I HAVE become increasingly concerned at the present state of education.

When I was a scholar in the 1930s and 1940s, parents were married couples, one of whom worked and the other stayed at home.

This was of prime importance to the children, who started primary school already schooled by mother in the basic three Rs.

Parents were fully supportive of teachers, who had various methods of chastisement, ensuring a high degree of behaviour was maintained in class. Teachers were smartly dressed and were always addressed as 'Sir' or 'Miss'. This helped to create respect for them. Truancy was not a problem.

History was taught, which hardly applies now. All schools had periods set aside for sporting activities, and at the age of 11, pupils were streamed into standards via the 11-plus exam, to decide whether a Secondary or Grammar school education was appropriate.

Children left school at 14, 16 or 18, depending on the proficiency achieved.

For those with practical skills, trades were available via an apprenticeship, thereby maintaining the supply of skilled labour to industry now skilled workers seem to be in short supply.

The police were friendly 'bobbies' on the beat who were authorised to 'cuff' children for bad behaviour in public places.

DEREK RYDER