I write from Singapore, where I am working on a language project with the ministry of education here. While many teachers in the UK returned to school this week, I enjoyed an extra long weekend. The reason is that Singapore celebrates Teachers’ Day on September 1. This includes staff lunches, presents and cards from students and, for me, 2.5 days off.

The event is similar to the international World Teachers’ Day, held each October 5 since 1994, which commemorates teachers’ organisations worldwide. If 100 countries celebrate teachers’ contribution to society every year, why does the UK not join in?

Louise Loxton, Teacher consultant, CfBT, Singapore.