Literature is still an option

4th July 2003, 1:00am
IT was very pleasing to know that our innovative and creative plans for curriculum change at key stage 4 here at Bryn Hafren have attracted interest (TES, June 20).

However, inevitably in a brief digest of this kind inaccuracies and generalisations creep in. To put the record straight: when our new curriculum comes into operation in September girls will not be able to swap English for hairdressing or for business studies.

All girls will continue to study English GCSE, but whereas in the past all studied English literature, the element of choice will now be between English literature, drama and media studies. Many girls have in fact chosen English literature.

The key to our new curriculum is the emphasis on a variety of pathways, all equally valid and tailored to the interests and strengths of our pupils.

The response so far from our pupils and their parents has been very encouraging indeed.

Irene Mackie Headteacher Bryn Hafren comprehensive school Merthyr Dyfan Road Barry Vale of Glamorgan