Episode 8 Waterloo Road

It's a design competition, and the winner takes £5,000.

No, not going to happen.

Michael, listen...

-Connor told me...

-About?

Your drink problem.

It's not that I don't approve.

I just think there are better ways to motivate the pupils than money.

I was thinking of maybe fostering.

Excellent idea.

You don't think I'll make a pig's ear of it?

I am not your mother, Madi, and I don't want to be!

I don't want to move out.

I didn't think you'd darken my door again.

To what do I owe the pleasure?

Done?

Brilliant. That's me for another year.

You haven't even seen it yet.

There's no need. I trust you.

DOORBELL RINGS That'll be the post.

It's good, that.

BOY SIGHS

He's not going to be happy, you know.

If I win, my picture will be in the paper.

-DOOR SLAMS

-Mum might see it.

So? Who cares about her? She left us, remember?

You're not leaving that there.

Fine, I'll take it outside.

Have you washed your hands?

You really like it? It's all sustainable wood.

Morag, you know as well as I do, sustainability is a

confidence trick by big corporations who plant forests to get rich, yeah?

I love it. It's brilliant. Come here.

I'm really proud of you, and the school will be proud of you too.

Now go and get ready.

This competition is about unlocking the potential in every pupil.

We seek the unique. Nothing more, nothing less.

-Thanks, Neil.

-Thanks, Miss Donnegan.

Mum gets the results from the doctor's today.

Alcoholics aren't known for doing what their doctor says.

Don't say that. Alcoholic.

It's just a word that people throw at somebody that drinks.

It means nothing.

She's off the drink, and she's not going back.

Are you sure? I mean...

I believe her this time. She really means it.

That's good enough for me.

Nice bench, Connor.

If I was betting man I'd put a tenner on him.

Connor?

I hope you haven't been discussing our business again with...

..Little Miss Loopy over there.

Of course not, and stop calling her that.

Just remember if she starts spreading lies...

She's not going to say anything.

I hope it all goes well today at the doctor's.

Me too. I'll let you know.

You've done really well, Mum, whatever happens.

Shows you what bands are playing in your area.

Wow, that's so amazing.

I can't believe you haven't got a mobile.

I couldn't live without this.

Hey, did you know it takes 32 kilos of CO2 to

manufacture just one mobile phone?

I bet you didn't know that either.

No, I didn't, no.

What's that?

That's for recycling human waste.

I should come into the school and give a talk on freeganism -

alternative strategies for living.

It's not all about raking through bins.

I'll have a word with Mr Byrne.

It's not him you need to worry about.

It's that Donnegan.

Where there's money like that, there's always some kind of power.

Too right. Five big ones.

Shall we get this on the trailer?

Wait a minute. What do you mean, "Five big ones"?

We're running a little competition, just to keep the kids motivated.

I knew you were up to something.

So what does the winner of this competition get?

Money towards uni fees.

5,000.

£5,000?

I don't believe this.

I thought schools were meant to fight against paying fees, not support them.

What's Byrne got to say about this?

Mr Murray, it's just a competition.

Dad, just leave it. Sir, can we go?

No, nobody's going anywhere. Morag, you just stay right where you are.

-Where's he going?

-I think you should leave.

This now represents everything I've ever fought against.

Dad, it's just a bench.

No. It's a disgusting attempt to bribe children.

OK, could we just calm down, please?

You're either with me, or you're against me.

-What's this going to achieve?

-A lesson.

A lesson in standing up for yourself and your family.

You can do better than that, Morag.

Mr Murray, please.

This is out of order, mate. This is wrong.

Have you got kids of your own?

You ever thought about trying to teach them the difference between

-right and wrong?

-Yeah, but not like this.

Come on.

Ewan, go and get your school stuff.

What're you doing?

Er, nothing.

I'm Kevin, first day.

Phoenix. This is Scout.

Did you do that?

Yeah, what's wrong with it?

Nothing. Good poster.

Hey! What do you think you're doing?

That could have hit us there.

Oh, no way, sir, simple parabolic curve.

Had it all worked out.

What did you just say?

Nothing. I missed anyway. Big deal.

Pick the can up.

New boy. You know his name?

I know his middle name - trouble.

Hey.

Good news?

It's nothing important.

I know things have been a bit strained between us,

but you don't have to hide things from me.

You got a job on a cruise ship?

Not yet.

Well, you'd have to quit school. You've got exams.

We both know it's a waste of my time.

I'm going to fail anyway.

You don't know that.

I mean, you can't be serious, this is for a cabin maid.

But it's a job. And I'll get to travel the world.

OK, I know it's a bit...

You can't solve your problems by running away

and you are so much better than this.

All right, well, it's my life.

I can do what I want with it.

Madi...

Freegans?

Do they not rootle about in bins and knit their own yogurts?

Well, there's a bit more to it than that.

The poor kid was devastated, her dad just lost it.

Well, it sounds like the behaviour of a class A bully.

I mean, if he's capable of that in front of you

what's he going to be like behind closed doors? There's losing it and then

there's abuse. I'll give him a call.

They don't do phones.

Well, then, I'll go round there later, and I'll let you know.

Morag? Are you OK?

Yeah, I'm fine.

I tried to stop him.

There was nothing you could do, sir.

Look, I've been thinking, what about I help you put a new bench together?

We could get some scrap wood, do a different design,

knock it up in no time.

No, sir, it wouldn't be fair. It wouldn't be my work.

What happened this morning wasn't fair.

I can't, sir. Thanks for the offer, but I just can't.

No offence, Connor, but she said she'd mark it

and then give it us straight back.

It would be good to know at least what we've got going into the exam.

-Morning, everyone.

-Morning, Miss Mulgrew.

Take your seats, please, while I do registration.

I vote you ask her, Imogen.

I could ask her really nicely.

I don't want to stress her out any more than you do.

-If I don't do it, one of this lot will.

-Quiet!

They're already slagging her off.

-Ash.

-Here.

-Dolby.

-Here.

-Hanford.

-Here.

B-Tec Travel and Tourism. It offers training, work experience...

Yeah, but that's dull. I'm talking sailors and sunshine.

You'll be cleaning toilets.

Get some qualifications behind you. Just look at it.

She's right, you're too clever to be a cleaner.

Look, I know it's not the best job in the world, but there'll be

no parents, no curfews and I get to travel all over.

-BELL RINGS

-It's a big wide world, Libby.

Not now.

Miss?

-We were just wondering if...?

-We?

Yeah. Some of the girls were asking if you'd marked our coursework yet.

Miss, can we come in?

Yes, in you come, Lula.

Morag. Sit here.

Did you watch EastEnders last night? Harley got me into it.

No, I don't watch it.

Then what do you watch?

Erm, I don't really watch telly.

You don't watch TV?

Why not?

I'm a bit of a geek, I prefer reading.

I mean, you must watch something.

Yeah, I watch some things.

-What?

-The news.

LAUGHTER

Sorry, miss.

All right, let's make a start.

I don't want to put her under any pressure,

but if we don't do something it's just going to build up.

She'll just have left it at home. Don't worry, I'll sort it.

She's dead lucky to have you, do you know that?

So the object of a film review is to do what?

Morag?

Inform, describe, analyse and advise.

Go, geek girl!

It's OK, miss, Morag calls herself that.

Yeah, well, I don't want to hear it.

Morag, what was the genre of the last film you watched?

Erm...

I can't remember, miss.

Miss, she doesn't watch TV, so she probably doesn't watch films.

All right, Lula, liking the sound of your own voice this morning?

LAUGHTER

OK, well, just name any film that you've watched in the last month.

No?

Well, you must have watched the Twilight films?

Miss, I know this.

It's called the well-fit genre - Kristen Stewart, oh yes.

All right, all right, calm down.

Yep, that sounds like Kevin Skelton, four schools in three years.

We're still waiting on his records, but I've agreed to take him because

he's bright, potentially really bright, but doesn't like to show it.

Also lazy, awkward,

difficult to manage - all the things that we like.

Oh...

..that's the number for social services.

Why does he want the number for social services?

-It's nothing to do with Janeece, is it?

-No, no, Janeece is happily

sunning herself in Ibiza.

I keep getting postcards from her.

Daniel's considering fostering.

Oh, good for him.

So, um, how's your father?

I'm actually seeing him tonight.

Really? Mm-hmm. Good.

You should take him some soup. He likes minestrone.

-See, you already know him better than I do.

-I wouldn't say that.

Yeah, just get the photographer to meet me here. All right, bye.

I need a coffee.

Everything going well?

-BELL RINGS

-Yeah, thanks for asking.

-Sian, you still all right to be on the judging panel?

-Of course.

Good. Michael, I'm sure you won't be able to resist saying a few words?

Oh, I shall mock the time with fairest show.

What does that mean?

Don't worry, he'll be there.

Good.

Now, let's write that in index form.

Powers - two squared times three cubed?

Sir, what's the point of prime numbers? They're totally useless.

Hey, a-ha. Now. They're not, actually, that's where you're wrong.

They're used in cryptography.

-Cryp-what?

-Making information secure.

You know, like when you do your shopping online or

use your mobile phone.

-So Morag won't need it then?

-LAUGHTER

-Hey! Hey!

-It's not her fault she's doesn't own a mobile phone.

It's not fair, it is, sir?

I don't know so much, sometimes I wish I never had one.

Our lives are ruled by them nowadays, aren't they?

I'm just saying she can't text anyone, network, I mean.

Hey, come on, get on with your work, please.

Morag, you OK?

-LAUGHTER

-Morag, I'm sorry.

-Hey!

I was just...

Hey...

..has something upset you?

Someone.

Yeah, well...

don't let them know they've got to you, all right?

It's always worked for me.

I should know, I've been in more schools than a dolphin.

It's not a pupil, I mean, not really. It's my dad.

Yeah, well, adults always make the best bullies.

Now she's basically bribing the kids.

I mean, this school, everything,

it's just becoming like one big millionaire's plaything.

Bit lost are we?

No, sir. This girl here's a bit upset.

Morag, what's the problem?

We'll handle this, you get off to your next class.

Kevin.

It's nothing really, sir, I just got a bit upset in class.

I'm fine now.

Is this about your bench?

Morag...we can't help you if you don't talk to us.

Would you just go and take a seat over there for a minute?

I knew this would happen. It's obviously a delayed reaction.

-What do we know about the mother?

-Well, she left them a couple of

years ago. She works abroad a lot.

Look, somebody needs to sort this bloke out.

Look, I said I'd go, you're liable to flatten him.

He just needs to know how miserable he's making his daughter.

Come on. Let's see if we can't sort this out, eh?

If you want I'll have a word with the rest of them.

No, sir. Please...

..they didn't mean to hurt me.

Well, if they're your friends then they'll understand. Talk to them.

I can't talk to anyone.

I don't have anything in common with anyone,

and the one thing that I was good at...

..got wrecked.

Sir...

..I know it's probably too late,

but I was wondering about what you said earlier, about the bench.

I don't think we've got time now.

I'm sick of it, the mickey-taking, all of it.

I just want to show them that there's something I can do.

Please, sir.

Congratulations.

-I got an A minus.

-Me too.

They were just on my mum's desk.

A star, you swot.

This is the best mark I've had all year. I only spent an hour on it.

What's the matter?

Nothing. I'm pleased.

We need some help in the hall. Two of you, please.

Imogen, Liberty?

Oh, what's this? What's this?

We all got As for English.

Oh.

Well, you'd need to write a wee bit more than that to get

an A in History.

Morag's having some friendship problems.

I think she lacks the cultural references of the other children.

She's having difficulty fitting in.

I didn't raise my children to fit in.

She'll cope.

She's growing up, Mr Murray, getting some ideas of her own.

Yeah, she's a freegan.

She's opposed to a society controlled by materialism.

And she won't be swapping that for the latest mobile phone.

Oh, and keep that Donnegan woman away from my daughter.

Well, I'm the headteacher, not Miss Donnegan.

She who pays the piper calls the tunes, eh?

Look, it's really not some big capitalist conspiracy, I promise you.

Why don't you come down to the school and see what we're about?

OK, as long as your kids know that your principles aren't more important than they are.

DOOR CREAKS

Right, that's the last of them.

-Amazing.

-What do we do now?

We turn those into this.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Sorry to interrupt.

I thought you should know you've created quite a stir

giving all your Years 12s an A grade.

The thing is, there seemed to be quite a discrepancy

in quality between the scripts. You may want to think about that.

-What are you talking about?

-Your coursework.

I don't know what the English department's moderating procedures are...

Eh, eh, em, ah...

What has this got to do with you?

I'm forewarning you. In my last school...

Forewarning or passing judgement?

No, no, not at all.

You know, here is my advice, Audrey - keep that out of my business.

I absolutely did not intend to make

-a judgement on your professional capabilities.

-Good.

In all my years of teaching I have never been...

You are a very ill-mannered woman.

Looks great.

Really original.

My mum says there's no such thing as an original idea.

Do you see much of her?

Not really.

She sends us stuff, like clothes and food, but she's busy.

Dad says she steals money off people. She's a lawyer.

Right, let's get this down to the hall.

-Anyone asks, it's all your own work, OK?

-Sir...

do you mind me asking... but why have you helped me?

I mean, won't you get in trouble if they find out?

Nah, don't worry about that.

My son, Josh, he's always having a go at me

for not doing what feels right.

You've got a chance. That's what counts.

# It don't get much bigger than this

# It don't get much bigger than this

# It don't get much bigger than... #

-This is great, Madi, well done.

-It's only one piece of coursework.

Don't put yourself down.

I think this proves you've got what it takes.

You're not still thinking about the job on a cruise ship, are you?

Kind of, yeah.

A good English grade would open so many doors for you.

Maybe you should reconsider?

Hmm.

-Wicked bench, Mo.

-Thanks.

Kept this quiet.

I thought Morag's bench got smashed up?

Afternoon, everyone. It is amazing to see so many fabulous entries.

Well done.

OK, let the judging begin.

She accused me of cheating, of giving children grades they didn't deserve.

Well, that doesn't sound like Audrey.

Well, you didn't see her.

And she's been discussing it with the whole class. Totally unprofessional.

Those papers should have been marked weeks ago and none of this would

-have happened.

-The exam board's sending out new marking guidelines,

-you know what they're like.

-OK, I'll have a word with her,

-leave it with me.

-She is bullying me. I want to lodge a complaint.

That won't be necessary, Christine.

An official complaint?

I will not have my professional integrity impugned.

OK, but I'll have to talk to her before any formal procedures begin.

Thank you.

Scout says your mum works here. How awkward is that?

Yeah, a bit.

So what about yours? How come you move around so much?

Dad's an engineer, so we go where his work is.

Hey, it's a pity your mum's not one of the judges.

All right, mate.

You'll be fine. It looks amazing.

-It's not the bench I'm worried about.

-Your mum?

Sorry. She'll be fine.

If it was good news she would have found me by now.

Connor, tell us about your bench.

Right, OK, well, I spent six weeks on it, wasn't easy,

and I was trying to go for a steampunk kind of thing.

Hey, feeling better?

I can hardly breathe, I'm so nervous.

Hey, like I said, don't show it.

Act bored, they'll think you're super cool.

Thanks, I think.

Hey, works for me.

Hey, Morag. This looks rustic.

Well, Morag's passionate about the environment, aren't you?

Yeah, it's a really simple design and, erm...

..and...sorry.

It's OK, just relax, it looks really good.

We've got a really high standard here.

I'm so impressed.

Connor Mulgrew's - wow! That boy has vision.

He's talented, he's innovative and artistic.

-Don't know where he gets that from.

-Tom?

Well, I thought Morag's was good, she's very creative.

Really? I thought it looked like the first time she'd ever seen the thing.

All right, everyone, I know it's taken a bit of time

-but we've reached our decision.

-Mr Murray?

The three finalists are...

Connor Mulgrew.

Harley Taylor.

And Morag Murray.

Did you put her up to this?

No, absolutely not. I've no idea how this happened.

I suppose she's just as determined as you are to do what

she believes in.

You don't need to come. I just want to tell her I'm in the final.

-Have they announced the winner yet?

-You're drinking again?

I've had one.

I needed something to steady my nerves after the mess you've dropped

me in. You and your little girlfriend. I know it was you.

I was trying to help.

Help? You could have cost me my job.

You said you wouldn't drink again.

You promised.

The doctor said if you took another drink you'd die.

Yeah, well, they got it wrong.

Blood tests are clear. There's nothing wrong with me.

It says that you're improving, not that you're cured.

Mum, you can't hit the drink again...

Don't be so dramatic.

Leave it!

I've got to go.

You should have heard the woman. She was thoroughly vicious.

So you're saying she just gave everyone an A grade?

-Yes.

-Why would she do that?

Audrey, could I have a word?

We're just about to...

Now. Please?

OK, everyone, let's make a start. Morag, you're up first.

Just take your time, Morag.

Talk us through your original idea for the bench.

Come on.

It's good of you to come, to support your daughter.

-You all right?

-Bit scared.

Byrne persuaded me to come and have a look.

Doesn't mean I've changed my mind.

I wanted to make something sustainable.

Something that doesn't affect the environment.

OK. What's your design's number one selling point?

We have so much rubbish that we could literally live off for years.

Benches like this don't cost anything to make.

All I did was bring the wood back to life as a reusable product.

Thanks, Morag.

OK, Connor.

Has anyone seen him?

Connor?

Oh, there you are. Thought we'd lost you.

OK, tell us, what was the thinking behind your design?

I just wanted to make a bench. No big deal.

-And what inspired you?

-What?

What inspired you? Why did you enter the competition?

£5,000.

Surely it was more than that? Come on, you're creative, aren't you?

Nah, not really.

It's just a bench.

Somewhere to plonk your arse.

LAUGHTER That's enough, Connor.

Harley, tell us about yours.

Cheating and bullying? I did nothing of the kind.

All I said was that giving everyone the same grades might raise

a few eyebrows, that maybe she should re-mark them.

She didn't mark them in the first place, that was a pupil's idea

-of a joke.

-There you go. I don't see what the problem is.

The problem is that you claimed that Christine has marked them.

The inference being she was trying to gain

an unfair advantage for her students.

Now obviously I have to investigate that further.

-Leave it with me.

-Thank you.

Connor, wait, what's wrong?

You've probably just lost your chances of winning.

I don't care about winning.

-What happened?

-Nothing happened,

they're just asking really stupid questions, like you are now.

It's your mum, isn't it?

-Yeah, and thanks to you she's drinking again.

-That's not fair.

-No?

-Is it her results? What do the doctors say?

She thinks there's nothing wrong with her.

I don't understand.

No, you don't.

Right, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, we have our winner.

Mr Byrne, everyone.

Thank you.

First of all, I'd just like to congratulate

all of you on your designs.

I think it just goes to show what can be achieved when you

properly apply yourselves to a task and, like Miss Donnegan,

I look forward to a similar level of commitment with your exam courses.

OK, now...

the three finalists' benches will be on display in

the foyer, so all that remains is to reveal who the winning designer is.

Thank you.

So moment of truth. This was quite a hard decision.

This person has won for the simplicity and practicality

of design. I'm pleased to announce that the winner is...

Morag Murray.

Come on, let's hear you.

Morag, come and get your prize.

Well done, Morag.

And a little extra on top of the university fees - £1,000 cash.

-Well done.

-Lorraine?

Spending money while she's at university. Dave..?

Mr Murray, I'm so sorry. I didn't know about the money.

-I don't believe a word you say.

-I understand. Could we not do this

here, not in front of everyone, please?

She's not getting away with it.

I understand. I agree. Can we talk about this in my office? Please?

What do you want?

-Sorry, Mrs Mulgrew, I'm looking for Connor.

-He's not here.

I knew you'd blame Connor for the coursework. It was all my fault.

Well, I know that. Most of his daft ideas he gets from you.

He's really upset. What happened?

I am not discussing my family with you.

I've never seen him like that before.

He lost out on the bench competition because of it.

You know, if you stop using him and lying to him...

Don't you dare accuse me of lying!

You know, the best thing you could do is to leave us alone.

One day he'll leave. He'll get up and he won't come back.

I know what he's like, Mrs Mulgrew. You think I don't, but I do.

Go away.

Christine. Christine, sorry, could I have a word?

Really, I'm not in the mood.

Michael's told me that you've made a complaint, saying that

I accused you of cheating.

Bullied you?

That's exactly what you did.

I'm at a loss here, I merely pointed out...

That my grades were wrong. That I was responsible.

Tell me, Audrey, what other conclusions should I have drawn

if it wasn't that you thought I was cheating?

Well, if that's how my remarks were interpreted...

There is no other way to interpret them.

The children got the same grades, so you thought...no,

you were certain that I was a fraud.

Well, let me tell you, Audrey, you are the fraud.

With your high-minded ideals and your so-called professionalism.

You are nothing more than a malicious little gossip.

I certainly never meant to cause you any offence.

You've clearly got the wrong end of the stick.

Well, that's for Michael to decide.

It's with him now.

Sian, you're a teacher, you would say that.

It doesn't mean you're not capable of getting that mark.

You couldn't believe it. I saw you face.

That's not true.

Sian, it doesn't matter. I'm not bothered.

I've made up my mind anyway.

Can you just stop for a second? Madi, stop.

Look, ten A stars couldn't stop me doing this.

I'm taking the job, there's nothing you, nor anyone else,

can do to make me change my mind!

Would you listen to yourself?! You sound like a twelve-year-old.

I'm sorry, Madi, but it's true. It's time you grew up.

Well, how am I supposed to do that if I'm sponging off you?

Ah!

Kevin, come in, please.

Welcome to Maths, the key to the door of all science.

Uh-oh, who let one out for the day? LAUGHTER

Kevin has joined us

and I have a feeling he's a bit of a maths whizz-kid.

You going to keep up on our toes, are you?

Are you some kind of brainiac or summat?

As if.

Now your starter question, on the board, say what - five minutes?

How about five seconds for you, eh, Kev?

I don't think we've done this, sir.

You, er, finished already, have you?

No, sir, this is way too hard. RABBLE

All right, all right.

I was just seeing if Kev here could show us how it's done.

Obviously not.

I dunno who told you I was a

whizz-kid, sir, but it might have

been the person who told you that shirt and tie combo was a good idea.

That's it, now that's enough, please, thank you.

Look, I do understand, but that money is strictly for university fees.

As far as I'm concerned it's bribery, pure and simple.

You're a freegan, yeah? Doesn't that mean you believe in freedom?

Freedom to choose? Take money if it's offered?

We believe in community, social concerns, cooperation,

things you obviously know nothing about.

-KNOCK ON DOOR

-Yes?

Sorry to interrupt.

Morag, just the girl we want.

We've...I've got a confession to make.

I helped Morag with her bench.

Yeah, so?

So she cheated?

Well, it was her design. I just helped her build it.

Look, after what he did this morning I just didn't want to

-let her down. I'm sorry.

-Me too, miss.

I hardly recognise you.

This isn't Morag's fault.

Right, listen, this problem's easily solved.

I'll just announce Connor as the winner and that'll be it.

And, to be honest, I thought you showed great initiative

and guts, Morag, but rules are rules and you broke them.

You should be proud of her - even after what you did,

she didn't give up.

Tom, a word.

I sent my kids to this school

because I thought I was getting them the best possible education.

Of course.

But it turns out that you people are more concerned with creating

the next generation of consumers and capitalists.

Well, look...

I'm taking my children out of this school.

There's no need to make snap decisions...

Morag, go and get Ewan.

We have to have the courage of our convictions.

You're assuming...

Me and Ewan never had a choice.

I want things too, Dad. I want to live a normal life.

She's really vulnerable. I don't know what to do.

Tom, I understand you had to help her.

Girl's got talent. It's just a shame her dad holds her back.

I know I shouldn't have done it.

I just felt sorry for her, that money would have changed her life.

You couldn't just give her the cash anyway, could you?

You saw what she was up against.

Listen, next time you want to play

Good Samaritan don't do it on my time, yeah?

I don't appreciate being made to look like a fool.

Tom? Tom, I'm looking for Connor, any sign of him?

Listen, something's happened. There's white spirit all over

these benches. Somebody wants to start a fire.

Keep people away. Michael needs to know about this.

It's just not the kind of school I wanted for you.

But I don't want to leave.

-I love it here.

-Well said, Morag.

Here she comes, Briber-in-Chief.

Making sure her greed poisons everything.

It might surprise you to know, Mr Murray, that one of my

companies won Ethical Business of the Year three years running.

Here you go, Morag, call it compensation, you deserve it.

Lorraine, that's not helping.

I think she should decide that, don't you?

Thanks, miss, but I can't accept it.

Michael, we've got a situation.

I think somebody's tried to set fire to the benches in the foyer,

covered them in this.

Thanks, Tom. This will have to wait.

Just keep moving along, please.

-Anybody got a match?

-On your way, you.

Hi.

I'm sorry about earlier. It wasn't your fault.

I'm on your side, you know. Don't treat me like a punchbag.

The coursework was a big mistake.

I promise I'll never take it out on you again.

Everybody keep moving, please. Where's Christine?

Right, we need to get to the bottom of this. Round this lot up.

-The bell's gone!

-I don't care. Lecture hall, now.

Who wants some money?

-CHEERING

-Mr Murray!

Mr Murray, get down from there or I'm calling the police.

Dad, what are you doing?

Redistribution of wealth, Morag.

Lorraine, this is your enterprise ethos in action - successful?

Get these kids out of here!

Right, everybody, lecture hall now! Come on. Get up!

I would never sent you here

if I knew that this school promoted this kind of greed.

You sent her to this school because it was free. Because I'm paying.

-Yeah, yeah, I've had just about...

-Dad, please!

Whoa, whoa, that's enough, thank you, Mr Murray.

I thought you were a man of principles.

It turns out you're a sell-out just like the rest of them.

Stop it!

You happy now?!

You proved your point!

Listen to your daughter, Mr Murray.

-I'm so sorry, miss.

-No, I'm sorry, Morag.

My office is free.

Hi.

I'm sorry about my attitude earlier.

I do really appreciate everything you've done for me.

It me that should be apologising. It's your life and I shouldn't judge.

No, you were right. I need to grow up.

It just feels like the right thing to do.

Don't tell Mr Byrne I said this but academic success...

it's not the be all and end all.

You think I should go for it?

Well, seeing the world, experiencing different cultures...

Getting paid for the privilege.

Meeting interesting people.

Meeting fit blokes on ships.

I meant you could learn a language.

All right, meeting fit French blokes, meeting fit Spanish blokes.

Come on, let's go let Mr Byrne know.

Oh, my god. This is weird.

So that was my last day?

It's OK, I'll come visit.

-You'll be on a boat.

-Actually, it's a ship.

I'm going to miss you, come here.

Quiet!

Lorraine, anything you want to say?

Right, that carry-on in the foyer just now was a disgrace.

All money will be handed back to Mr Budgen.

Someone tried to set fire to those benches.

Police have been called, and I expect each

and every one of you to cooperate fully with their investigations.

Playing with fire is no laughing matter!

People can get hurt...

or even killed.

The person who is responsible for this will be caught.

-Right, let's go home.

-Come on.

Thanks for your support in there.

I don't think your blanket threats were very helpful.

-It needed to be said, Lorraine.

-Not like that!

A critical situation and I dealt with it.

Unlike you, this is not a hobby for me.

That is out of order.

Anyone fancy a bonfire? Got plenty of wood for it.

Something about this situation strike you as funny, Mr Skelton?

Haven't you heard of the healing power of laughter?

Don't worry about Kevin, Mr Byrne, he's very clever.

It's a shame his parents didn't teach him any manners.

Hi.

What's going on?

I asked Mr Clarkson to contact Mum.

I don't believe it.

She has no right being here, I've got custody, yeah?

The hell are you people playing at?

Hang on, she's not here.

She couldn't get away from work. She'll call you later, OK?

Typical.

Utterly selfish. Me, me, me, me, all the time.

Morag, Morag, you see what she's like?

But I'll tell you what, if you want to go live with her,

that's fine.

I'm sure she'll buy you these mobile phones you so desperately need.

-Mr Murray.

-This is absolutely none of your business.

I know that. Just listen to what Morag has to say, please?

I didn't ask Mr Clarkson to get Mum to come

so that I'll live with her. I just want to be able to talk to her.

I just want you two to be able to talk to each other,

to show that I'm not against anyone.

I love my family, you and Mum.

I don't want to move away.

Well, I thought...

..I thought you'd had your head turned by your mother's money.

Mum's made choices that hurt, but so have you.

How come you get to pick and choose and I don't?!

I'm going to leave you to it, OK?

But it seems to me like there's a compromise to be had here

without chucking your principles out of the window.

Hey.

Hey, you.

After your mother left...

..I looked after you and your

brother, yeah? I did my best to make sure you were both OK.

I know that.

You and Ewan come first.

Always.

And you're right, the way I live my life and the way your mother

lives hers...

..it doesn't have to be how you live yours.

Compromise, hmm?

Like old Clarkson said.

Come here, you.

I'm going to go for it.

Well, it looks like you both made up your minds.

We wish you lots of luck, Madi.

Thank you, sir, for everything, it's been great.

Can you give us a minute?

Of course.

Your mother sent this for you.

Go on, give her a call.

Thanks, Dad.

It's good to see a father connecting with his offspring.

Well, that's subtle.

Here.

What's this?

Some research. Try and buy you and your father more time.

So chocolate stop on the way home?

No, I'm going to pay for dinner tonight, to say thank you.

You're treating me? Sounds good.

Course you're going to have to sub me the money just until I get paid.

Connor!

-Maybe you should talk to her.

-I don't want to.

Connor, I need to speak to you.

You go, I'll catch up.

You won the competition, The Murray girl, she cheated.

I know. Imogen told me.

Of course she did. Come to my classroom.

I'm going back to Imogen's.

Five minutes, that's all I'm asking.

That one is walking around telling me

and everyone how she gets you and I don't.

That's because she does, and I get her, so you better get used to it.

You haven't even known her a term.

Mum, stop!

This thing you've got about Imogen,

it's getting really, really boring.

# Don't know the truth, but we can lie

# Lie

# Lie

# Lie here together

# Lie

# Lie

# Lie

# Lie here together

# Good things come to those who don't wait for the right time

# For the right place

# Good things come to those who don't wait for the right time... #

I just think we should slow things down a bit, all right?

Try to communicate a bit better.

I saw what happened today, Michael, lesson learned.

But neither you or I would be here today

if I quit at the first sign of trouble.

ENGINE ROARS

# Don't know the truth, but we can lie

# Lie

# Lie

# Lie

# Lie here together

# Lie

# Lie

# Lie

# Lie here together. #

MAN COUGHS

Just a minute.

Me, Dad, take your time.

Sorry, son.

MAN COUGHS

-Need your oxygen?

-No, I'm OK.

I'm OK. Put the kettle on.

I'll get a key cut.

How's things going at school?

Aye, well.

Sian said you liked minestrone.

What?

You don't like it?

I didn't have the heart to tell her, hate the stuff,

I'm a pea-and-ham man. Oh, don't you tell her, though.

Don't want to hurt her feelings.

No, I won't say a word. I think her visits are good medicine for you.

Right, cup of tea coming up.

-You OK?

-Yeah, I'm good.

That tea going to be long?

Daniel Chalk.

If you just take a seat over there.

Kevin?

So what are you doing here?

I'm here to see my social worker.

Social worker, why?

I'm in foster care.

I thought you lived with your mum and dad?

No. I was raised by three bears in the wood.

So that stuff about your dad being an engineer...?

At school, I don't like to talk about it.

Well, don't worry, I won't say anything.

So why are you here?

Well...I've, I've got a meeting with a...

..a meeting about being a foster carer. If they'll have me.

Ah, Soduko, I love them,

Sudoku.

Yeah, it was on the table.

Hoo, blimey.

I'd struggle with some of these.

Look, I don't understand, why... why do you hide your ability?

I don't.

That problem in class, you knew how to do it, didn't you?

Being smart singles you out.

I'd rather just go under the radar, there's enough about me

-that's different already.

-Yeah, but Kevin...

Can we just drop it?

Sorry, I didn't mean to, um...

Mr Chalk?

I'll see you at school.

Here, I'll get that. I'm not in the knacker's yard yet.

You sit where you are.

Sorry, son, I tire easy.

-Can I get you anything?

-No.

Dad, Sian found me some research.

Look. These are trials for new drug treat...

Tell her thanks but not for me.

-They're worth a look.

-Michael, I've had a decent innings.

-Dad.

No, it's all right, son. I've lived probably longer than I deserve.

We've been through that.

Look, I'm not one for rubbish talk but it's not for me.

I'm going to die.

Do you want to know something?

I'm proud of you.

I never stopped being proud of you.

But I don't want you upset on my account. I don't deserve it.

But some, some of these new treatments can make a difference...

Look, I've read all about them. No. It's not for me.

You coming back, that's my difference.

I just wish we'd done it sooner.

I've got something to ask you.

-A favour.

-Anything, just say it.

Doc says I've got three months, maybe four.

I don't want that.

I want to go when I choose, here...

with my family beside me,

You do that for me, son?

Will you help me die?

She's a bully.

I don't see how talking is going to change that.

-Why don't you back off and leave my mum alone?

-I beg your pardon.

It's big enough for an elephant.

Just give me that and get out.

The way you look makes you unhappy, doesn't it?

She has no place in a school like this.

You know, she's got a point, you're not right in the head.

Oh, grow up, Connor.

If you tell anyone, I'll kill you.

I won't, I promise.

Doesn't it hurt?

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