I appreciated the piece by John Greenlees (“Stop those summer days drifting away”, Comment, 26 July) which highlighted the invaluable, but rarely mentioned, work that many teachers undertake during their summer holidays. Too many parents, education officials and politicians do not appreciate or recognise the work that takes place over our school breaks. For the past 11 summers, I have endeavoured to boost my subject knowledge through visits to places that feature in my lessons. This year’s summer “holiday” has already included a visit to the First World War battlefields in Belgium in preparation for a Primary 6 project to mark next year’s centenary of the start of the Great War. The long summer break undoubtedly enables me, and many other teachers, to become more effective.

Lizzie Miles, Bradford, Yorkshire.