Letter: Real school choice

Sir: In Canada, 20 years ago, all children went to the high school. They were all set and streamed for every subject (letters, 16 July). They studied four subjects (from a wide selection) each term and were supposed to do one maths, one English and one PE a year. They could forge ahead in the subject of their choice and acquire basic skills in those that interested them less. Credits were given for each unit completed.

The school my child attended was huge and funding was therefore adequate for excellent facilities including an amazing machine workshop. Staffing provided for home group tutors and advisers of different kinds; each child was known.

This is a truly comprehensive system. "Comprehensive" was never intended to mean multi-ability classes. At the root of the problem lies over-obsession with academia.