Letter: The right answer is the wrong approach

Sir: Arguably the two greatest achievements of the English are our language and literature.

Is it not a pity that the Secretary of State for Education is lowering standards for English in his proposals for a national curriculum test?

This test discourages children from taking their English studies forward by promoting a passive 'right answer' approach rather than by encouraging enjoyment of our literature through intellectual engagement. Furthermore, the tests create a mismatch with GCSE requirements and will create an unnecessary diversion from a planned approach to study.

I am a concerned school governor and view the tests as detrimental to our children and the teaching of English.

Yours faithfully,

DAVID WATSON

Haywards Heath,

West Sussex

29 March