Sir, - With the implementation of the revised primary school curriculum well under way, I feel it is time to review and reform our secondary education system. It's a system which ultimately prepares students for three-hour examinations , during which they put down on paper all the fruits of their labour, rather than a system which prepares them for life.
Of course a system of assessment is necessary but does it have to be a race for points? Why is Irish still a compulsory exam subject when the majority of Irish people speak English?
I extend my sympathy to the students sitting exams now, many of them back to back over a few days.
My hope for the future of education in Ireland is that the joy of learning will take its rightful place over the pressure of exams and so enable our youth to lead full lives as young people and later as adults, armed with a well-rounded, intetegrated education. - Yours, etc.,
DEIRDRE SHORTEN,
Enniskerry,
Co Wicklow.