JOHN Blunt in his article 'A lesson in exams' (LET, August 25) implied A-levels had been devalued.

As a mother of a student, I strongly disagree with his comments. My son has recently gained grade-A in five subjects.

Easy? No, it has required two years of hard work, involving three to four hours of homework every night and many hours of revision at weekends and, for the last six months, non-stop preparation for the exams.

So I know at first-hand the work that has to be done to achieve these results. To suggest that the exams are easier isn't giving credit to the students or their teachers.

As for students taking easier subjects, my son got 'A' grades in maths, biology, chemistry, physics and general studies. These are not the easiest subjects by anybody's standards.

I think what is happening is that not the exams are easier, but students and their teachers are working harder.

ANNE MARSDEN (Mrs), Cardwell Street, Padiham.

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