School closures

sir – While closing schools to slow down the spread of coronavirus (report, March 19) is understandable, I do not see why exams cannot be held in otherwise nearly empty schools.

The candidates could just be spread out further. Not having proper exam results will affect these pupils in the future when they apply for jobs. Jennifer Wallace

Ely, Cambridgeshire

sir – The hysteria that surrounds the issue of children not going to school is entirely without foundation.

All teachers have to do is teach their pupils on Skype or Facetime, with the result that, instead of playing computer games ad nauseam, they can still get an education.

Sir Gavin Gilbey Bt

Dornoch, Sutherland

sir – Given the present need for information to provide concrete evidence of a pupil’s ability, was it not a mistake to remove coursework from the assessment process?

Many of us in the education system were suspicious of the true motive behind this, and doubted that it was to add greater rigour and clarity by confining testing to the end of a course. We were convinced it was because politicians consistently promoted the idea that teachers cannot be trusted.

It would now appear that the only meaningful way to judge pupil performance will be to access the regular records of achievement carefully noted in teachers’ mark books. Paul Strong

Claxby, Lincolnshire

sir – I fail to see how closing schools can help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

As it stands, pupils are grouped in one place, thus potentially helping to contain the spread. We now have to rely on parents to persuade their offspring of the dangers of unnecessarily frequenting populated public places and to dissuade them from loitering in large groups. Surely such freedom can only lead to a more widespread problem. Sally Hancock

Goostrey, Cheshire

sir – Children will now need something else to give structure to their days, and I hope that the BBC will step in and give parents a helping hand.

How about fun lessons throughout the day at set times for different age groups? Cbeebies could also become more education-focused. I recall Johnny Ball enthralling children with his maths lessons. Barbara Smith

Stafford

sir – Our daughter has been sent home early from university and the summer term is likely to be cancelled. Like thousands of other students in the same boat, she wants to help the cause.

Who can harness such a valuable asset? The NHS and charities must utilise this willing and able group. William Tice FRCS

Southampton

sir – University students like me face the prospect of contact time being cancelled until next September, possibly even beyond.

These students, many of whom will be unaffected if they contract the virus, should be deployed in teams around the country to help out in hospitals, deliver goods and supplies to the isolated, and to bear the bulk of the volunteer work the country will need in the weeks ahead.

The Prime Minister says we are in a time of war; now is the time for national service. Lachlan Rurlander

London NW1