Letter: 'Titanic' mentality

Sir: John Patten's argument ('Talk to me as professionals and I'll respond', 18 February) that teacher unions cannot be simultaneously regarded as professional associations is, in common with his English tests, fundamentally flawed.

The fact that he has found it necessary to make such a statement indicates that he is on the defensive. Unfortunately, he continues to ignore the reasonable objections made by English teachers and the associations that represent them. Doctrinaire tests that bear little or no relationship to the programmes of study, and which employ discredited questioning techniques, will never become enabling or creditable.

A holed ship can only sink; piloting will not mend the hull. Mr Patten's Titanic mentality endangers the vessel, the crew and, most lamentably, its passengers.

Yours faithfully,

MICHAEL J. WOODS

Barbourne, Worcester