I noted with some dismay the article by a teacher, Mrs Richards of Swansea (TES Magazine, May 15), which seemed to imply that every time she went out she expected to get drunk. I quote: “Although she works in Swansea, she has only gone out twice in the city in two years. ‘I’d be appalled if a pupil saw me drunk,’ she says.”

I hope this is unfortunate editing rather than the expression of this teacher’s need to unwind in this way after the stress of a week’s teaching. I found (and still find) that theatres, films or concerts are equally suitable for this purpose and conveniently non-alcoholic; they can, indeed, lead to fruitful discussion in class.

John Norrish, Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire.