Episode 2 Waterloo Road

Knocking over teachers won't be tolerated.

-I never knew she were a teacher.

-Well, you know now.

I don't care about your stupid match or your stupid dead teacher.

THEY YELL

Christine, you're only Acting Head.

I'm not about to make radical decisions

about Waterloo Road's budget

without someone permanently at the helm.

Laurence Brown, I'm arresting you on suspicion of possessing drugs

with the intent to supply.

I'm not letting her away with it - McFall.

I've got an idea.

HE SPEAKS IN MANDARIN

-Seems Mr Lowsley's lining up his allies.

-I'm onto him.

-Did you survive?

-Just about. That place is a madhouse.

I was saying to Simon, anything after today

would be a piece of cake.

Harley, Darren, Lula, Lacey.

Harley, Darren, Lula, Lacey.

Harley, Darren, Lula, Lacey.

-Kacey. It's Kacey.

-Dammit!

-Why didn't you wake me?

-Kacey. I knew that.

-I need an iron.

I just want everything to be right.

Didn't seem right snooping around your dad's place,

even if he is away.

Mrs Mulgrew wants to see me first thing.

Why do you think that is?

It's just a general chat. Nothing to worry about.

-Sue? Iron?

-All these names.

-Makes you think.

-About...?

What we're going to call our kids... when we have them.

Let's just get through today, shall we?

You do want me at Waterloo Road, don't you?

Of course. But most of all, I just want you to be happy.

I am.

It's a block booking.

I know it's short notice but I need to cancel the tickets.

All of them.

Harley, Darren, Lula, Lacey.

It's Kacey.

Drive round the block, give me chance to walk in first this time.

-You'll be fine.

-"Firm but fair".

Catch you later, Twinkle.

It's Mr Lowsley in school. Remember?

Harley, Darren, Lula, Lacey.

Harley...Darren...Lula...Lacey.

There's no more cat food.

And?

Do you think McFall's stopped crying yet?

"My poor cat, where's my cat?"

SOMEONE KNOCKS

Are you kids ready?

MAGGIE SNIFFS

-Have you had a wash this morning?

-Yeah, face and everything.

Smashing.

Brush your teeth. Five minutes - wagons roll.

Come on!

-Why are you all standing outside?

-Locked.

What's in the bag, Miss? You been down the Aldi?

-Why are we shut out, Miss?

-I've no idea.

In my last school, someone let a massive snake loose.

-Has someone let a snake loose?

-I shouldn't think so.

Don't know much for a teacher, do ya?

Why haven't you got a key?

-RHIANNON:

-Don't they trust you, Miss?

-Keep your hair on!

Why didn't you use the side door like everyone else?

Sorry, I didn't know about the side door...

How are people meant to get in to Breakfast Club if the door's shut?

There ain't no Breakfast Club.

Mrs Mulgrew's had to cancel it cos of costs.

What? So they're just meant to go hungry?

Sorry...it's not really my...

It's out of order, that's what it is.

Christine?

Deficit predictions, cash flow forecasts,

reconciliations...

Come again?

How am I meant to make sense of all this?

I'm an English teacher, not an accountant.

Well, we're all businessmen and women now.

I just didn't reckon on having to asset strip my own school.

I've cancelled Breakfast Club.

Really?

On a budget like that, there's no fat to trim.

At least the theatre trip will sweeten the pill.

That's why I'm here -

I'll have the consent forms on your desk by morning break.

Aw, you haven't...

Just call me "Hatchet Mulgrew".

No piece of cake this head teacher malarkey, is it?

I'm beginning to wonder if I've made the right decision.

But if tough decisions have to be made,

that's what I'm going to do.

Morning, campers!

If I could just have your undivided attention

for the approximation of 60 whole seconds.

I'd like to introduce you to my new Teaching Assistant,

-Mrs Princess Windsor.

-Hello, everybody.

-This is Nikki Boston.

-Pleased to meet you.

Pleased to meet you.

This is Simon...something or other.

Lowsley. Deputy Head. Welcome to Waterloo Road.

-This is our new NQT, Sue Spark.

-Hello.

-Who've you got first, Sue?

-Oh. Er...Harley, Kacey...

Hope you packed your flak jacket.

This is the kitchen area.

-Audrey McFall.

-Pleased to meet you.

This is the kitchen area...

-So any news on Mitzi?

-Nothing. It's so unlike her.

One shake of a Cat-o-Snax box

and she's usually through that flap like lightning.

-Well, you mustn't give up.

-I had a cat go missing once.

A happy ending, I hope?

Ripped apart by foxes.

We only ever found her collar and a single paw.

Firstly, how does someone like George pull someone like her?

Secondly, do you think Christine knows he's hired his own wife?

Relationships between staff aren't against the rules.

She's not going to like it.

Havelock High have just delivered your textbooks, Mr Windsor.

My cup runneth over.

Oh, and Miss Spark? Mrs Mulgrew will see you in five.

BELL RINGS

Why were we locked out this morning?

Because every hour the school is open costs money.

Heating, lighting, staff.

You're saying you can't afford to run the school?

-No, I'm saying there have to be cutbacks.

-What's next?

Supported Study classes? Main lessons?

It's my permission form. For the theatre trip.

Right, I've only just found out about this.

The theatre trip's been cancelled.

PUPILS GROAN

We can't afford to sub trips any more. I'm really sorry.

It's not like we're going skiing in the Alps, is it?

It's for English.

Maybe we should all start carving our essays into stone.

Save on loads of paper.

If one of you wants to go and talk to Mrs Mulgrew,

I'm sure she'll be more than happy to explain it.

But for now, can we just get on with registration, please?

Thank you.

-What?

-She is your mum.

Sue? Come through, please.

Sit yourself down.

I'm sorry I haven't had a chance to catch up with you before now.

Busy, busy.

All part of the job these days.

I just wanted to make sure you were settling in OK?

Yes, I think so. Preparation, that's the key.

That's why I've been working really hard on my lesson plans,

if you'd like to take a look.

It all seems very...organised.

Who, or what exactly, do they teach at Havelock High?

Pubescent teenagers or packs of rabid hyenas?

Have you seen the state of these French grammar books?

Why? What's wrong with them?

-Half the pages are missing.

-They were free.

Fine, provided you don't mind me

skipping straight from the present tense to the past conditional?

I'm sure you'll find something to fill in the gaps.

With what? Tap dancing?

George, your new Mandarin Assistant starts today. Don't be greedy.

Right - where were we?

If you need a help with textbooks, I could always ask my dad.

-Got 30 spare sitting at home, has he?

-No.

But he's the Director of Education for the council.

-Robert Bain is your dad?

-He'd be more than happy to help.

If you'd like me to have a word?

No, no, no. Not at the moment. But thank you. I'll let you know.

Well, you'd better be getting to class.

-They're messing with our education.

-What's the point in us even trying?

Don't blame my mum, it's the council.

Morning, everyone.

I'd like to introduce you all

to your new Mandarin Teaching Assistant, Mrs Windsor.

WHISTLING

When you've rolled your tongues back into your mouths,

perhaps you'd be so kind as to offer the courtesy of an English greeting?

ALL: Good morning, Mrs Windsor.

-Good morning.

-They do speak.

Which is fortuitous, as this morning,

we're going to be practising our conversational Mandarin.

If someone could bring a chair and a table...

Thank you.

So, from what we've already seen,

do we assume that liver or potato is the most effective catalyst?

Well, the liver was the most efficient

at speeding up the reaction, hence, we can conclude

that different enzymes catalyse different reactions.

Any questions?

-Miss?

-Yes, Darren.

Why do you always wear your sunnies inside?

-Miss?

-Miss, what's in that wheelie bag?

Oh that? It's just useful for carrying things.

I had it when I was a flight attendant.

You were a trolley dolly?

Flight attendant or air steward, are the accepted terms.

In case of turbulence....

You will find a sick bag in the seat pocket in front of you.

LAUGHTER

THEY MAKE RETCHING NOISES

Stop that.

Sick bag! Sick bag! Sick bag!

Right, we'll build in moves and speed later.

For now, let's just concentrate on catching the ball. That'd be a start.

I just found out that Sue Spark's father is Robert Bain.

Well, maybe it'll work to our advantage - friends in high places.

No. It means everything we do, every mistake we make,

goes straight to the top - let slip over a cosy Sunday lunch.

It's not like I could've known. She uses a different surname.

It's her mum's maiden name.

Her mum died. She was telling me.

Well, it's an extra headache I could've done without.

Do the Sixth Year know about the theatre trip?

Yep - they didn't take it too well.

And some of the kids are complaining

that they didn't get a letter about Breakfast Club.

I'll organise a text to go out.

You know, maybe we should let pupils and staff

know what we're dealing with.

Take a more inclusive approach. These days, transparency is key.

What, and ruin morale before term's even started? No.

I'll shoulder this for now, thanks.

George has got Year Six first period.

Maybe his wife will be a welcome distraction.

Right, guys - over here, please.

KEVIN SPEAKS IN MANDARIN

PRINCESS REPLIES IN MANDARIN

KEVIN SPEAKS IN MANDARIN

Very good.

So, Kevin's just ordered himself fried chicken feet

and boiled ice cream.

George, you're teasing. Kevin's Mandarin is very good.

Yeah. Only cos he watches "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"

with the subtitles turned off.

OK, thanks very much everyone.

You'll be doing a lot more conversational Mandarin

with Mrs Windsor.

If you could move the table and chair back.

I wanted to say thank you. I really enjoyed that.

You're welcome.

It's a surprise to find an Englishman

who speaks my language so well.

It's the future, isn't it? I can't get enough.

I'd love to go and work there. You know...maybe. Some day.

-Shall we...?

-Great.

-Thank you.

They're very hard-working...

-She's only here cos she's Mr Windsor's wife.

-Who cares?

Question is, how long is she going to last before she's cut?

So who's going to go see Mrs Mulgrew?

I will, if no-one else wants to.

Look, my mum's not exactly having an easy time right now.

-You'll just get her back up.

-This is an important year for us.

We have a right to know if she has other cuts.

OK, well, I'll go at break.

It's better coming from me.

Little birdie been whispering in your ear, has he?

Curly barnet? Overuse of male grooming products?

We'd agreed I would meet the new teaching assistant

before he - or she - started.

What can I say? She's keen.

George, introducing Mandarin as a taught subject

is the one thing I can really crow about to the council.

Exactly. Which is why Princess is such a coup.

Especially now I've got Robert Bain's daughter

watching my every move.

-Who?

-The Director of Education.

-Sue Spark is his flaming daughter.

-Was that a wise appointment?

I've only just found out!

Even more reason why I need Mandarin to be a shining light. To work.

It will.

She needs to earn her place like everyone else. No favours.

I should be shedding staff, not hiring them.

That's the best part.

As a Teaching Assistant, she's cheap.

If you ever need an ear?

Have you got a minute?

Can't believe we've got a double period of this...numpty.

..2H2002.

When it's catalyzed into water and oxygen...

Will you stay in your own seats?!

-Please!

-Until the "fasten your seat" belts sign...

THEY LAUGH

Miss, I don't feel well.

-Darren, what is it?

-I think I need...

..a SICK BAG!

Will you all just be quiet? Darren, sit down!

MUFFLED YELLING AND LAUGHTER

A lot of noise coming from this classroom.

Now, I trust it's because you're all so excited

by the content of Miss Spark's class? Darren?

Yeah...yes, Mr Lowsley.

Good.

Now come on, guys, you know the rules.

No phones, no gangster tunes, no messing about in class.

Or does someone fancy an hour in the Cooler? Any takers?

Nope.

Excellent. Let's just calm it down, yeah?

I'll leave you in Miss Spark's capable hands. Everybody happy?

ALL: Yes, Mr Lowsley.

-You need to get a grip.

-They just went out of control.

I've got a great experiment for Year Six.

It'll be better, I promise.

-I can't just come running every time you've got a problem.

-I know.

If you want to make this work, you have to find a way to do it yourself.

There's a knack.

Something else I need to learn.

Look, Connor, I would love to be taking you all to see plays,

expanding your minds, discussing the finer points of the Southern Gothic.

But I can't. Because I'm spending the better part of my day

worrying about the cost of toilet paper!

So what do I tell them?

Tell them...it would be really nice if I had my own son in my corner,

not running to join the shooting party.

The RSPCA just phoned.

What did they say?

There's a pigeon with a broken wing and a hamster stuck up a tree.

But no cats. Sorry.

There's a fresh pot of tea in the staff room.

No, thanks. I'm not in the mood.

-So, what did she say?

-Nothing much.

-Is the play still on?

-What's she supposed to do?

There's only so much money in the budget.

Oh, what's the point of sending him?

You should've sent me. He's on her side.

-It's not about sides.

-Sick bag!

THEY LAUGH

Morning, Dynasty, Connor, Kevin.

Welcome, class. Take a seat.

So, the aim of today's lesson

is to demonstrate the oxidation of sugar using potassium chlorate,

by using what is commonly known as...

.."The Screaming Jelly Baby experiment".

So, by placing the sugar - in our case, the jelly baby -

into the chlorate...

-What do you think about all these cuts, Miss?

-I'm sorry?

We were supposed to be going to the theatre.

-It's nothing to do with me.

-You're saying you don't care?

If we could just concentrate on the experiment?

Is it true, Miss, that you used to be a trolley dolly?

So - the jelly baby goes into the chlorate...

I mean, if you don't care about our education, how are we meant to?

Maybe if you were that concerned, you'd let the woman speak.

Safety goggles on, please.

So first, we need to heat up the chlorate.

Did you go to private school, Miss?

Actually, yes. Although the relevance...

-Bet you didn't have to share books.

-Doors to manual...

If you'd like locate your nearest emergency exits, which are...

BOTH: There, there and there.

THEY LAUGH

Think it was easy, do you!?

Being on your feet for a 12-hour turnaround?

The captain treating you like a galley slave.

Having to clear up other peoples' muck and vomit?

We were only having a laugh.

Not just anyone can be a flight attendant, you know.

There are standards.

Like a height-weight ratio for a start.

CLASS GASPS

# Impolite... #

If you could all just...

Take a moment to look at your worksheets.

Now!

# And in spite of it all

# He thinks you're perfect

# You're fully focused, honey... #

This is really good, Lisa.

Make me 25 copies, meet me back in class in five.

Lenny, we need a trampoline.

I can't talk right now, sorry.

# Where does it hurt?

# Everywhere

# Can you stand up? #

-That was bang out of order.

-She can't just walk out.

-CONNOR:

-Do you blame her?

# There's no explaining her behaviour

# We know, we know, we know

# She makes the world turn backwards

# Like a liar lost

# Everything she does, yeah... #

Well, where is she then?

Three, two, one, change.

WHISTLE BLOWS

Quickly!

Keep on your toes, Kacey. On your toes.

Darren's the only boxer who can beat himself up.

Go bake a cake.

At least the girl's got skills.

What girl? I don't see a girl. You see a girl?

Don't cross your feet. Kacey, pick up the gloves.

That ain't fair. Why does she get to go first?

Right - because your stance is your core.

The minute you've mastered that, you can put the gloves on.

Go - one, two. One, two.

One, two. And again.

SHE SIGHS

I say we do something. Like a sit-in.

Until Mrs Mulgrew agrees to enter into a proper debate.

Yeah, because that's really going to help her.

Maybe we should all go and see her?

My mum's trying to run the school the best she can.

What? By cancelling everything and having crap teachers that walk out.

No, no, she brought in Mrs Windsor.

I know my mum. She'll be fighting for us. She's on our side.

What we all want to know, Connor, is whose side are you on?

BANGING AND WHISTLING

FIRE ALARM WAILS

-Connor!

-It's OK, Imogen - hold on to me.

Is anyone there?

Hello? Anyone there? Hello?

-Nobody said anything about a drill.

-This isn't a drill.

Oh, my days! It's a fire! Fire!

Slow down!

-Fire!

-Remember your evacuation procedure!

Is anybody there? Hello? Can anyone hear me?

Please! Help me! Somebody, please!

OK, guys - gather over here, please, quick as you can.

Line up in your form groups, please.

Quickly!

Stop messing around, this is not a drill, come on.

Look at me. Look at me. I'm here. Right here.

And I am going to get you out.

-It's OK, there's no fire.

-I'm frightened...

-I want everyone accounted for.

-Right, that's Year Five all here.

Where's Connor?

I haven't seen him.

I won't let you get hurt again.

Let's get out of here.

Sue? Hello?

-You can't go back in.

-He is my son!

You don't know where the fire is.

She's right. No-one can go back inside.

Not until the fire brigade get here.

-Connor and Imogen are missing.

-So is Miss Spark.

Wait! Come back!

Watch your backs!

-SOBBING:

-Please, somebody! Let me out!

-Connor! Where have you been?

-Imogen...fell.

-Any idea where Miss Spark is?

-She walked out of class.

-She did what?

-I'll go.

Hey! You have to move outside. Now, please.

Christine Mulgrew. Head teacher.

Does anyone know the location of the fire?

Connor?

Please, somebody, help me...

It's OK. It's all right. It's OK. In here.

-Mitzi's going to need feeding.

-Stop going on about that stupid cat.

How could you? You think I haven't got enough on at the moment?

-You're wrong!

-Oh, am I? It's not like he hasn't got form!

You are unbelievable.

I have spent all morning defending you and your cuts

and this is the thanks I get?

Yeah, well, no more. Cos I'm out of here.

Come on, guys, we're on strike.

Come back here!

Looks like we've got a mutiny on our hands.

Don't even think about it!

All right - you're clear to go back inside.

There was no fire - just an experiment in the Science Lab

that set the alarms off.

Everyone just...get back to your class now, please.

I told them not to touch it.

Then I went into the cupboard and...somehow the door got jammed.

-Look...

-That's when they must've set off the screaming jelly baby.

-The - what, sorry...?

-Then I heard the alarm.

And I thought, "If there's a fire..."

-And then I saw the smoke...

-Hey, hey.

Look...

I know how hard you've worked, all right.

But Waterloo Road, it isn't for everyone.

I was getting the hang of it - really, I was.

Till I snapped at Rhiannon Salt.

Well, she started it.

Look, Some people are cut out to work with these type of kids

and others...aren't.

What, and you're saying I'm not?

I'm saying there are other schools.

Private schools - your dad could get you a job anywhere.

But I want to work here, with you. It's all I've ever wanted.

The day I got my PGCE, my dad, he had tears in his eyes.

He said my mum would've been really proud.

-Hey...

-He said education runs in the family veins.

And here I am, messing everything up, and letting everyone down.

Come here.

Mrs Mulgrew will have to take us seriously now.

Isn't this the first place that they're going to look?

We're not hiding. This is a protest.

Why don't we head into town?

Pick up that little top I was telling you about?

I don't think shopping counts as a revolutionary activity.

Do you think I should go back? Tell someone about Miss Spark?

No. She deserved it.

Do you want to know what she calls her fella?

SHE LAUGHS

Want to know who he is?

It's Simon Lowsley.

Did you see who set off the experiment?

No. I was in the cupboard.

-Why were you in the cupboard?

-She went in to the cupboard to get some pens.

And the door shut and jammed.

The pupils should never be left alone during an experiment.

Sue, you know anything that combusts, sparks or explodes

needs to be very closely supervised.

It won't happen again.

In a school like Waterloo Road,

it's not just academic lessons we need to deal with.

It's moods, tempers, personal grievances.

And that's just the staff.

I need to be very confident you have everything under control.

I will - I have.

You have no further cause for worry, Mrs Mulgrew.

And you're feeling OK? In yourself?

I'm only upset that I never got to finish the lesson.

You feel able to continue teaching today?

-100%.

-OK. Good. Leave it with me.

-I remain to be convinced.

-Yeah, I'll keep an eye on her.

How are Connor and Imogen?

Oh, fine. They just walked out of school,

along with their entire class.

In protest, apparently, at the spending cuts.

I did say there were rumblings. I told them to come talk to you.

-I was busy.

-Right...I think they just wanted to make their case.

It's not like I can snap my fingers

and a few extra grand will fall from the sky.

No, it's more about open dialogue.

A struggling NQT, disrupted lessons, rebellious pupils.

Funnily enough, my schedule's pretty full.

-Do you want me to speak to them?

-No.

They have until the end of lunchtime. Then I'm excluding the lot of them.

Come on, Mitz - there you go.

That's a good girl.

Look, I got it for you.

It's horrible being hungry, isn't it?

But I won't let you starve.

See, it all comes from the hips.

HE SPLUTTERS WITH LAUGHTER

Like this?

Oooh-aaah! Oooh-aaah!

From the hips...

What? Am I not your type? Gutted(!)

Whoever heard of a girl boxer, anyway?

Oh, I forgot. You're not even a girl, are you?

Don't listen.

Hi.

I just wanted to say that the boxing went really well this morning.

So I was thinking maybe we could incorporate it into the curriculum?

You don't have any equipment, and I don't have any money.

Yeah, well, I've worked a way around that.

Look Nikki, I don't need another battle.

This could be really good.

Introducing kids who already have a problem dealing with their emotions

to a violent sport?

Hang on. Boxing's about discipline.

Not how the council are likely to see it.

It increases cardiac fitness, mental agility.

As for budgets are concerned,

I thought they were there to be squeezed?

Then it's probably good I got the head's job and you didn't.

Ooh...

-Trapped. Thinking you were going to be burned alive.

-Sonya...

I'm just sorry for all the disruption.

Here - drink this.

So what's Christine going to do about Year Six?

I have to say, I can't blame them.

Forced redundancies, overstretched resources.

It affects our morale.

It was only a matter of time before it affected theirs.

She's threatening to exclude them.

You know, I've just been in

to ask about boxing being put on the curriculum -

she nearly bit my head off. I swear, she is losing it.

Ahem!

I'm sure you all appreciate, this is a very...difficult situation.

What do you expect me to do?

Let them walk all over us?

Well, I'm sorry you all feel that way.

So, the kids are keen on the boxing, yeah?

Yeah, they can't get enough.

You know what's annoying?

I phoned all these gyms

and found some equipment that's going begging.

-She won't even hear me out.

-Is it local?

-Yeah.

-Come on, then.

You OK?

You?

You are with me on all of this?

I don't know why you're being so angry.

Because I should be concentrating on my exams,

not worrying about if my school's open or shut today.

I want to do well.

-You'll be fine. Whatever happens.

-But what if I could do great?

What if I never get the chance to find out,

because all I ever got was half a text book and a knackered teacher?

When I leave school, I want a chance.

Don't you?

Mrs Mulgrew? It's Imogen.

-Where are you?

-We're at the schoolhouse.

I want you all back here by the end of lunchtime.

We're not moving until you agree to speak with us, Mrs Mulgrew.

'Lunchtime, Imogen.'

-Or you're excluded.

-You're excluding me?

'All of you. I won't stand for this.'

Now, if you were all to just come back...

We're not moving, Mrs Mulgrew.

Not until you agree to speak with us.

You know where we are.

-So she's excluding you?

-All of us.

Can you please knock?

So...the pupils are revolting?

Not as much as some of the staff.

Come on, I've got to be seen to be one of the pack.

Basic survival technique.

And those textbooks are the pits.

So - threatening to expel some of your best students?

Carefully thought out strategy, was it, or...?

Me and Connor had words earlier.

I will not be held to ransom.

-I have no idea what I'm doing.

-Who does?

-Simon.

-Hm.

He pretends he's helping, but he's so ambitious.

Yapping at my ankles,

with his blue sky thinking and his "middle ways."

You know, I've always been a great believer in "Wu Wei" -

the art of non-action.

Maybe you're trying too hard.

I mean, if Simon wants to, then let him take the strain.

But he'd love that.

Well, if he's got some fantastic strategy,

then as his line manager, you should stand back.

Be encouraging.

If it works, it's problem solved.

If he falls flat on his face...

Well...

Whoever he is, he must think a lot about you.

Ooh! Let me see...

Wow.

It's beautiful! Expensive.

What can I say? He spoils me.

I went on a blind date during the holidays.

All I got was a rash and a kebab.

I can't help it if I'm his whole world.

Aw!

You just leave Christine to me, yeah?

Oh - you better think quickly.

Are you still willing to go and talk to the Sixth Years?

Of course, yeah.

They're at the schoolhouse, so...whatever you have to do.

Yeah, um...

A local gym had some spare boxing gear, and...

Christine, you should see Kacey Barry. She's a natural.

I mean, all the kids love it, but Kacey's got real talent,

and I think it'd give her focus.

Earlier on...

..I was out of order.

Come on - convince me.

-Where've you been?

-Nowhere.

By the time we're finished,

McFall's going to regret ever sticking her nose in our business.

None of this is Mitzi's fault.

You're right.

We should get rid of it.

After school, we'll go and get her.

Take her down the river.

MUFFLED MEOW

Shh!

There's two boxers, right?

They need to take a wizz before a fight.

The ref points to a urinal and says, "There you go."

But then the trainer says to the two boxers

"Amir Khan, but Kacey Khan't."

Do you get it? "Amir Khan, Kacey Khan't."

Hey - I wanted to let you know the good news.

Mrs Mulgrew has agreed to let us do more boxing.

So, if you want to get serious?

I don't.

And we're expected to share books.

Most of them are old or have pages missing.

Or smell minging.

Why should we invest in the school if you won't?

It's resources that are being cut, not staff commitment.

Which means every day we turn up,

something else could change or be taken away.

This is the most important year for us.

I can certainly recommend we work on our lines of communication.

What's the point of talking to you

when it's my mum that makes all the decisions.

-We do have meetings.

-Not with us you don't.

That's a good point, actually.

OK, so what if we could find a way to include you guys

in some of the decisions in school?

That's all we're asking for.

You'll have to convince my mum first.

She's no pushover.

Tell me about it.

She's under a lot of pressure at the moment, believe me.

She's just trying to do her best. We both are.

-Missing your cat, Miss?

-Yes, Lisa, I am.

You see, Mitzi was a big part of my life.

Yeah?

My brother was a big part of mine.

Only I bet I'm missing him more,

what with him being a human and in prison thanks to you.

-That's enough, Lisa.

-It doesn't matter.

-It does. Apologise to Ms McFall.

-What? To her?

What's done is done. We all move on.

Nobody gets to be deliberately hurtful, not on my watch.

Sorry.

Right. On you go.

Mr Windsor. Mrs Windsor.

-I just...

-Revolution over already?

I wanted to say that I really enjoyed this morning's lesson.

-Oh - well, you're welcome.

-Good.

I'm really serious about learning Mandarin.

I was wondering if you'd consider giving me some extra lessons?

You want...more work?

That's just it. It doesn't feel like work.

Extra lessons, you say? Yes, that'd be my pleasure.

-My room, last period?

-Great, I'll be there.

You can be a right suck up, sometimes.

I'm glad you've decided to come back.

There are conditions.

I suggest we all retreat somewhere a bit more private.

I don't think the pair of realise just how much trouble you've caused.

We didn't start any fire, or set off the fire alarm.

Well, let's start with that.

Who did?

We're not saying.

You of all people should realise

just how serious this could have been, Imogen.

One of the conditions to ending our protest is no names.

-Someone could've died!

-Except there was no fire.

Well, I didn't know that at the time, did I?

What the Sixth Form feel very strongly about

is having more transparency around some of the decisions in school.

Like cancelling things that really matter.

It's not like I wanted to.

Then surely we can find a way to keep them?

Believe me, I have tried.

But I don't have Lorraine Donnegan writing the cheques these days.

Trust me, I am counting pennies here.

Maybe if everyone knew that,

they wouldn't think you were such a battle-axe.

That's why we've all come up with an idea.

Go on.

To set up a School Council.

Yeah, Connor and Imogen and a few of the others

get to meet you and me on a regular basis

to discuss the running of the school.

And if I agree, everyone goes back to class?

Right, well, we can have our first meeting final period of today.

-We've got a free period now.

-No, you don't.

Miss Spark was very disappointed not to finish her lesson.

She's waiting in the science lab.

That's my condition.

Can everyone take your seats and look at your worksheets, please?

Katie Taylor. She won Olympic gold for Ireland.

She's a total superstar over there.

Nicola Adams, flyweight -

she won the first ever women's Olympic boxing gold.

Yeah, I've seen her on telly.

Yeah? Well, they're the trailblazers.

The sport's really taking off for women now.

These women they're fit, they're fast,

they're incredible athletes.

They could knock the likes of Darren Hughes

into the middle of next week.

-He's an idiot.

-I know.

He's just jealous.

The best thing you can do, as far as Darren's concerned,

is throw in the towel, but...

..it's entirely up to you.

BELL RINGS

And that is what we call a redox reaction.

# Twinkle, twinkle, little star... #

What's that you're singing?

-Just a nursery rhyme, Miss.

-I know that.

About this little star, called Twinkle.

You're a bit old for nursery rhymes, aren't you?

Why are you always picking on me?

Because you have a very bad attitude.

I could have had you up for what you said to me earlier.

All I've got to do is go see Mrs Mulgrew.

All right, I think Miss Spark's had enough for one day, don't you?

Thank you.

Yeah, well, I had your back the minute you walked in, Miss.

-I know, I'm grateful.

-Yeah?

How grateful?

Well...very.

Because you say the word, Miss,

and I can keep this mob in line, every single time.

-I think I'm getting the measure of them.

-Do you?

You don't really think the cupboard door locked all by itself?

You know, the kids here, they can be wicked.

20 quid a day, you won't have to worry about a thing.

# Twinkle, twinkle, little star

# How I wonder what you are... #

Wu Wei...

You're not disappointed you got me instead of Mr Windsor?

No, no, no -

I mean, Mr Windsor's great, but you're definitely better.

-Oh.

-And it's fantastic being able to talk to somebody

who's actually from China.

And you have a very strong work ethic. Just like Chinese people.

Thanks. I'd love to go some day.

Oh, really? All I wanted was to come to Britain.

I guess the grass is always greener.

Hm?

It means you're never quite happy.

I don't mean to sound disrespectful, but Mr Windsor is quite old.

What did you see in him?

-Kevin! You are too cheeky.

-I'm sorry...

No English! Speak to me in Mandarin!

Hurry up!

Miss?

Locked yourself in the cupboard again, Miss?

So you agree? Behaviour and attendance have been better

since we've had Breakfast Club?

I don't have a problem with Breakfast Club, Imogen.

-Quite the opposite, in fact.

-Yeah, it's purely a funding issue.

-Have we looked into private funding?

-That takes time.

Well, I can look into that.

Maybe you and I can put some feelers out.

In the meantime, what if Sixth Form agree to help with Breakfast Club?

Take it in turns to get in early, watch over the kids.

-That's a big commitment.

-Don't you trust us?

I'd still have to have one member of staff present.

How about we meet them halfway?

Do a temporary run. See how that goes?

OK, School Council agree to reinstate Breakfast Club - for a trial period.

Now, any other business?

I think this has gone really well. It's what I'm always talking about.

Transparency - getting people involved.

Right, well we'll try and meet on a regular basis.

Keep you informed of any forthcoming cuts.

Although trust me, running any type of budget,

from household bills to a whole school,

tough decisions still have to be made.

It's stuff like that they should teach in schools.

Hey - why don't we?

Get Year Six into two teams, give them each a budget,

-see how they manage it.

-Like The Apprentice?

-Exactly.

-We'll even put up some real money.

-Er...from where?

The idea being that they return a profit.

OK. Take it back to your friends, and if they like it...

-They'll love it.

-Then we'll do it. Meeting over.

It's good to see them excited.

Maybe Waterloo Road does need some blue sky thinking.

Miss? I need to talk to you.

It's about Miss Spark...

..and Mr Lowsley.

Mitzi?

Mitzi!

# Oh, the rocks

# They will always hold in the sea... #

How on earth...? Where have you been?

Come and sit with Mummy.

Come and sit with Mummy.

How did you get here?

# And I am thankful for the love

# These rocks have always given. #

Where have you been?

Luckily, the pupil in question

doesn't want to make a formal complaint.

By my own admission,

there have been moments today where I have struggled.

Sue, what you must never, ever do,

is take that frustration out on one of your pupils.

Now, are you in control of yourself and your classroom or not?

Honestly, I am, Mrs Mulgrew.

Today has been a huge learning curve,

and my last class went extremely well.

Good.

Oh - may I?

That's a beautiful ring.

Whoever he is, he must be very proud of you.

Some men can be so secretive when they're in a relationship.

I never understand why.

Do you...Twinkle?

I never said anything.

So much for "transparency".

Hey, wait up.

-How did The Apprentice idea go down?

-Yeah. Everyone loved it.

Connor...

You're under a lot of pressure, Mum, I know.

I shouldn't have jumped to the wrong conclusion. I'm sorry.

I do believe in you, you know.

You're going to go out there and make something of your future.

What future?

Even if I get all my exams, there isn't any jobs.

Oh, come on, look how you performed in the school council meeting.

You're bright, full of ideas...

I'm average, Mum.

Average with absolutely no idea what I want to do with my life.

Mrs Mulgrew? A minute, please?

If you didn't tell her, how did she find out?

I have absolutely no idea.

See you tomorrow, Miss Spark.

This just isn't working.

Today has been a bad day, granted.

It's been a disaster.

From now on, it can only get better.

-I can do this.

-That's just it, Sue - I don't think I can.

I'm sorry. You know how important my career is to me.

Actually, you know what? Today has been complete hell.

-But I got through it, didn't I?

-I just think work should be work.

For you. I got through it for you. And for my dad -

who thinks you could be the youngest head in Scotland.

-Your dad's been very kind.

-Yes. He has.

Because he was looking forward to watching us both grow.

You, a super head. Me, by your side. Together.

If none of that were to happen, well...he'd be so disappointed.

Insurrection cut off at its knees.

Pupils demanding extra lessons.

Another triumph at the helm, Mrs Mulgrew.

If today was a good day...

Well, no-one died.

More's the pity.

Did you know Simon's engaged to Miss Sue Spark?

Really?

I wonder what the attraction

to the daughter of the Director of Education could be?

How do you fancy a Joint Deputy position?

Subject to the usual interview process, of course.

Joint? With Mr Lousy?

Hardly a match made in heaven, is it?

My thoughts exactly.

I can't justify spending money we don't have....

We're cancelling The Apprentice.

What?

We wouldn't want Twinkle to find out about our arrangement, would we?

He's not going to find out, is he?

We had something come in first thing from the Education Committee.

-The Mandarin curriculum has really caught them.

-Oh.

They want us to roll it out across the area

and they want us - well, you - to do it for them.

I think I might've solved our problem.

I'll fund The Apprentice competition.

I'll put the money up myself.

Welcome to The Apprentice.

You are heading for big trouble, George.

-We need to make sure we actually do win this.

-How?

By making sure the girls won't.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd