Year after year, the results of GCSE and A Level exams are vilified.

Why?

The students put a great deal of time and effort into their studies, often at the expense of any social life.

These students are expected to work and absorb information from about 8.30am until 4pm five days a week and then go home and work a further three quarters of an hour in the evening.

They often work most of the weekend too.

Instead of knocking their hard work, give praise and credit where it is due.

They have earned it.

Janet S Kitchen,

Ashley Park Road, York.

...Why is it that the national pastime of a growing number of people is to put down and criticise younger generations?

In York this attitude is illustrated on a regular basis. Groups of teenagers on street corners doing what past generations have done since time immemorial,are immediately a cause for hostility and suspicion.

Groups of children, even in toy shops, are immediately frowned upon.

Another example is the latest round of allegations of lowering examination standards, because ever greater numbers of children are surpassing previous generations with their number of passes. I am aware of how many of today's children cannot, allegedly, pass the old 11-plus.

However, I wonder how many people who passed the 11 plus in the dim and distant past could pass today's examinations?

We all know that not all children are angels but neither are adults. What is an established fact is that children reflect their environment.

I wonder how many of the critics of today's children would agree the following:

If a child lives with criticism he learns to condemn.

If a child lives with hostility he learns to fight.

If a child lives with ridicule he learns to be shy.

If a child lives with shame he learns to feel guilty.

If a child lives with tolerance he learns to be patient.

If a child lives with encouragement he learns confidence.

If a child lives with praise he learns to appreciate.

If a child lives with fairness he learns justice.

If a child lives with security he learns to have faith in others.

If a child lives with approval he learns to like himself.

If a child lives with acceptance and friendship he learns to find love and peace.

Liz Edge,

Parkside Close, York.

Updated: 09:55 Friday, August 27, 2004