As an active participant in the art college disputes of 1968 while a student at the Royal College of Art, it gives me no gratification to find we are revisiting the same old issues (Suzanne Moore, 18 April). Of concern then was the Labour government’s intention to reduce the number of foundation courses. At the same time it raised the entry requirement to five GCE O-levels, which effectively excluded most secondary modern school students. Previously you could go to junior art college at 14. The final qualification was made a degree equivalent.
I recall debating this with Shirley Williams at a meeting staged by the Times Educational Supplement. I also pointed out to Jack Straw from the National Union of Students that if the contention was accepted that A-level art taught in a school was as good as a foundation course in an art college then all foundation courses would close.
Kim Howells became notable as the excluded Hornsey College of Art student who refused to be excluded. At the Royal College of Art we took in dispossessed Hornsey students and together organised in two weeks a national conference at the Roundhouse. It attracted students, lecturers, artists and designers from all over the UK and the government appointees reviewing art education.
We were very fortunate in the 60s as all art education was free. Today many of the students awarded places cannot afford to take them up.
Chris Owen
Market Harborough, Leicestershire
• The Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference, which represents the heads of the UK’s independent schools, is currently recruiting to its first national teacher training programme starting in August (Beyond university: the new wave of teacher training courses, 14 April). Given the recruitment and retention crisis and the need to develop high-quality teachers, it is a significant development. HMC teacher training is school-based and leads to a recognised PGCE qualification. Successful applicants are paid to train in some of the country’s leading independent schools and are required to gain experience teaching in state schools, qualifying them to work in both sectors. We are hopeful that this new initiative will both increase the numbers staying in teaching long-term and assist the stated ambition of all political parties to create the highest standards of teaching and school leadership.
Richard Harman
Chair, Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference
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