Ted Wragg makes some useful points (TES, November 12) around the media-led hype of underachieving boys. This is characterised by boys being labelled “laddish” which is given a detrimental slant.
It is equally true that we now possess a much narrower perception of ability. There are no national league tables for sporting, artistic or musical achievement and therefore examination results become a preoccupation.
Professor Wragg is however wrong about girls’ lack of confidence as girls have been achieving greater examination success in technology-related subjects than boys since 1984, a further example of how changing the assessment method can ultimately change the attainment of a particular group.
David Spendlove
9 Pool House Road
Poynton
Cheshire
