Reader’s Response: ‘I’m just as valid as a man’

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]s a student who has always experienced comprehensive co-ed schooling, I can see that ‘male’ subjects are not a product of mixed schooling, but rather they are a norm created by society – these specialisations were around far before mixed education was standard after all. Supposedly ‘female’ subjects are taught to both genders in mixed schools. Of course, as Alex argues, subjects such as maths and sciences cannot shake the male tropes attached to them, but I have no reason to believe co-ed teaching is the cause. The fact that I was surrounded by male as well as female students had no effect on whether I chose to study, say, humanities over sciences; it was my own genuine interest in my studies and the privilege of good teaching that led me to pursue my degree course, not whether I believed I’d be considered less ‘girly’ if I chose a science. Alex’s claim that she has ‘learnt not to be intimidated by men’ is just as true for myself as it is for her.

Lydia Parsons in response to ‘My school taught me that I’m just as valid as a man’

I probably would have agreed with Richard Cairns’ belief that single-sex schools are detrimental to childhood development before reading Alex Bach’s article. Even though I attended a mixed-gender school, my friendship group was primarily female. My childhood development didn’t suffer as a result. The same then has to be said for girls who attend same-sex schools. The encouraging atmosphere of Alex Bach’s school and the idea that subjects don’t have a stereotypical gender is brilliant. I wish that my mixed-gender school had been so focussed on encouraging me to follow my passions, regardless of whether they were artistic or scientific. The real issue Cairns should focus on is why we limit girls when they are educated with boys.

Emma Johnson in response to ‘My school taught me that I’m just as valid as a man‘

I decided to make a conscious effort to become a little more cultured. Therefore I ventured into the world of the muchpraised Warwick Opera’s The Marriage of Figaro at the Warwick Arts Centre. Within the first 15 minutes or so I was taken away by the excellent music and fantastic vocal abilities of the majority of the cast. However, I am disappointed to say that that was the extent of the praise I can possibly give this production. The vocal ability and passion of many of the major characters – the Count, Countess, Susanna and Figaro – was superb. These seemingly highly talented performers were massively let down by the directors. The space was not utilised and the actors seemed lost. It was a shame such excellent vocal abilities were let down by seemingly horrific directing, combined with a weak storyline. Warwick Opera, you have disappointed me.

Alex Shaw in response to ‘Warwick Opera perform a ‘striking’ Marriage of Figaro’

It may come as a surprise that I, a humanities student, am against some of the views of this article. While I agree that career events directed at the BSc students can dominate campus life and that these same students are the ones to make fun of us, I don’t agree that the arts is not cared about by the university itself. I have heard this line of rhetoric too often. While it may be true that Warwick likes to host law firms and banks more than it does any other career sector, it must also be remembered that these firms have the money to be vocal with their publicity. Ignore or oppose those who hold negative views of your degree and actively look for career events that occur throughout the year. I get many emails from myAdvantage about events directed at the social services or the radio, film and television sector, among others. There will be something for everyone, so don’t miss out on these opportunities because you haven’t looked hard enough.

Hazal Kirci in response to ‘Pop the economics bubble’