26 JULY 1957, Page 14

BREAKING DOWN THE FENCES

SIR,—The Rector of Beaumont's objection is valid

only in its extreme form. No time-table permit any boy to choose any combination of sixth form subjects that he pleases. On the other hand, it is quite possible to provide certain specified courses which combine Science and Arts as alternatives to the exclusive preoccupation with one or other side. Even in a small sixth form it is possible to ensure that physics never conflicts with Latin or history, or mathematics with French or geography, and thus to give a chance to the boy who prefers working on both sides of the fence. They are few at present because so many university faculties look askance at them, but they are getting a better general education.—Yours faithfully,