I’M in agreement with AM William Graham. It would be foolish to not have a common set of qualifications with England. A vast number of students apply for universities outside Wales and their qualifications must not be considered inferior. Such a move would require a return to coherent grammar, including sound spelling; an end to multiple choice questions; with reasoned thinking and argument the order of the day.

Does education minister Leighton Andrews think that here in Wales that is too tall an order? If so, he does a disservice to the student population of Wales as well as to the (some) good teachers struggling to maintain discipline and instil in pupils a love of learning for learning’s sake. We’ve had too much dumbing down: time now for a return to good, old-fashioned standards, proper teaching, order in the classroom. And, yes, O-levels! Well said William Graham.

Jackie Davies (Mrs), Bryn Eglwys, Croesyceiliog, Cwmbran