Dividing up maths

SIR – Lord Baker has an interesting idea about maths examinations (“‘Maths GCSE should be split in two’ to boost numeracy”, report, May 16).

When I took O-level maths in 1953, there were two designated subjects: elementary maths and additional maths. Perhaps they might be revived.

David Abell

Portsmouth, Hampshire

SIR – Lord Baker seems to have forgotten that it was he who combined CSES with GCES to create GCSES.

An additional maths O-level was also offered for the allegedly more able. I say allegedly because I managed to pass it.

David Nunn

West Malling, Kent