It is strange that Kevin Fitzsimons, an advanced skills English teacher, was unable to teach the use of the possessive apostrophe (TES, March 16).

His closing paragraphs revealed the high regard in which he holds himself and why he thinks his ideas should be considered important. Poor written work from a remedial Year 11 pupil is cited as evidence that the need to produce written work that can be read and understood shows the over-emphasis placed on the “superficial aspects of syntax, etc”. To me it is evidence of one or more of the following: poor parents who don’t care about their child’s education; poor teaching; a child who has (undiagnosed) special needs.

To take his reasoning forward: a child who struggles to master a subject simply illustrates the failures inherent in thatsubject. This is an easy exit for those who cannot accept their responsibilities.