IN saying that: "English is the most difficult subject to mark because it is subjective and there are no rights and wrongs,'' Swindon headmaster David Williams has identified the problem.
Instead of wailing, we should adopt a prescriptive approach so that his English teachers know what they are supposed to teach and their pupils know what it is they are supposed to learn.
Recently out of university, I read a book on English teaching and was horrified to learn that: "I don't want no dinner," and: "He teached me," were acceptable constructions. Apparently, pupils are not to be told that the way they may speak at home is incorrect in case that causes a loss in self-esteem, or some such nonsense.
No wonder marking is so difficult.
English is a living language but it will only stand so much abuse.
R J HARVEY
Lyneham
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