Sir, One of the main problems with the A-level education system is that its narrowness forces people to see science and maths versus arts and humanities as a zero-sum game. Young people should not have to choose between revelling in advanced maths and ditching maths altogether at 16 because, like subjects such as science, English literature and history, maths is an integral part of our culture. Alice Thomson (“Maths fixation doesn’t add up to progress”, Jun 26) highlights the fact that fee-paying schools put a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities but a breadth of education should not just be for the rich elites. It is time for an independent review of post-16 education that will help to create a system that has room for science…

Source: The Times June 26, 2019 23:00 UTC