WE should congratulate our GCSE students who have worked hard to achieve a good set of results (Echo, Aug 21).
GCSEs have ensured that the students have received a broad and balanced education in a wide range of subjects, from science to the arts, and that they contain the necessary knowledge and skills which will underpin life and the world of work.
This underpinning also enables students to succeed in key stage 5 which involves specialising in apprenticeships, or in courses at sixth forms and further education colleges.
For example, at 16 years of age, GCSE English and mathematics provide students with the core skills of numeracy and literacy which are vital for life and work.
Moreover, at the age of 16, GCSEs prevent students from specialising too early and enable them to keep their options open.
GCSEs help to produce rounded, cultured citizens who have acquired the basic skills required for life and the world of work.
Andrew Dowson, Etherley Moor, Bishop Auckland
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here