial, which will not result in an official qualification.

Participating schools include Manchester Grammar, Townley Grammar in Bexleyheath, Kent, Bradfield College, Reading and Park House School in Newbury.