I was delighted to read about the new Star Wars film being produced at Pinewood (May the 4th be with you, 4 May). However, George Osborne should have a word with colleagues at the Department for Education instead of taking all the credit for this. Their policies have effectively cancelled out early training in the “creative industries” he so highly praises. He describes “visual effects designers, lighting technicians, carpenters and costume designers” as having a vote of confidence. What a pity the exam system schools are having to plan for does not share his confidence in these “subjects”. Students with a natural aptitude in these subjects are effectively barred from taking them all in the current “best eight” system. Schools have had to massively reduce the teaching of art, music, drama, design technology, textiles and production arts due to government priority being given to history, geography and languages. All subjects should have equal value as that is the only way to recognise the huge range of interests and talents young people have.
Susan Trigger
Headteacher, Bitterne Park School, Southampton
