Not the time to scrap 11-plus
I NOTED with some concern the views of Deputy Le Lievre on the 11-plus as reported in your paper of 31 May, 'Eleven plus no longer fit for purpose.' The 11-plus has not changed much, if at all. What seems to have changed is the emphasis of teaching in schools.
His timing is peculiar in the face of the fact that there is currently a growing concern in the UK calling for more grammar schools and consequently the continuation of selection.
It is most unfortunate that the exam has been labelled as a pass or fail test. We all do it, myself included, but the reality is that it is a selection process to determine if a student is better suited to an academic or a more vocational type of schooling.
I am afraid that Deputy Le Lievre has put the cart before the horse. Get the schooling right and yes, I agree, encourage the support at home and then you will see an improvement.
PETER BOUGOURD,
St Sampson's.
