THE EDITOR, Sir: CHILD ABUSE comes in many forms, but GSAT is unique! It is tolerated by the schools, accepted by the parents and perpetuated by the Government. GSAT is an exam taken over two days in four sessions, on five topics, English Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Communication Tasks, by students who are between ages 10-12. Is six hours of writing necessary to determine whether a child is ready for higher learning? I am curious as to the ages of the persons on the panel who set this exam. I am concerned that they are not of child-bearing age and do not realise the stress children are experiencing to get to "GSAT standard", not to mention the financial burden on parents. For those who don't know, in order to get a place at the coveted Kingston 6 and eight schools a child must have an average of 95 per cent and over. So students who do not achieve this grade feel like failures no matter what the teachers and parents say, because their peers know better! To achieve this, GSAT children spend two years concentrating on extra lessons, cutting back on their extra-curricular activities and wading through their nightly homework of at least 100 questions. This madness needs to be stopped! Why can't we go back to the Common Entrance? Can we hear from some child psychologists on the matter? I am, etc., "VERY DISGRUNTLED PARENT" Kingston 5