ABOUT 15 years ago, it was common for exams in many subjects at both 16 and 18 to include a paper of multiple-test questions (so-called objective tests). It was then discovered that boys did rather better at such tests than girls, and they were discontinued because they were considered unfair.
Many exams now includ a coursework element, at which girls do much better than boys, and this accounts for a significant part of the lead girls now have in all subjects over boys. Why is coursework not stopped? Alternatively, why are objective tests not reintroduced?
John Bausor
5 Longcrofte Road
Edgware, Middlesex
