Letter: Survival skills you never learn in school

Sir: Regarding Susan Elkin's article on impractical pupils ('Please, sir, how do you thread a needle?', 2 August), I can use a hammer or a screwdriver, sew on a button and cook a basic meal, but that is only the beginning. Lessons in life are not only how to use a pair of scissors, but also how to change a tyre, write a will, organise a wedding or a funeral, fill in a tax return or the multiple forms at the DSS and change your GP. There are many other useful survival tactics which could be in this list, from how to skin a rabbit to how to switch on a computer.

Yours faithfully,

LUCY SAUNDERS

London, SW18