Letter: Unfair on history

Unfair on history

Sir: The perceived difficulty of GCSE history (letter, 13 May) is not the only reason for the decline in numbers taking the subject. Just as important is the squeeze produced by the Government's decision to give technology a free ride.

In the school where I teach history, pupils usually take nine GCSEs. In 1996 and 1997 they faced seven subjects, now including technology, which were preselected by the Government. History was one of 14 subjects competing for the last two places.

ELEANOR BENSON

Barnston, Merseyside