From GILLIAM ALLINSON
I would like to add to the recent Talking Point discussion, ‘Time for
a new approach to A levels’ (31 August).
My A-level results were disappointing – a fail in maths, E in physics
and just one good B grade in geology. Fortunately though, I persisted and
after a year of geology at Hull University I was accepted by Liverpool University
to study my original choice of geophysics. I now have a respectable second
class degree from a department of international standing.
For my twin sister, A levels were a good judge of her ability and after
gaining grades of A, B and C in the three sciences, she went on to a PhD.
She would be the first to admit, however, that I am as well qualified in
my field as she is in hers, and there is no shortage of work in the oil
industry for me, despite the recession. If I had taken heed of the A-level
examiners I would probably have steered away from science altogether. As
it is I listened to my own intuition and feel I am better off for it.
Gillian Allinson Manchester
Advertisement
