KATHLEEN KELLEHER,
Sir, - Has everyone forgotten about the points system? There will be no major change in the numbers of working-class students entering third-level college as long as entry is determined solely by points.
I accept fully that, once points are allocated, the entry system is eminently fair. However, getting those points in the first place is where the discrimination starts. One can hardly blame parents for manipulating the system as best as they can with grinds and extra tuition. A student's work ethic, his or her performance over five or six years of secondary school, his or her personality and interests count for nothing. All that matters for college entry are the exam results from a two-week period. Nothing more, nothing less.
Until that changes, this is as good as it gets. - Yours, etc.,
KATHLEEN KELLEHER,
Rathdown Park,
Greystones,
Co Wicklow.