Bible and Beowulf

I write in response to the dispiriting sentiments from your two correspondents on the gift to schools of a King James Bible ( Letters , 1 June). As a fellow teacher, what I find particularly depressing is the implication that the Bible is not suitable for primary schoolchildren "in a deprived area", due to the "challenge of the language" and "non-child friendly story form". While I am no fan of Mr Gove and the coalition, I must applaud the vision of this endeavour to introduce children to this seminal text, the importance of which has been set out at length by Melvyn Bragg , among others. What, after all, is the job of the teacher if not to introduce children to the first-rate, irrespective of background? Having taught Beowulf and The Odyssey to seven- to 10-year-olds and witnessed their obvious enjoyment of both (yes, including the challenging language), I know it can be done. All that is required is passion for the text, creativity and imagination – the children will respond in kind. Pauline Daniels Salford, Greater Manchester