Episode 11 Waterloo Road

HE CLEARS HIS THROAT

HE SIGHS

Do you think the blue on blue is too much?

I should've worn the charcoal, right? The charcoal is more serious.

Stop worrying, Twinkle. You look gorgeous.

Although...hmm, yeah, there is something missing.

-What?

-This.

Mrs Lowsley! No public displays of affection in school.

Although the bell hasn't gone yet, and we are newlyweds.

PHONE RINGS

Sorry. Oh, it's Christine, I better answer.

Morning, boss.

Yeah, we're all set for the big presentation.

Oh, right. Do you want me to postpone the assembly?

Yeah, yeah, but, Christine...

-Oh, she's gone.

-Did she hang up on you?

No, no. Probably just lost signal.

She's running late with the council.

I just want to prove to her...

Twinks, you don't need to prove anything. You are amazing!

This new initiative is amazing, this term is going to be - what?

-Amazing.

-Yeah.

-BELL RINGS

Ah, that's me. Got to go to late duty.

-See you later.

-Go get 'em, tiger!

-Good morning, everyone. PUPILS:

-Good morning, Mr Lowsley.

On behalf of Mrs Mulgrew and the rest of the teaching staff,

I'm delighted to usher in the new term.

Waterloo Road is going to blaze a trail

other schools will be desperate to follow.

Do you think it's a new computer lab?

-Wake me up when it's all over.

-Resilience!

Anyone heard of it?

Well, this little word is set to change your lives

-in more ways than you can imagine.

-Dull.com!

Bet it means more homework, whatever it is.

And if you're not excited yet...

you will be.

Resilience Education is a new technique

for emotional literacy and problem-solving.

An activity approach to happier pupils.

-It's about empowerment, it's about action!

-Lowsley's lost it.

Miss Boston, Mr Gonway, if you would.

You are being handed questionnaires

about your hopes, dreams and ambitions.

Please fill these in before the end of today.

From these we will work out a personal Resilience programme

for each of you based on your goals for the term.

He's checking his phone again.

I urge you to listen, you'll be glad you did.

So what is Waterloo Road's Resilience Education?

A waste of time? Liberal nonsense?

It's a tool...

for life.

As is he.

Nobody move!

SCREAMING

Everyone evacuate!

-Imogen!

-Make your way outside, calmly.

-The doors are locked!

-Let us out now!

It's all right, it's all right. He's not dangerous.

Look, I'm fine, I'm fine.

-It's ketchup!

-No way.

Does he think this is funny?

What you've just experienced was a complete mock-up.

Oh, no, no. Stay, please.

Is this how you always introduce yourself to new people?

Pupils, staff, it gives me great pleasure to introduce

our new PE teacher, who implemented a full Resilience programme

at his last school and will be doing the same at Waterloo Road.

Give it up for Mr Reid!

SMATTERING OF APPLAUSE

I trusted you to take over while I'm at a council meeting,

and what happens? Complete chaos!

-I just wanted...

-I'm still talking, Simon.

And I expected better of you on your first day, Mr Reid.

Please, call me Hector.

"Resilience Education is a new technique for emotional literacy

"and problem-solving, an activity approach to happier pupils."

Exactly what does THAT...got to do with what I saw in there?

-Plenty.

-Perhaps you'd like to enlighten me then...

Hector?

When Si and I met during the summer at RAW Camp...

"Resilience At Work."

..I explained how my last school did a mixture of Resilience

and Emergency Education - basically much more hands-on.

And I don't think you can deny what we saw in there...

-got everyone's attention.

-No, I can't.

And I'm sure the parents will be paying it equal amounts

of attention when their kids tell them about it.

-I should fire you on the spot.

-Come on, Christine...

I'm sure Hector is more than capable of answering for himself.

I can't promise you I'm not going to push these kids

out of their comfort zone every now and again.

That's how I work.

But Si, he tells me great things about the way that YOU work.

And I think together, we could be a winning combo.

Let's see how that goes.

DRILLING

Can someone explain what that is all about?

Ah. Now the wall...

..that's with me.

Stay in your form groups, please. No stragglers.

I can't believe Mr Lowsley did that!

You haven't said anything, have you?

No. No, mate. Look, what happened in London, stays in London.

I'm sure Imogen suspects.

Look, mate, you're going to have to tell her sooner or later.

-He's been checking his phone loads since he got back from London.

-So?

Connor? Never!

I don't know why you're so para, he totally loves ya!

All right, the smoke seems to have cleared.

Literally or metaphorically? All present and correct.

Yeah, apart from our mysterious newcomer.

-Gabriella Wark.

-Hmm.

MUSIC: "Sex Beat" by Gun Club

Nothing mysterious about her parents, clearly.

Why do some people feel the need to announce their importance?

MISS BOSTON LAUGHS

Are you sure about this?

You wanted her to experience harsh reality, didn't you? Come on.

(I won't tell you again, Gabriella - take the lipstick off.)

PUPILS GASP

There. Off.

I never did anything!

We're very pleased to have someone

of your ability join the school, Gabriella.

Your Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award is a great achievement.

We hope she can continue the sterling work at Waterloo Road.

Don't we, Amelia?

Oh, um, yes.

Your academic achievements are so impressive it makes me all

the more concerned about you being expelled from your last school.

It says here there were... behavioural issues?

Obviously, we take no pride in Gabriella's expulsion.

Our daughter is a little prone to... flights of fancy.

What she means is, Gabriella is easily distracted,

and these private schools are very intolerant of the slightest flaw.

Lots of bright young people act up because they get bored.

But here we pride ourselves in getting the kids involved in...

Right, well. We must be on our way.

Oh...right.

Goodbye, Gabriella.

Sonya, if you have a moment in your no-doubt hectic schedule,

could you educate me on the fax machine?

I'm just showing Miss Wark to...

I'll do it, Sonya.

-This way, please.

-Certainly.

-It'll be quicker if I do it.

-Just show me.

I'm sure I'm capable of...

-What are you hiding, George?

-It's personal.

Then you shouldn't be using the school fax machine.

Who uses fax machines these days anyway?

My solicitor.

That Gabriella is a breath of fresh air.

Reminds me a little of myself actually.

Simon, assembly - what was that about?

A bit of theatrics to grab the pupils' imaginations, Nikki.

Got everyone buzzing. The Resilience initiative is going to be great.

Yeah? I'm going to take a bit more persuading than that.

Oh, Nikki, I was just like you when Simon told me his plan.

I thought, "Uh-oh - this is a bit bonkers!"

-I mean, the rubber baseball bat?

-Took me ages to get that online.

-And he doesn't even like ketchup!

-I don't, do I?

However, the statistics from Hector's last school are really impressive.

Yep, they are. So is Hector, don't you think?

No. I think he's a prat.

-Can we have a go at this then?

-I like your enthusiasm.

-What's your name?

-Darren.

Well, Darren, this wall could be your first step towards greatness.

-What are we meant to do with it?!

-Conquer it, what else?

Reid's Rules, number one - challenge yourself daily.

So...who thinks they can scale this wall?

-What, we climb over it? Is that it?

-Mm-hmm.

-So, what was Darren missing?

-A brain?

The means to make it happen.

Only an Olympic standard high-jumper could come close to clearing

a wall like this on his own.

Glad you had a crack though, mate.

Reid's Rules, number two...

..fear is the pathway to failure.

So, what does Darren need to succeed?

-Uh, help.

-In more ways than one.

Correct! Reid's Rules, number three -

team work...

makes the dream work.

Now, you lot, you go over here and join Darren.

And the rest of you will take your orders from this young lady...

who has far too much to say to stay hidden at the back.

You've got five minutes to come up with a strategy.

Then you'll go on my whistle. Fastest team wins.

-Can we do it any way we want?

-Yup.

Time...starts...now.

Fit, ain't he?

Well, I'd hope so, being a PE teacher.

No! I mean, he is fit.

Can't say I've noticed.

And not only was this a period of huge social and political upheaval

in France, but it had a radical effect on the rest of Europe too...

It's not like I lead her on or anything.

You didn't stop her either.

-Enjoying it too much, were you?

-..reading and watching today.

In France alone, a monarchy collapsed,

a society was transformed...

-I wonder why she went for Connor out of everyone.

-Why, you jealous?

No...no. No, babes, you've got nothing to worry about.

-Who's worried?

-..great historical events,

what actually happened is far, far more exciting than

any work of fiction you're likely to find today.

Perhaps our newest class member can enlighten us further. Gabriella?

Care to share your thoughts on the French Revolution?

There's no need to be shy.

Did you cover this at your last school?

Actually we spent quite some time on the conditions of France

that led to the Storming of the Bastille.

Ugh, stuck up or what?!

Rhiannon, that's enough! Please carry on, Gabriella.

We studied the rise of Napoleon, the war in Europe

and the Battle of Waterloo.

Very good! Now, as Gabriella has just...

Which was won by the Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley,

who then went on to become Prime Minister.

That's not an area we're going to be covering.

Why not? Surely the Peninsular War is as important an topic?

The Battle of Talavera alone is a historic event of such magnitude...

I think you'll find I'm the teacher, dear.

Well, "dear", I suggest you teach me something I don't already know then.

LAUGHTER

-Go to the cooler, please.

-I don't know where that is.

I can show her, miss.

Everybody, read chapter six of your books quietly, please.

And you, madam, come with me.

-MR REID:

-Now you guys are going to hear me talk a lot about grit...

Come back here!

..most important quality you can possess as an individual...

Hey! Hey! What the hell...? Hey, hey! Stop the car!

Stop the car! Stop the car now!

Agh!

TYRES SCREECH

CAR HORN BLARES

HE PANTS

ENGINE IDLES

-Why did you take off like that?!

-She was really angry. I was scared of what she might do.

Oh, nonsense! I was walking her to the cooler.

I don't know what made her run, but her driving skills leave a lot to be desired.

-This is no joke. Someone could have been killed.

-Yes, quite.

But thanks to Hector's quick response, no-one was hurt.

-Resilience in action, right there.

-That doesn't make it all right.

I'm just saying.

What exactly were you hoping to achieve, Gabriella?

She certainly had a lot more to say for herself in my class...

If you're trying to get kicked out of school again,

you're going the right way about it.

We'll see what your parents think.

No, please don't tell them.

Come on, there's no need for that.

Maybe you could give us a few minutes.

SHE SNIFFS

You saw what he was like.

My father.

You can't tell him.

You put lives in danger, including your own.

How can I not tell him?

Because he'll kill me!

I don't know why I took the van.

I panicked. I didn't know where Miss McFall was taking me, and...

..some of the teachers at my last school were...

..were cruel.

What are you trying to say?

I want to stay.

I do. Everyone here is so nice.

I was showing off in history before, it won't happen again.

BELL RINGS

-You saved my life.

-I did what anyone would do.

That's not true.

Listen, what you did out there was really reckless.

You're far too clever and young to put yourself in danger like that.

-Do you really care?

-Of course I do.

Promise me you won't do anything like it again.

Anything for you, Mr Reid.

If you are having problems though, you can always talk them through.

-With you?

-Sure.

Mmm. Seems very troubled.

I know.

One minute she's running away, the next she's desperate to stay.

I'm not sure what's changed.

I really should ring her parents, but there was

something about them this morning. They were so...

so distant. But thanks for what you did.

It could have been a lot worse.

Not a problem.

Almost - ALMOST - makes up for your antics in assembly.

I have a class waiting.

I so would.

So, when a substance dissolves in liquid it forms a solution.

The substance we're using here is sugar crystals,

and the liquid is water.

Did you hear about her running off last lesson?

Is that Connor's? How'd you get it?

Don't worry, I'll put it back.

You want to know who he's been talking to, don't you?

I don't know...

I hope you're focused on the experiment, girls!

-Sorry, Miss Spark.

-It's Mrs Lowsley now.

The aim of what we're doing is to see how changing the temperature

of the water changes the speed at which the sugar dissolves.

You could probably have the Bunsen burner a bit higher, Rhiannon.

Connor's been acting weird and kissing random girls,

and you don't want to know what's going on?

I don't know his password.

You don't need to, I've unlocked it.

Our Barry showed me how.

-Who is Cookie?

-I don't know.

-Call the number.

-No!

-No more talking, girls!

-Sorry, Miss Spark.

-Mrs Lowsley!

Excuse me? If there's something there that

interests you more than my class, I'd love to know what it is.

Things more interesting than this class? How long have you got?

Put the phone away, please, or I'll be forced to confiscate it.

OK, hand it over.

Fiver says Miss Spark's going to cry.

Eh, no, "It's Mrs Lowsley now."

-Oh, I love your ring, miss.

-Oh. Thank you.

It's amazing what you can get in pound shops these days.

LAUGHTER

Cooler now, please!

Ah, please join us. With all the fuss earlier

I don't think we've been properly introduced.

-Audrey McFall. History.

-Lovely to meet you.

-Tea?

-Mmm, please.

Yes, it was difficult to welcome you properly in assembly,

what with all the smoke and abject panic.

Sorry about that.

Me and Si couldn't help but mix it up a bit.

Can we expect a terror alert every morning?

Perhaps a fire bomb tomorrow, or an acid attack?

All I'm asking is you give this approach a fair chance.

It's time to think outside the box, George,

stand under a thought shower and let yourself get wet.

Do you know Hector well?

Who?

Mr Reid. What's he like?

Can you get on with your work please?

Does he live around here?

-Is he single?

-I won't tell you again.

-After everything we've been through. He wouldn't, would he?

-I don't know.

You said yourself, he's been acting weird.

How often does he spend his break in here?

-Hi.

-Hi.

-What you doing?

-Nothing. Some homework, but I'm done now.

Said to Kev I'd play footy with him, so...I'd better go.

He hates football.

ELECTRONIC MUSIC

Vix! What are you doing here?

-Look who it is!

-Hi, sis.

Of course, yes, you were at the wedding. Remember me?

Sorry, there were so many new faces that day.

-Is, eh, everything all right?

-Everything's fine.

I was in the area to see a supplier and I thought you could help me

pick out a pressie for Dad's birthday this afternoon.

You know I'm rubbish at that kind of thing.

Well, I'm a bit busy.

-It won't take long.

-SIMON: Come on, you can spare half-an-hour.

-Oh, OK.

-Great. I'll see you outside the shopping centre, say, 12.30?

The bell goes at 12.35, so it's more likely to be quarter to.

Fine. Bye!

Bye!

You should ask her to pop in more often. Is she single?

Uh, I don't think you're her type.

Lovely.

Disruptive or not, Gabriella's got a keen mind,

these answers are very intelligent.

Shame her previous school didn't teach her better manners.

Oh, come on. She might have a smart mouth, but let's not judge her on day one, eh?

TEXT JINGLE

Oh, hello. A smile like that can only mean one thing -

-someone new on the scene.

-Maybe.

I know what's been going on.

With Cookie?

Look, I was... I was going to tell you.

Did you meet her in London?

Yeah. That's where her restaurant is.

Cookie Crumbles, like I told you?

The place in Hoxton?

You said it was run by some trendy chef.

Cookie Davies. All the critics are raving about her.

I sent over some recipes and she

wanted to interview me for a job - kitchen hand.

-Wait, you thought that...?

-Why didn't you tell me?

Cos if I get the job, I'm going to have to move...to London.

-For how long?

-Well...

Sounds like it's all decided then. BELL RINGS

Try and snog my mate's boyfriend again

and I will rip your eyeballs out.

-Understood?

-As if.

Although at least he's more appealing than his chavvy friend.

-What did you just call him?!

-You heard me.

-Oh, is he your boyfriend?

-You want to watch your mouth!

Incapable of fighting your own battles?

If I wanted to fight,

you'd be picking your teeth up off the floor now.

-She's not even worth it.

-Did you have to?

Why are you all so keen to follow that bimbo around?

That bimbo's my mate, we look out for each other.

What is it with you?

You don't like the teachers, you don't like us.

You want to spend your whole time here alone, that's your lookout,

but there's not enough money in the world to buy friends at Waterloo Road.

Good morning, year six. Today, we're starting Robinson Crusoe.

One man's fight for survival against the odds.

Shipwrecked and alone for years,

Crusoe has only his own physical and mental resources to draw from.

Right, I want you to spend a couple of minutes coming up with

the one thing you would take with you if you were shipwrecked.

You can work in pairs, so discuss with your neighbour.

He's not cheating on you. That's good, isn't it?

So, she thought you were seeing someone else,

-and now she knows you're not, but she's still moody?

-Yep.

How does that work?

London's not exactly down the road, is it?

-If I get it, I'll be gone for weeks at a time.

-Right then.

-Dynasty, you first.

-Erm...lip balm?

LAUGHTER

What? I'd die without it in all that sunshine!

Not very practical though, is it?

-Gabriella. What would you take?

-A Swiss Army Knife.

Good. Several ways you could use that. Very resilient.

Ugh, is this class just an excuse for you to go on about that

Resilience Education rubbish again?

I think it sounds great, sir. Can't you tell us more about it?

I noticed you've already filled out your questionnaire,

and very interesting it is too.

If you don't go the extra mile, you don't get the rewards.

Our new pupil Gabriella knows that.

She has the Duke Of Edinburgh Gold Award to show for her hard work.

Would you like to tell us about it?

Achieving the award was a very proud moment,

but it was working towards it that was the most enjoyable part.

I never let myself believe I can't have anything I set my sights on.

You can all be winners like Gabriella, with the right attitude.

Thank you, Mr Lowsley.

Connor, read the first statement on the back of the questionnaire.

"Do one thing every day that scares you."

Kevin, the next one please.

"Clear from your life anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful."

-Dynasty.

-"Get in touch with your wild side."

So we should use these new philosophies in school, sir?

Yes, as much as you possibly can!

POSH VOICE: "That was amazing, Mr Lowsley.

"You're so perfect, Mr Lowsley."

What you going to do next, lick his shoes?

You are such a suck-up.

I wasn't sucking up actually,

I think you'll find I was doing everyone a favour.

How do you work that one out?

Mr Lowsley wants us to incorporate his little Resilience sound bites

-into school life, remember?

-So?

So he's given us permission to do pretty much whatever we want.

All these are open to quite loose interpretation, I'd say.

Ah, the infamous Miss Wark. Your reputation proceeds you.

Front of the class, if you don't mind.

I've a feeling I might need to keep an eye.

I won't be any trouble, promise.

-Parlez-vous francais?

-Oui, certainment.

Vous prononcez bien, Mademoiselle Wark.

Et vous etes tres seduisant, Monsieur Windsor.

What did she say?

Let's keep the conversation in English for now, shall we?

I'd like you all to write an essay this morning in French entitled

"What I Did On My Holidays"

Yes, I know, an idea as old as the hills, yet surprisingly effective

in allowing me to assess your current ability.

Or lack of it.

MUSIC: "I Love You, Ono" by Stereo Total

What on Earth do you think you're doing?

Mr Lowsley told us to get rid of anything that wasn't

useful, beautiful or joyful, so I am.

What else did Mr Lowsley tell you to do?

So, we just put a few drops of the solution into the test tube.

LAUGHTER

Hey, guys, calm down!

Uh, what's a simile, miss?

Where do I put a semicolon in a sentence?

What's the difference between a verb and an adverb?

PUPILS SHOUT OVER ONE ANOTHER

What on Earth is going on?

Right! What's with all the questions?

We're getting in touch with our wild side!

Mr Lowsley said, "Shout if you want to be heard."

Make waves, not war!

And here we are again.

I think I preferred it when you were plotting against me.

You were a lot less trouble, Simon!

Mum, have you got a minute?

No, Connor, not right now.

OK, it can wait.

It's not like I planned this, is it?

Several classes disrupted, all because the pupils

were reciting your Resilience platitudes as if it were law.

It's just a blip, all right?

I'll find out who's behind the trouble and deal with them.

There's always a ringleader.

-We weren't the only ones playing up.

-So you admit you were playing up?

He's right, everyone else was in on it.

You tell me whose idea it was, and you're out of here.

-You can sit with us if you want?

-No thanks, I'm not staying.

You wouldn't be a darling and show me where the gym is?

-What you up to?

-Show me and you'll find out.

I just need to convince her that nothing is going to change.

Yep, and how are you going to do that?

Don't know, cook her a nice meal, put on Breaking Dawn - Part 2...

What?

Home-cooked dinner and a DVD? Come on!

-You've got to rev it up a bit!

-How?

-Not nice?

-Fish paste.

-Hmm.

-So?

-"So"?

So it's not like you to hide away at lunchtime,

especially when Simon's given you so much material to tease him about.

Why do you need to fax your solicitor?

To finalise my divorce.

-Oh.

-Mmm.

Lock up your daughters,

George Windsor is back on the market.

Well, surely this is a good thing? Princess left months ago.

You can move on with your life.

Thank you, Oprah Winfrey.

But I'm not very good on my own, Christine.

As the fish paste sandwich illustrates.

I'm better with a companion.

Soul mate, you know?

-Just to make your packed lunch?

-No, not...just that.

Company, you know, dining out, dining in.

-Nocturnal activities.

-Thank you, George, I've just eaten.

-What did you have?

-Not fish paste.

You sound like my kind of woman!

Come on. Time for your fax lesson.

Want a chip?

Don't know how you eat so much junk food without ballooning.

-You don't even go to the gym!

-Can't all be action women like you.

Anyway, I find other ways to burn off calories.

-SHE LAUGHS

-You shouldn't lead them on!

It's a bit of fun. Lighten up.

I am light. I am so light, I'm practically weightless.

So, eh, why did you really want to see me?

Not after another loan for your jewellery business?

I know you usually go to Dad for that sort of thing.

The same Dad that gave you the deposit for your house?

On top of the money he saved for your wedding.

-You can't begrudge me that!

-And then you eloped, remember?

Don't forget though, he saved that money for both of us.

Not like you're going to need it!

Gay marriage is legal now, or did you miss that?

But you're not really gay. Just confused.

If you like, sis. Come on, I'll drop you back at school.

HE EXHALES

-Where are the changing rooms?

-Down there.

Wait up!

Perhaps if you met the right chap,

you could drop all this silly stuff about liking girls.

We're not kids any more, it's not like you need the extra attention.

Right, firstly, I wasn't the one who was always desperate for attention.

That was you. And secondly, I've been out ten years.

When are you going to accept it?

Maybe when you have a serious, lasting relationship?

FYI, I'm in a relationship. In fact, I'm in love, OK?

-Since when?

-Since just after your wedding.

So who is she, this amazing woman that's finally stolen your hea...?

Sorry, Nikki, we're kind of having a family thing.

I'm in love with you.

Vix...

What was that?

I was hoping for something more along the lines of "I love you too."

What are you going to do?

Stay here and keep watch.

Mr Reid?

MUSIC PLAYS ON HEADPHONES

HE GRUNTS

Gabriella. What can I do for you?

You look really hot, I thought you could use this.

I could, yes, thank you.

So...

Rhiannon, what are you doing loitering there?

Erm...

-Cover yourself up!

-Why, don't you like what you see?

I gave you the benefit of the doubt after your stunt this morning

because you seemed genuinely sorry.

But you repay me with this.

Why?

And once again, Mr Reid is involved.

Is there something going on here you're not telling me?

Gabriella, I want to help you, I really do.

But you're not making it easy.

You wouldn't understand. You people never do.

Try me.

If you're going to punish me, then punish me.

Fine. Have it your way.

It really wasn't how it looked.

She's not even my type.

SHE SIGHS

Go to the cooler, Gabriella,

a teacher will come and get you when we're done.

Yep, I'll take her, in case she tries to do another runner.

OK, if Mr Reid has behaved in any way inappropriately,

you need to tell Mrs Mulgrew.

Or me. You won't get into trouble.

But he would, wouldn't he?

You were in the wrong place at the wrong time again, is that it?

If you like.

You don't seem to be taking this very seriously...Hector.

Because it's ludicrous. I didn't touch her.

I heard what you said to her this morning, about being there if she needed extra help.

-What sort of extra help were you offering?

-That was totally innocent.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Right. I think what we're dealing with

is an old-fashioned school girl crush.

-Why do you think that?

-Well, this morning in the cooler,

she was asking loads of questions about him. And just now...

there was something in her manner.

-She's quite calm and in control.

-Mmm, I was thinking the same.

-Why didn't you say that before?

-Didn't want to flatter myself.

You don't strike me as the modest type.

Maybe I have hidden depths.

So, how long's Nikki been seeing your sister?

Um, Victoria and I aren't really that close.

Aww.

Thanks for sticking up for me.

I call it as I see it, no big deal.

-It's Hector, by the way.

-What?

-No more "Mr Reid".

-Fine.

About what happened outside, I'm really sorry.

It's between you and her, nothing to do with me.

No, even so, you shouldn't have found out like that.

I'm used to it with Vix. Always a drama around every corner.

You'll find that out for yourself. Well, if it lasts.

BELL RINGS

Look, I know I've been defending her, but that

was before I found out she was sabotaging my Resilience programme.

Can't help thinking you've only got yourself to blame there.

SHE CHUCKLES

Gabriella's father said her last school

blew her discipline issues out of proportion.

I'm going to do a bit more digging.

I like your necklace.

Present from Daddy. It's from New York.

He was there on business.

Quiet, you two.

(How much were it?)

(Who cares?)

OK, you lot, you can go to your classes. Not you, Miss Wark.

-Can you keep an eye on her a bit longer?

-With pleasure.

Gabriella had behavioural issues at her last school -

skipping classes, discipline problems, the lot.

The head there said she only attended for five months,

so I tried her previous school to that, and...

Let me guess - same thing?

Yes. But it gets worse.

She was expelled for stalking a teacher.

Sonya? Get the Warks back in here please?

LAUGHTER

All right, settle down!

Shaznay, have you got something to say?

No, miss.

Then could you please focus?

Sorry, we didn't mean nothing.

Lesbi friends?

If you have something to say, I'd rather you just came out and said it.

What, like you did earlier on?

Right... SHE SIGHS

Does it bother any of you

who I spend my personal life with, male or female?

Does it make me any more or less of a decent teacher?

-No.

-No.

-No.

Then you're just making conversation, and it's nice,

but we've got a lesson to be getting on with.

All right, the use of metaphors in everyday language...

That woman was a bit out of your league though, weren't she, miss?

I won't tell you again, Shaznay.

Did you get it all done?

Look, I'm not sure about this.

You need to man up... and do something drastic!

-For the missus.

-Where did you get that?!

Nabbed it from Dynasty's locker.

What can I say? She's an adventurous girl.

-Grab my bag.

-Right.

-We good?

-Yeah.

I've been looking that new girl's family up online.

-They've got a fashion business worth millions!

-So?

-I've never had a well rich friend before.

-Friends now, are we?

-Snobbery works two ways, you know!

-What's wrong?

I shouldn't have overreacted. He's going to leave me, I know it.

If it doesn't feel right, you don't

have to go through with it, you know.

-And then what, I lose Imogen?

-No, I didn't mean this, tonight.

Well, what?

You could knock the whole idea on the head, forget the interview.

But you were the one banging on

-about how much of a great opportunity it is!

-And I meant it.

All I'm saying is, Connor, if you didn't want to go through with it,

and you wanted to stay here, it wouldn't be the end of the world.

I wouldn't think any less of you.

And it's not like your life would be over.

You'd still have Imogen, and your mum.

-And your mates.

-Yeah, sure.

And if I got the job and moved to London,

it's not like I'm going to forget everyone here, is it?

-Yeah, of course.

-And mates - good mates - they're important too.

-Yeah, all right, I get it.

-Good.

Imogen's not going to know what's hit her!

And I can't believe...you have this.

Naughty.

Not even one full day, and this, again!

I have a conference call at five.

Did it slip your mind to mention the main reason Gabriella

was expelled from her previous schools?

We didn't think it was important. Anyway, you never asked.

Oh, so you lied by omission?

We were hoping this place would be a new start.

I can see that was a mistake.

Clearly the male teachers here are as happy

to lead her on as the ones at her previous schools.

You're not suggesting this is our fault?

Even putting her behaviour with Mr Reid aside,

she has stirred up all manner of trouble today.

Which I'd hoped a school like this would be more than able to handle.

We're not a juvenile reform centre, Mr Wark

I'm sorry, but Waterloo Road

simply isn't equipped to deal with Gabriella.

Please, don't give up on her.

Surely she deserves another chance?

A bit of disruption, a little flirting -

it's hardly the end of the world, is it?

No, no, there's more than that.

During one of our lessons this morning,

she tried to steal a truck and leave school premises.

Luckily, Mr Reid stopped her, there could have been a nasty accident.

Will you never learn?

Mr Wark!

Gabriella...

..wait outside, please. Sonya will look after you.

-I should call the police.

-Don't be so ridiculous!

When an assault takes place on school premises...

Let's just take her home. There are other schools.

It's going to happen again and again,

can't you see that, you stupid woman?

He's not usually like this, it was the shock of hearing what Gabriella did...

-Shut up, Amelia!

-She has a right to know!

I want to show you something.

Is that Gabriella?

No, it's her sister, Florence.

She was only seven when it happened.

A traffic accident.

She was killed instantly.

I'm so sorry.

I really don't think you should listen in.

They were waiting for Vincent to collect them from school.

-He was running a little late...

-A few minutes.

Instead of waiting, Gabriella insisted on getting the bus.

As they got off...

Florence was hit by a car.

Gabriella's never forgiven herself...

Yes, I have! I forgave myself years ago.

I'm so sorry, she just...

The only person who hasn't forgive me is you, Daddy!

-Go outside, please, Gabriella.

-Why?

So they can tell more lies about me?

They have never stopped blaming me.

It's not like they're even hostile.

Just indifferent.

It's like I don't exist.

The accident wasn't even my fault.

If he hadn't been working on his day off...

He blames me because it's easier than blaming himself.

Jammy ginger?

Give me one good reason why I shouldn't call the police

-and social services?

-Please, Mrs Mulgrew.

We try to be patient with Gabriella but, well, she's difficult.

I'm sorry.

-TEARFUL:

-I have never struck Gabriella before.

It's just I can't stand it! She pushes me and pushes me...

Vincent. Please, not here.

Have you ever considered family counselling?

I'm not having some do-gooder poking their nose in.

Counselling's not for us.

Counselling isn't just for disadvantaged families, Mrs Wark.

Dysfunctional families come in all shapes and sizes.

You need to sort out these problems,

and Waterloo Road is a good school, Mr Wark, but we can't fix this alone.

Gabriella is going to need a lot of help, and we need to work together -

school and family.

Will you work with us?

I'll apologise to Gabriella.

I'll make it up to her.

Thank you, Sonya.

MRS MULGREW SIGHS

Hell of a first day, eh?

I suppose.

Staying at Waterloo Road, or not, is your choice.

I would like you to give us a chance. Show you what we can do.

We're not as posh as your other schools,

and there are a lot of people here with big issues to deal with.

We just try and rub along. Make friends. Help each other out.

Waterloo Road isn't perfect, but most of the time it...works.

So, Gabriella...

are you in?

BELL RINGS

SEAGULLS CAW

Here.

Wow. What's this for?

It's a thank you for being my only friend today.

I'm sorry about snogging your boyfriend.

And for being a bitch.

Told you she were all right. See you later.

Don't know about you guys, but I could do with a drink.

-I'm in! Anchors, in town?

-Will that be a soft drink?

Don't worry, be leaving this bad boy at the pub.

I'll give you a backie in exchange for directions.

I've got my own transport, thanks.

CAR UNLOCKS

-I haven't! Shall we?

-My pleasure.

-Good.

-Ooh!

Ooh!

Thank you. For giving her another chance.

We don't pass on difficult situations at this school.

And now I know where the problems stem from,

we can make a start at addressing them.

The past few years have been very hard, for all of us.

See you tomorrow, Gabriella.

Come on. In you get.

-I'd rather walk.

-Please, Gabriella, not now.

I need to be alone for a while.

It's fine.

Look.

Make sure you get a cab home safely.

I'm hardly going to take the bus, am I?

What are you going to do?

Can't bear the bad news yet. Can I come round your place?

-Eh, no, you have to go to Connor's.

-Why, what's he said to you?

Nothing.

I can't believe he spoke to you first!

I'm his wife, I shouldn't be hearing stuff from someone else.

-Now look what you've done!

-Eh?!

Babes, wait!

No, you can't go round!

Now that was a long first day back.

Tell me about it.

You sure you're doing the right thing,

giving Gabriella another chance?

Are you questioning my authority, Mr Lowsley?

I wouldn't dream of it, Mrs Mulgrew.

A kid that mixed up though, it's going to be hard work.

Which makes her the perfect candidate

for some Resilience Education.

Surely an expert like you has a few ideas on how to transform her?

But in the meantime, we'll try good old-fashioned

patience and understanding.

Come to the pub.

Me and Hector can fill you in on our plans for the term.

I can't tonight. There's something important I have to do.

Another time though?

-Good day at the office, dear?

-Uh, let me see -

smoke bombs in assembly,

teenage girls flashing the teachers, barking mad parents...

-I'd say pretty average really.

-You love it.

Just don't tell anyone.

Didn't fancy the pub with Mr Lousy then?

I'm free, if you fancy doing something else?

Thanks, but I'm going home.

I've been so wrapped up with this place

I've hardly seen Connor. This is a big year for him,

and dealing with the Warks today was a bit of a wake-up call.

Connor has to know I'm there if he needs me.

Christine, please, stop, I'm welling up.

Oh, shut up, George. See you tomorrow.

-Connor?

-In here.

"The Boy Does Nothing" by Alesha Dixon plays

What's all this?

Afternoon tea. With a twist.

-Oh, no!

-Oh, mate, you should have consulted on the apron.

I never meant to embarrass you.

I suppose it's not that big a deal.

I just wish you'd picked your timing better -

nobody's talking about my wedding any more.

You still talking to me?

I don't blame you for kicking off. What I did was pretty out there.

Maybe, but...

I think it was the kick up the backside I needed.

And...there's something I forgot to say earlier.

I love you too.

Now that's something I wasn't expecting.

You didn't know?

You must be the only person in school today

who didn't hear about their earlier antics.

This isn't the main show, this is, like, the encore. Isn't it, Sue?

All right, boys.

-SONYA:

-Oh, it was funny, it really was.

Honestly, I didn't know where to put meself.

Mmm, this is dead tasty!

So's the chef.

-I don't know, without the apron, I'm not really feeling it.

-OK, OK!

It could have been worse,

at one point I was thinking of just wearing the hat.

You and me, mate, we need to have a serious chat.

-It was you that got me into this! Remember?

-Yeah.

-Kevin!

-Can't believe you did all this for me. I thought...

What?

Doesn't matter.

If I get the job, nothing's going to change between me and you.

Wish I could be sure of that.

We're married. Don't know about you,

but when I took my vows, I took them seriously.

Me too. It's not going to stop me missing you like mad though, is it?

Wasn't expecting you back so early.

Clearly. Have I gate-crashed a party?

Connor was trying out a few new dishes. He's had some interest...

From people at school.

-Is that what you wanted to talk to me about earlier?

-Yeah.

-Sorry I was so abrupt with you.

-It doesn't matter.

No, it does.

Next time you come and see me, I'll make time for you.

I want to be a proper mum you can be proud of - at home and at work.

What's that?

Try some of the creme brulee Connor made, it's lovely.

That's a good idea.

You thought that you would use a bit of fruitful interaction technique

on a certain Miss Boston?

Shame her interests lie elsewhere!

Our Nikki, I'll win her round.

I've seen the way she looks at me.

She's halfway there already.

-Thank you.

-Don't lose it.

I'll download a copy when I get a minute.

What is it with all this downloading?

I'm going through a bit of a bad patch at the moment,

and my Dynasty, she's really suffering.

Have you ever worked in a kitchen?

-Mum?!

-Dynasty!

You aren't seriously working here?

I may as well give you this too.

What, now?

Have you heard of the chef Cookie Davis?

I've been offered a job... in her kitchen.

-She's got a restaurant in Glasgow?

-No. London.

Don't you ever wish you could just press pause,

and things would stay as they are?