O-level system was not ‘a shambles’

HAVING read and analysed David Blunkett’s article (Yorkshire Post, June 29), I feel sufficiently motivated to contradict some of his views.

I agree with his stance that examinations can, at times, be inequitable and unfair, however his description of the previous O-level system as being “a shambles” is grossly exaggerated and simultaneously unreasonable.

I would like to point out to Mr Blunkett and other like-minded people that there is no formal examination system or, indeed, any other marking system which is perfect.

There will always be some candidates who are disadvantaged by examinations because some young people find them far easier to approach and pass than others. Continuous assessment is, in some respects, laudable to gauge progress and determine a candidate’s general ability to grasp a particular subject.

However, this system is blatantly open to abuse because candidates can approach other people for help with their course work and this can, potentially, benefit pupils from middle class backgrounds who are more likely to have well-educated parents.

Additionally, in the past there were different examination boards and I know that the northern-based Joint Matriculation Board (JMB), which examined and graded my examination papers and those of my contemporaries, was notoriously stringent and demanded a high standard of written English as well as knowledge of subject matter.

It is, somehow, ironic that Michael Gove, a Conservative Party minister, wishes to re-introduce the old O-level system when it was his party which changed the testing system back in 1987, but he has a long, hard task in front of him.

In spite of millions of pounds being spent improving educational facilities and introducing modern technology and teaching aids, such as the electronic whiteboards which now adorn thousands of classrooms, it remains perfectly clear to me that there is something fundamental lacking in educational environments today.

I believe firmly that in order to reinstate the O-level system, it is the teaching methods in primary and secondary environments which need to be analysed and reformed.

Until we have effective teaching methods in place in places of learning, no examination system will be sufficient to test the ability of today’s young people and prepare them for the modern world.

From: JW Slack, Swinston Hill Road, Dinnington, Sheffield.

MAY I support Tom Richmond in his comments concerning Mr Cameron’s new initiative to keep state schools open until 6pm (Yorkshire Post, June 26)?

Does the PM not realise that this has been happening for years – in fact our local comprehensive school starts before 9am and runs several after-school clubs until 5pm or after before handing over to the caretaking staff who open many facilities to sports clubs who can afford the booking costs.

The PM seems to forget that schools have to be cleaned and there are now evening and early morning shifts.

Additionally policies encouraging parents to choose schools mean that more children are travelling further to school and need to get home in reasonable time – especially during the winter months.

We are living at a time when innovative thinking lacking common sense is causing a great profession more problems than need be.

State schools do not have the captive audience of the private sector.

From: Miss W Mary Lister, Retired Primary School Headteacher, Almsford Oval, Harrogate.

AGAIN, wise words in your Editorial column (Yorkshire Post, June 28). However, the Department of Education must not simply think that academy conversion will be a silver bullet which solves all problems. There is no substitute for excellent teaching and strong leadership in a school – regardless of whether this is an academy or not.

There is an element of fear now within the profession, a silence, generated by impossible targets.

Somehow since the 2011 Education Act came in, something has emerged which has changed the face of real education, something very important has been lost. The human side perhaps?

I have a very deep awareness of what is happening to our education system with the morale of teachers at rock bottom.

Where is the challenge going to come from? What are these national targets?

Can these national targets be explained, away from business usage?

Confidence is being eroded and may never return. There were no special measures in Sir Alec Clegg’s day.

Jayne and her ‘diktats’

From: Roger Crossley, Fall View, Silkstone, Barnsley.

WHAT exactly is Jayne Dowle’s problem re recycling (Yorkshire Post, July 2)? She’s constantly battling against the shameful spectre as she sees it, of actually “appearing” to be middle class, or have any, what she perceives to be “middle class” values.

It is fun to read Jayne’s columns as she wrestles with this torment. But why does she get herself into such a tizzy.

The latest rant about so called “diktats” telling her what to do (heaven forbid) is classic Jayne.

For goodness sake, just because she feels guilty about something doesn’t mean she has to desperately find someone or thing to blame.

If you have a conscience, live with it, and don’t take every inconvenience as a personal assault on your “rights as an individual”.

Blue bins, brown bins, pink bins with spots. Deal with it. But keep on writing.