Why single-sex schools are not top of the class

Having taught at girls' schools, boys' schools and now being head of the co-ed school with the best A-level results in England in 2008 and 2009 (95 per cent A/B), I thought readers might appreciate a counter to the single-sex agenda being propagated.

I have no doubt that both educationally and socially, co-educational schools are superior.

1 First of all, education is not just about exams, it is about preparing children for adult life and that includes learning to work alongside those of a different sex.

Universities are co-educational and the workplace is co-educational and school-leavers need to be ready for that and comfortable in that environment.

2 Co-educational schools in my experience are also much kinder places. There is none of the competitive intensity of an all-girls schools, for example which too often leads to girls shunning one another or engaging in discreet yet often devastating bullying.

Similarly, boys' schools tend to favour the alpha males – and those of a musical or artistic bent, whom the girls in a co-educational school often dote on, are, in boys' schools, shunned and sidelined by those whose talents lie on muddied fields.

In essence, then, the presence of girls is good for the self-esteem of a greater number of boys while boys in their turn help to temper the emotional stresses and strains of an all-girls environment.

In essence, it doesn't matter if your best friend Alice is not talking to you this week because Jake is taking you to the cinema on Saturday.

So co-educational schools prepare young people better for a co-educational world. They are also kinder places.

3 Thirdly, I believe the academic experience is better. Those who espouse single-sex schools (many of whom have never taught in a co-educational school) claim boys and girls are more focused if taught in a single-sex environment. That's rubbish. There are simply different forms of distraction.

All boys together, for example, simply become more laddish, happily disrupting the lesson of a bad teacher for a laugh. And all girls together are no different.

In a co-ed school, boys and girls are actually less childish because they don't want to appear childish to those of the opposite sex.

4 So what about results? What of the claim single-sex schools get better results because they are single sex? And what of the claim that single-sex schools are more likely to do French or physics?

Different research projects suggest different things all the time but to those of us who work in schools and actually understand the secondary school system, know exactly what is going on.

Most highly-selective schools are single sex. Why are they single sex? Because in the recessions of the 1970s and 1980s, the less-selective schools had to go co-educational to maintain numbers while the selective schools – most in cities and drawing on large populations for their pupils – did not.

Given single-sex school is more likely to be selective, it is not surprising results tend to be better nor that those bright children are more likely to do tough A-level subjects like French or physics.

In other words, it has nothing to do with their single-sex nature and everything to do with selection.

A good example of that is Westminster School, which has a co-educational sixth form. Is the outstanding academic performance of their boys at 16 repeated at aged 18 in their co-educational sixth form? Yes, of course. Why? Because they are a selective school.

5 I would go further and suggest the academic performance is actually better in a co-ed school, not worse, because it exposes male minds to what might broadly be regarded as a 'female' approach to learning.

For example, a typical girl may have a rather different take on a literary text than a boy. That enriches discussion. Similarly, a boy studying the first world war might need to be reminded by girls from time to time of the significant rôle of women in the war effort.

6 Girls and boys together, therefore, are happier, more-rounded, better educated and undoubtedly better prepared for the co-educational world in which they live.

Richard Cairns, Brighton College



Scrap the cultural fund and all those other fripperies

I read with disbelief the report the policy development commitee of Chichester District Council had reccomended the setting up of a 'cultural fund' that would subsidise the Pallant House Gallery and the Festival Theatre with £3m of council taxpayers' money over the next decade.

Given the parlous state of city finances, what the council is inviting central goverment to do is to savagely cut what support it gives to the beleagured council taxpayer, as it can be argued if the council can indulge in such an outrageous extravagence, there must be plenty of fat to be trimmed from the CDC budget.

Obviously the people who suggested this subsidy have little or no connection with the world in which the people they claim to represent have to live! Rather than give these organisations another decade of leeching off the public purse they should be told to become self-sufficient now.

As for CDC, it should concentrate on providing the basic services it is required to provide well, and at a reasonable cost.

Such fripperies as arts subsidies and gradiose bids to become a City of Culture should be scrapped.

It is time our local goverment kept its feet firmly on the ground rather than gazing wistfully at the sky.

Paul Cresswell, Merryweather Road, Old Bosham



Horsey poo is a laughing matter – unless you step in it...

Looking back at my letter about horses plopping excrement on to the road at Little London, I was very surprised to see Nigel Thompson chose to write in and accuse me of aggression over this issue.

On that important point, I think I should have a right to prove my innocence. I must deny being aggressive in any way and to prove the point, Mr Thompson might like to read my knife crime blog that advocates a better, more peaceful and safer society.

The website address of the blog is www.knifecrime.blogspot.com

I was not and would not be aggressive.

Horse poo is a very important matter and should not be seen as an amusing, relatively benign, smelly thing just to be chatted about down the pub.

In fact, stallions and mares leaving their horsey mess all over the roads is a most unpleasant affair. (The very act of 'dropping' isn't that pleasant a sight either.)

And when these animals clog up the roads, causing tailbacks for thousands of metres and yards, not only is it inconvenient, it's downright dangerous – for riders, horses and motorists.

Food for thought, I think.

Interesting to listen to many people's reaction to my letter about glistening 'road apples' deposited all over the Little London street and the steaming stink they threw off.

All thought my letter was quite a laugh. And let's face it, an elephant-sized mound of poo is kind of something to be laughed at.

Unless you step or fall in it, of course.

I'm sorry, Mr Thompson, you didn't like my letter. But it's a free society in this country, thank goodness, and I won't be bullied out of making an interesting point or two in a fun way by someone calling me aggressive.

On a final point, what's wrong with horse riders carrying shovels to clean up their animals' extra large servings of manure that get dumped on the tarmac?
Isn't that what cowboys, cowgirls and the old gold prospectors used to do?

Nothing wrong with that, Mr Thompson... is there?

Mark Chapman, Foxbridge Drive, Hunston



Cow nappies could be global solution

I have been pondering on a solution to help Barkes and Mrs B come to terms with being 'green'.

How about this:

* The cows let out methane gas which is 23 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. What about building a methane gas parlour in which the cow could eject their lethal gases. But it would necessary to train the cows to be 'regular' – doubt if the cattle would co-operate.

* Another idea – put an airtight nappy on each animal, which would collect the gases and the 'manure'. The methane gas would be added to that which at present comes out of the landfill sites to make cheap electricity. Then:

1 Use the electricity to heat an oven.

2 Use the milk from the cows to make Yorkshire pudding (would need an egg or two as well) .

3 Use the manure to fertilise the homegrown potatoes and other vegetables.

4 Roast and/or cook all these goodies in the oven.

Hey presto, everything would be used up and no gases would be released into the atmosphere.

We could enjoy our roast beef dinner confident we had utilised everything to everyone's benefit and had, in part, solved global warming.

In addition, perhaps the EU in their goodness would give West Sussex County Council a reduction in their charges for filling landfill sites, currently running, I believe, at something like £45 for every ton of waste deposited.

Hope that would satisfy Barkes and his missus.

Angela Bromley-Martin, Tuffs Hard, Bosham Hoe



Muntjac deer are living here

Jonathan Fulford's letter casted doubt on sightings of Muntjac deer, after Bromley Martin of Bosham claimed to have witnessed them breeding at Bosham Hoe.
Mr Fulford also claims this to be highly unlikly, and said that if he was wrong, he would eat a very large slice of humble pie.

Last week a very good friend of mine was walking his dog around Chidham foreshore and came across a fully-grown Muntjac deer, which had sadly passed on to the big forest in the sky.

He showed me the deer later that day.

My friend and I both have, for the past 20 years, enjoyed hunting, shooting, fishing and dog walking around this area and live in Southbourne.

I would like to give Bromley Martin a big pat on the back, and hope the very large slice of humble pie Mr Fulford is about to eat also includes a very large hat. Hope there's room for his turkey...

O Chambers, Southbourne



New museum is just what our city needs

The Chichester Society supports the recommendation of the district council's executive board to the full council to go ahead and implement the plans for a new district museum in Tower Street.

This will give both the city and district a great new facility. Planning consent has been given and the plans are ready to be put into action.

The present museum has played an important part in our city with interesting displays and exhibitions, with good activity sessions for children, and a growing outreach programme.

But the building is old, cramped and lacks disabled access. It cannot display its collections fully and visitors often give it a miss as they concentrate their activity around the cathedral.

The new larger building in its new central location will demonstrate the museum's importance alongside our other cultural assets: our theatres, our art galleries and our cathedral.

In this part of Sussex we have a long and interesting history going back before the Romans. The new building will be able to do it justice with exciting new displays, including the remains of the Roman baths below. It will also add greatly to our bid to be the City of Culture 2013 and be a benefit for all of us, for visitors and for our economy.

We hope councillors will give the go-ahead for the new museum and give the city and district a facility of which all can be proud, while continuing to guarantee district council support for the Chichester Festival Theatre and Pallant House Art Gallery.

Tony Dignum, chairman, The Chichester Society, West Broyle Drive, Chichester



Time to unearth A27 'secrets'

What on earth has happened to the proposals for the A27 Chichester by-pass? There was an extensive public consultation in 2004-05, the results of which have still not been published as we approach 2010.

What is so secret about them? Why can they not be published?

The people of the Chichester area are sick and tired of being ignored and patronised by the authorities who do nothing to improve the ever-increasing traffic flow and endless jams.

Proposals were promised long ago and none has been forthcoming. All that happens is constant prevarication, studies put on the back burner and schemes which are subject to frequent 're-examination'.

Recently the Manhood Peninsular Forum struck a blow for freedom. This forum consists of representatives of all the parishes on the peninsular, as well as district council people. They agreed to a letter which has been sent to the Highways Agency, with copies to the Department for Transport, the county council, and the Regional Transport Board expressing their despair and strong views and asking for the results of the 2004-05 public consultation, with the possibility of a Freedom of Information Act application if all else fails.

Maybe a northern by-pass is the solution, but there is much else that could be done to remedy what is already making us a laughing stock for visitors to the area.

Dermot Wright, West Wittering



The long-running saga of replacing old pipes...

Could the constantly increasing price of water be something to do with the following?

I live on the Kingsbeach Estate and the following saga of laying new water pipes might have something to do with the increase cost of fresh water.

Civil engineers Durkin have dug the roads on the estate.

The engineers are amenable and do their best to alleviate any inconvenience.

However, our road was dug up and a large trench made and left for a few days.

On questioning the workforce as to why it had been left, I was duly informed it had been dug without the required permission and was to be duly filled in until the approval had been granted.

The new water pipes, stacked nearby were not fitted and the hole was filled and the road surface made good.

Several weeks were to pass before the engineers returned and dug up the road again, this time to fit the new water pipes.

A few days later with the job done and the trench filled, I thought this would be the end of the matter.

Not so. Engineers returned yet again to... wait for it... dig up the road again to backfill the trench and make good the road surface, to a proper standard.

So after our road has been dug up three times to do one simple job of laying a new water main (not required according to the men I spoke with, the original was good for many more years).

So after all this turmoil the cost of this unnecessary operation will no doubt be funded by us the water-users.

Ken Rimell, Kingsbeach Estate



A welcome touch of the West End in our local theatre

My partner and I spent an evening at the Alexandra Theatre Bognor Regis and would like to congratulate everyone involved in the Art of Dance and Fitness carol concert for a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable evening.

Having been an actor-singer, producer with Revusicals, Drama Club and West Meads players, I very nearly got the urge to get up and once again tread the boards.

The energy and enthusiasm from all poured across the footlights into the packed audience.

The actor Ben Richards introduced the proceedings with his usual flair and charm and linked the various dances and singing with Christmas tales and anecdotes.
The story of how the angel came to rest on top of the Christmas tree was particularly educational!

Four trumpeters from the Royal Marines gave a spectacular performance in fanfare, drumming and marching. But it was the Art of Dance and Fitness group who gave the evening that extra sparkle with a selection of Christmas songs and dance.

The children, with their impromptu trips and missed cues, were as endearing as ever and deserved the rapturous applause whenever they appeared.

The adult choir – which various members have been trying to coerce me into joining – were harmonious and a delight. I don't know about the glitter in the hair though lads!

Unfortunately, the solo singers were not given a name credit but would stand up against any seen on the popular reality or talent shows around.

I particularly liked the dry ice effect in the ballet sequence, very effective along with the usual wonderful lighting effects that the Alexandra is blessed in having the equipment for.

Well done Lisa Richards and Tracey Betes for bringing everyone together and showing Bognor has a bucketful of talent that would be hidden if we lose this wonderful theatre.

A special mention has to go to the hard-working volunteers who keep the Alexandra alive. Well done.

The two concerts were in aid of Chestnut Tree House children's Hospice, near Arundel, and St Wilfrid's Hospice, Chichester.

Derek Speer, East Dean


On Friday evening I sat totally gobsmacked watching a production called Crazy For You, at the Alexander Theatre, Regis Centre, Bognor.

I believed, and I am sure others present thought, they were watching a West End show. I had to pinch myself I was not really in London.

The vocals, choreography and scenic work took your breath away. It was a magical experience, acted and danced with precision and utmost professionalism. From one act to another it flowed with comedy, beautiful singing and the dancing was fantastic.

Don't ever take this theatre from Bognor, it is truly the greatest thing we have.

Mrs GE Claridge, Walsham Close, Felpham


We would publicly like to thank the cast, and all those involved with the show Crazy For You by the Bognor Regis Operatic Society at the Regis Theatre last week.

It really was brilliant with so much very good acting, singing and dancing. If only they could perform like this at the Chichester Festival Theatre, every seat would be sold immediately.

Mr and Mrs Brooks, The Drive, Craigweil Estate, Bognor Regis



Easyjet offers better value for money than our local council

I would like to challenge the headline on the front of last week's Bognor Regis Observer, with Arun District Council knocking easyJet.

As a regular flyer to Amsterdam on business, I cannot overstate the value for money offered by easyJet.

Since they began their service on this route, the fares have dropped by about a factor of four and have held at that level despite increases in taxes imposed by the UK government.

The service is different from what used to be offered by other airlines, but is vastly superior value.

I would consider the comparison with Arun District Council valid if there were proposals to cut the council tax by a factor of four, but that is not on offer.

What is in prospect is ever-reducing services for the same council tax – that is, ever-decreasing value for money.

Why does this happen? In the airline case, passengers had a choice and easyJet won my business by offering a more-than-adequate service at a super price – such a good price their competitors had to cut prices to stay in the business.

EasyJet performed this miracle by operating with new fuel-efficient planes, lower staffing levels and probably lower pay scales, achieving a higher level of efficiency.

Competition is good for customers.

In the case of Arun District Council, we residents have no choice, yet councillors voted themselves allowance increases this year and I am sure officers also enjoyed salary increases.

It is therefore not surprising services will be reduced if the council tax does not increase.

It has little to do with the economic environment or the government in Whitehall – it is down to absence of competition and the management decisions made by the council. If this process continues, residents will end up with no services but the council will continue to exist in all its complacency.

Dr JC Ramage, Aldwick



Thanks for making appeal so successful

I would like to express my thanks to all the volunteers who gave their valuable time and the public who gave their generous donations in support of the 2009 Poppy Appeal.

Thanks also to all the local businesses, organisations and schools who allowed collections on their premises.

The Bognor Regis district raised a total of £17,038 over the two weeks of the appeal. That's an outstanding 35 per cent increase on the previous year's figures.
The Middleton and Elmer District raised a total of £4,025 over the same two weeks – a 12 per cent increase on the previous year.

Thanks again to everyone of you for your continued support. The amounts raised will make a significant difference to and be greatly appreciated by both current and past service personnel and their dependants.

Mrs PG Jeffries, Poppy Appeal organiser, Arun Road, Bognor Regis



Was time right for increases?

I read with interest the report regarding Arun District Council finding itself with a budget shortfall.

I recall reading in the past few months details on how Arun district councillors voted themselves huge inflation-busting increases in their allowances – a decision in which the local residents, who ultimately fund such payments, had no say.

Now Arun finds itself in a position where it cannot balance its books and so jobs and services, which council tax payers fund and rely on, are to be cut.

I read nothing about stopping councillors' allowances or not paying any bonuses to Arun's senior managers. Is this a just and responsible way to behave? Your readers will have to judge for themselves.

MR Sutton, Wandleys Lane, Walberton



Dog beach ban is good news

I refer to the recent proposal by Arun Council to ban dogs from the beach areas at Bognor and Felpham during summer months.

Of course this is only a personal point of view, but I am sure it will strike a chord with many of your readers.

Our lovely promenades and beach areas and parks are being ruined by irresponsible dog owners who refuse to take their dog dirt home with them.

Here's my take on it:

Good old Arun we say (although not often enough) but on this occasion,
Hip, hip, hooray, dogs on the beach during the summer, they are banned from May.
About time too, we see the filth day after day.
Some clean it up, most walk away, couldn't give a damn, let someone else pay.
The paths and the greensward pebbles and sand, will they be clean when they are banned?
Arun, praise for your courage but hard to enforce
But power to your elbow all in due course.

H Forsyth, Ranworth Close, Felpham



Wreck-hunter Mearns is remarkable

I read with interest the article on page five of last week's Midhurst and Petworth Observer.

Interest because I have known David Mearns for many years.

Not only is he a member of the HMS Hood Association, of which I am the vice-chairman, but also I served as a midshipman on that famous battlecruiser (not battleship as was described in the article) in 1938-1939 in the Mediterranean fleet.

David is indeed a most remarkable man. When he led an expedition some nine years ago to locate the wreck of HMS Hood, there was an element of opposition from the relatives of those 1,415 men who lost their lives on that tragic day on May 24, 1941 (there were three survivors) because almost two miles down in the Denmark Strait off Greenland, it was the grave of these men.

In the event it was agreed by the Ministry of Defence and the families to be on a 'look but do not touch basis' and this is what happened.

I have many books and DVDs of this event and of the history of that wonderful ship from 1920 to May 24, 1941.

It was a really tremendous achievement to find HMAS Sydney. I think two of the Australian midshipman with me in Hood in 1938 were members of her ship's company.

Keith Evans, Chilcrofts Road, Kingsley Green



We want our representatives to represent us

The north-south divide relating to local democracy – or lack of it – raises its ugly head once again.

It is ludicrous to bar an elected representative from speaking on an important matter on behalf of their electors on the grounds of prejudicial interest.

Mrs Duncton is present on the council to represent the people of Petworth.

Are all the councillors from the Chichester area going to be banned from speaking and voting because they have a prejudicial interest in Chichester when topics arise that relate to the city?

Does this mean we should no longer elect councillors who have an interest in the area they serve?

It may be prudent in certain cases for a member to refrain from voting where there may be a serious bias but to be banned from speaking is one step too far.

Would the council deny the legal right to a charged man to speak on his own behalf?

Graham W Martin, Wyncombe Close, Fittleworth



Congratulations due to village

Having read the story online, I sincerely compliment the villagers and all connected with having the Upwaltham memorial erected.

Although I'm in my late 70s and having done a similar thing back in 1989 in West Yorkshire (the Tingley Air Crash Memorial), I hope in the very near future I can make it down there to photograph it for my large collection.

Walter Townend, West Yorkshire



To the point...

I was amazed at the speed I was pounced upon by a police officer after stopping briefly to drop off a mother and two infants before the crossing to Seal school.

It was during stormy weather and my stop would have been a matter of seconds.

This period was extended by the lecture I received regarding my alleged causing an obstruction. I stopped in the side road and was parallel to East Street with no traffic in front, behind or at the side of me, so I could therefore not understand his reasoning regarding my so-called obstruction.

I immediately proceded to the car park to wait for the mother.

It was no surprise to me, however, on entering the police no-go area, the high street, to notice at least four driverless vehicles parked on double yellow lines, one of which was directly opposite a van being unloaded – in my opinion the real meaning of causing obstruction.

Reg Stamp, Grafton Road, Selsey


After many years of selling us the super bread in Chichester's farmers' market, Vic and Jessie have decided to retire. They have made many friends and I am sure they would all like to join me in saying good luck and thank you for all their hard work and for being there from first daylight in all weathers. We will miss them.

Sheela Curtis, Prinsted

As a parent, I am constantly bombarded with advice on keeping my family active and healthy.

I am one of a lot of people in my area who walks their children to school. This is not made easy by a number of people who park over the pavement, allow their dogs to foul all over the pavement, or who have bushes etc extending right out and covering the pavement.

I have spoken to the highways agency a number of times but appear to be banging my head on the proverbial brick wall.

Kate Smith, Eastergate


In January, the Observer published a letter from me about the theft of Baby Jesus from the nativity set my wife and I put in our front garden as part of our Christmas celebration.

The missing items have never been returned but as a result of my letter I was contacted by a local artist and sculptor, Monty Toms, who kindly offered to make a replacement.

The nativity scene is therefore once again complete and we are extremely grateful to Monty for his generosity.

Ken Strudwick, Pound Farm Road, Chichester


On behalf of Arun District Council and the hardy people attending the carol concert in Hotham Park on Saturday, I would like to say a big thank you to Hotham Park Heritage Trust for organising this free event.

It was organised with professionalism and was another event the trust can be proud of.

Despite the poor weather conditions, wet and windy, there was a good turnout from the public. This is a regular annual event and clearly is loved enough by the public to ensure they turn out in all weathers.

The Hotham Park Heritage Trust had, with the help of Bognor Regis Town Council staff, decorated the bandstand with lights, and members of the public brought torches and lanterns to help create a seasonal atmosphere.

The Bognor Regis Concert Band and The Glenwood Choir battled valiantly to make themselves heard above the wind and rain.

Despite the weather, the music and singing lifted the spirits and was clearly enjoyed by all. A wonderful and traditional way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Well done Hotham Park Heritage Trust.

Michael Rowland, Hotham Park manager, Arun District Council


The Alexandra Theatre in Bognor Regis has donated 40 tickets to Chestnut Tree House for the children and families to use to see their pantomime, Peter Pan, on Friday, December 11.

Thank you so much. It really does mean so much to the children, young people and families at Chestnut Tree House.

Laura Arnold, community nurse, Chestnut Tree House


The Arun Sounds ladies' barbershop chorus would like to thank all those who supported their Music and Magic variety show on November 28.

The evening raised £950 for The Eve Appeal (fund for research into ovarian cancer), bringing the total raised over the past six months to £1,500.

The chorus is currently looking for new singers – in particular, ladies with deeper voices are needed to swell the baritone and bass sections.

If you are a female Barry White, we want to hear from you! It's great fun and we are a friendly bunch.

Phone Madeleine for an informal chat on 01243 826448.

Marilyn Collins, press officer, The Arun Sounds


I note the developers of Site 6 at Felpham are trying to renegotiate the terms of the development, which includes provision of a relief road on a controlled timescale.
The developers should be told in no uncertain terms that the relief road is a fixed condition, no road, no houses.

KM Wells, Bala Crescent, Felpham


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