Letter: Hard choices at 11

From Dr Mark W. Kermode

Sir: I was dismayed to read in today's leader your recommendation for schools to "focus on music, the arts, science or sport".

In 1994, my son took A-levels in chemistry, physics, maths, general studies and music. Now studying chemistry at university, he is still actively involved in music. To have to made a decision between a career in chemistry or one in music at the age of 11 is absurd.

Yours faithfully,

Mark W. Kermode

Applied Mathematics and

Theoretical Physics

University of Liverpool

Liverpool

24 January