Unfortunately, no such infiltration of these subjects by mathematical ideas has emerged to give boys a better chance. But the greatest advantage to girls has, undoubtedly, been the practice of awarding exam marks for course work. This can account for more than a third of the final marks and it can be done in the pupil's own time with whatever help he can get. As surveys prove that parents are more likely to sit their daughters on their lap and read to them when they are young, I just wonder whether, at a later age, this applies to help with coursework. This system rewards labour over intelligence.
Boys have an extra flair for final revision that girls lack.
An interesting rider to this matter is reflected in the driving test. It seems that women know how to do it, but can't do it. As employers get wise to this fact then exam results will cut less and less ice when it comes to employment. The writer was pointing out that at the extremes of human behaviour and endeavour there are quite a number of men but very few women. Women, on the other hand, are good followers achieving a good standard of mediocrity.