A reader reflects on the significance of Sats exams, recalling a headteacher's analogy about weighing a pig. In 1992, Janette Ward Tarrington moved to Herefordshire and asked a primary school head about the new Sats. His response: 'It doesn't matter how many times you weigh a pig, it still weighs the same.' She was pleased to enroll her children there, and all later graduated from university without being 'weighed'.
Double-Decker Buses
Richard Carter of Putney, London, highlights a recent correspondence about double-decker buses, which reminded him of Annie Ross's vocalisation of Wardell Gray's tenor saxophone solos on 'Twisted'. The lyrics include: 'Don't you let them laugh at me / When I refused to ride on all those double-decker buses / All because there was no driver on the top.'
Prime Minister of the North
John Wilson of Longridge, Lancashire, notes that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the last prime minister from the north of England, Harold Wilson. He suggests it would be good to see a second northern PM to mark the milestone.
Language Gripes
Robin Nicholas of Farnham, Surrey, urges the Guardian to stop using 'bunches' in contexts like 'a bunch of roads' and 'a bunch of great art'. He warns that if it continues, 'a bunch of fives' might be called for.
Deer in M&S
Richard Sims of Herne Hill, London, wonders which department a deer stuck on an escalator at Marks & Spencer in Norwich was heading for, noting that one can only ruminate.
Readers are invited to share their opinions on any article in the Guardian by emailing letters for potential publication.
