Letter: Classroom war

Saturday 28 August 1999 23:02 BST

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YOUR REPORT ("Colleges slash grades in rush to fill places", 22 August) includes the claim that "academics say entrance grades are a key indicator of the quality of courses". I know of no academic who would make such a rash claim. Rather this seems to be indicative of the misleading correlations to be found in the league tables beloved of government and news- papers. Entrance grades are deter- mined by supply and demand and are a key indicator of popularity. The factors which determine the popularity of a course are complex, with quality of teaching, research and facilities a low priority for many applicants. The sad fact is that the performance of the local football team is more important than the performance of any HE institution.

STEPHEN BURWOOD

Faculty Admissions Tutor (Arts)

University of Hull

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