The Editor, Sir:

I am a parent who has a 10-year-old daughter whose performance is average in most of her subjects. Her grades mainly range from 65 per cent to about 85 per cent. On a very good day she may get 85 per cent, but generally she averages between 68 and 75 per cent.

I am worried for my daughter because the Jamaican school system seems to throw children like her into substandard schools. It is unfortunate because there are many famous people who were never considered bright and yet they found their place in life. I think we are brainwashing our children to think that if they do not get between 90 and 100 per cent, they are no good. We also place these children under severe pressure and the weaker ones just fall by the wayside and stop trying.

All children need a chance

All children should be given a chance to have a good education in an environment where they can learn and harness their true potential.

It is unfortunate that some so-called traditional high schools do not admit children who are average. They only accommodate the students who get high grades from 90-100. These are the schools that are commended for their performances in the CXC exams. But are these teachers as excellent as they claim since they just receive the cream of the crop? They do not have to work half as hard on their students in order for them to achieve excellence. I think that the placing system should be changed. These schools should be allotted at least five to 10 per cent of students who do not receive grades 90 and over.

Then we will be proud to say that they have contributed skills and exercised patience with a child who is willing to work hard but is just a little slower at learning.

I am, etc.,

CONCERNED PARENT

Kingston 20