Aptitude tests
From The Revd Leo Chamberlain, OSB Sir: Madsen Pities article ('How exams are fixed in favour of girls', 20 January) was interesting, especially to a headmaster shortly to welcome girl boarders in his sixth form. I would certainly agree that there is an apparent difference in the aptitude of boys and girls, whether through nurture or nature. There is also something in the idea that current examining styles in at least some subjects may suit girls better. Sometimes the pendulum needs to swing both ways before steadying.
I can apply one test, though, which he does not mention: how do I like marking new-style work in history? I don't. Even at AS-level, history answers are now broken into little bits, and the marking criteria are also in little bits. It's not much fun to read, and tiresome to mark, even though the short reign of history by 'empathy' has been ended.
Quality in writing does not come in little bits. An argued answer, which starts from a question and a blank page with 50 or 60 minutes to achieve it, is a demanding exercise, but the requirement encourages disciplined learning and thinking. Attainment can be broadly but quite accurately measured. The process reveals qualities which Lord Annan celebrated in a forgotten article years ago: memory, analysis, succinct expression and synthesis. As he pointed out then, these are qualities needed in professional life. Perhaps it is considered too 'male' an approach today. The funny thing is that I know a lot of women who prefer it too.
Leo Chamberlain
The Headmaster, Ampleforth College, York
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