Though this was clearly done with the best of intentions, I sympathise with all the other teachers who may have felt under considerable pressure to do likewise. I am sure that these teachers regularly give up breaks and lunch hours to help students - we all do, but where does this stop?

To prevent the need for such classes in the future perhaps the school needs to review its curriculum balance or teaching methodology, unless this year was a special case. In addition, schools exist for more than producing exam results; while they are important, so is self-discipline. How will children learn to take responsibility for themselves if we persist in spoon-feeding them?

PENELOPE DALE, formerly a secondary teacher in outer London