Madam, – While not demeaning the merits of the discussion on gender inequalities created by the introduction of bonus points for mathematics (Kathleen Lynch, Opinion, September 24th) the fact remains that such a strategy is unfair to all students, both male and female, whose interests, passions and career aspirations lie in areas other than the mathematical field.
What about those boys and girls whose strengths lie, for example, in literature, music or art? Is their contribution to be held in lower esteem? The planned introduction of bonus points for mathematics shows, yet again, the focus of the Government on education for the sole purpose of industrial and economic gain rather than for the development and appreciation of the whole person, be they male or female. – Yours, etc,