Sir,
I refer to Mr. Kevin Lloyd's letter concerning the axing, by those responsible at Greenhill School, of three major science subjects and replacing them with a dubious compromise. As a retired science graduate myself, I fully endorse the concerns expressed in his letter - in fact, I am appalled by the decision.
Whilst I support the retention of the excellent music facilities at the school, I believe that there should be a sensible balance between the teaching of the arts and sciences and this does not appear to be the case with the proposed alterations.
If the examples of the questions set by one Examination Board for the combined sciences exam (and highlighted recently in the national press) are any guide, I fear that the new syllabus will be a dumbed-down mish-mash which will be an insult to the intelligence of the brighter students and will certainly do no favours to those hoping to read for a science degree at one of the more respected universities.
Like your correspondent, I am aware that there has been a constraint on funding, but it would be interesting to see a complete list (as distinct from a selected one) of the subjects which have been retained and obviously deemed to take precedence over the the major science subjects.
I shall await, with interest, a reply from those responsible.
Clifford Hall
B.Sc. C.Eng. M.IM. D.M.S.
Pentlepoir.