On behalf of headteachers of girls’ schools I wish to express concern about the comments in The TES over the Government’s plans to relax the national curriculum at key stage 4.
We have worked hard to establish the credibility of technology and to acquire suitable facilities. Any relaxation of the Government’s commitment to technology can only be to the disadvantage of the education of girls.Their access to design technology historically was very limited. We also feel that skill in the use of languages and the greater facility this gives for communication is an essential part of citizenship.
Therefore any marginalising of languages is counter-productive and undervalues the achievement of girls.
The effort to improve the performance of boys should not be at the cost of the achievement of girls.
EJ de Swiet. The Henrietta Barnett School. Central Square. Hampstead, London
