CHRIS WOODHEAD makes a number of assertions about A-level standards (How the ‘gold standard’ A-level has been devalued, Focus, August 22), which it is important to correct.

The 1995 Ofsted/QCA study concluded that the overall demand of subjects studied remained broadly the same between 1975 and 1995.

He is incorrect that A-level English syllabuses require little or no study of pre-20th century literature. The reality is that of the minimum eight texts that a candidate must study, at least half must be published before 1900.

His view that modular assessment is less demanding is puzzling. He was chief inspector when Ofsted’s 1999 report on modular A-levels confirmed that standards in modular and linear syllabuses had been consistent. As for the point on the impact of re-sits on standards, research by OCR on a sample of 10 AS subjects found that only 6% of entries were re-sits.

Finally, addressing the issue of coursework, other than in subjects such as PE and art and design, exams still comprise 70-80% of assessment.

David Miliband
School Standards Minister