Letter: Wrong to punish youngsters over missed exam

Letter: Reference Shropshire Star of June 16, "GCSEs missed for holidays". I am not impressed by the statement made by the headteacher of students who missed their GCSEs that they had wasted two years of study (this is de-motivating).

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Jane Radbourne, of the Grove School, Market Drayton, also stated that the students would not be able to resit their exams and that kind of thing badly affects the life chances of students (it certainly will).

Admittedly there is a rule issue here about taking holidays in term time but do not punish the students by saying they have wasted two years and informing them they can not resit their exams.

I ask you where is the support for these students?

I feel I must quote from a part of my recent studies: "Inclusivity is about involving all learners in relevant activities rather than excluding them for any reason either directly or indirectly.

"Differentiation is about using a range of different approaches and resources to meet the needs of different individuals and groups." Gravells (2008 p.18), preparing to teach in the lifelong learning sector 3rd ed, Exeter: learning matters.

To sum up, I do not believe that these two important items have been acknowledged in this matter of GCSEs/holidays.

Terry Peake

Wellington