THE problem with our education system is that academic GCSE subjects have been made easier over many years because the politicians, both Tory and Labour, know that middle-class parents want their children to achieve top grades.

Exams regulator Ofqual has twice ordered examination boards to make science GCSEs harder because there were too many short, simple questions that could be answered using common sense.

Also, proposed new science papers for 2013 could be passed if pupils did no more than read a newspaper daily, according to the chief executive of the Royal Institute of Chemistry.

To make things worse, a new “Certificate of Personal Effectiveness” has been accredited by the Government’s exam watchdog. Pupils will be taught how to claim the dole and will gain marks if they are photographed doing housework.

And they will be asked to complete challenges such as entertaining a number of people to tea. This exam is said to be worth a grade B in a GCSE exam.

It is clear GCSE exams have been “dumbed down” over the past 20 or 30 years and it would be interesting to read an education professional’s view on this important subject.

Jim Allan, Hartlepool