Waterloo Road (2006) s05e13 Episode Script
Series 5, Episode 13
(Horn) Come on, Aiden, out the way! Come on! It's all right for you two, innit! What? (Laughs) Ros McCain! - Sir? - Don't look so worried.
Your essay.
I really enjoyed it.
- Did you? - It's a brilliant piece of writing.
You must have read a lot around the subject.
A bit.
Have you thought about university? What you might like to study? Where? - Not really.
- Well, you should.
That essay was Oxbridge entrance standard.
- As if! - Yeah, it was.
Have confidence.
You should be setting your sights high.
- Swot! - I'm still waiting for yours, Michaela.
Any chance I could have it this term? - Oxbridge, eh? Teacher's pet.
- Brainiac.
Maybe I just like doing my work.
- What's so wrong with that? - He just fancies you.
Oh, get off my case.
- You coming tonight? - Maybe.
- Maybe? - Maybe.
Hey! I am so sorry.
- (Laughs) - You got a problem? No, she hasn't.
I'm sorry.
Come on! My intention is to get a head chef who can double as a Healthy School co-ordinator.
I'm going to have interviews all day, so if there's anything else? Yeah, there is one more thing.
Ros McCain.
- That's impressive.
- Exceptional.
She's leaving everyone else behind.
We have to do something for this girl.
She's not just bright, she's extraordinary.
- She's clearly university material.
- She's more than that.
She's Oxbridge.
It's the best.
And she's the best.
- That'll be a first for Waterloo Road.
- Exactly.
Which is why we should push through this APU scheme.
Just talk us through it one more time.
Advanced preparation for entrance to Oxbridge and the top universities.
Extra tuition, visits to the universities, practice interviews and exams.
You're talking about committing all these extra resources and money into literally one student? Ros has every chance of getting to Oxford or Cambridge but she lacks confidence.
She needs more time and input to give her that extra push.
Surely we have to help the brightest pupils as well as the most challenged? Yeah, I get your point.
OK, Chris, set it up.
- What's a bedder? - It's like your own personal cleaner.
They make your bed and clean your room every day.
- You're joking.
- No.
My cousin's friend knew someone there.
They just want you to concentrate on your studying.
What's this? The ivory towers.
The what? Oxford and Cambridge, where Ros and I are going.
Where we might apply to, Philip.
You're not as clever as you think you are.
And what idiot'd want to spend three more years studying? A loser who knows the better degree you get means the better job you're likely to have.
You know what you need, Ryan? School of life.
You can't learn everything from books.
No.
Which is why Mr Mead's given us high-flyers a bit extra.
- Like what? - Special treatment.
Perks.
Rewards.
Privileges.
- Just for us gifted types.
- Treats for geeks.
Wouldn't want 'em anyway! Oh, dear.
Moonlighting taking its toll? - Your cab business? - I've stopped.
Can't drive a taxi if you haven't got a car.
It was my sister's.
I borrowed it.
Well, I never thought you were really cut out to be a cabbie.
Anyway, you've got this job.
Why not concentrate on that? Yeah.
What's all this? Applying for a post-grad course? Mature student? I'm going to get one of our students into Oxbridge.
Square peg, round hole.
Dream on.
That is exactly the kind of prejudice I'm trying to get rid of.
It's not prejudice.
It's geometry.
It's a world of "we can" now, not "we can't".
Move with the times.
I applaud your idealism but it'll all end in tears.
Oh, miserablist! You'll give them a false sense of their own potential.
Unleash dangerous dreams.
What's the idea? More support of pupils to get them up to the standard of the top universities.
What kind of support? The stuff kids at private school get as a matter of course.
The first thing I want to do is set them up with individual tutors.
I think it's a wicked idea, Chris.
I'll be a tutor.
- Yeah, I'm in too.
- Great.
Looks like you've got a cling-on.
OK, everyone, quieten down, please.
Take your seats.
Right, on your table you should all have mirrors.
I want you to pick one up, take a look and draw what you can see, OK? Oi, oi, oi! - Do either of you girls fancy one? - Ooh, are you mad? No, I meant one of these.
Aiden, what are those? N-nothing.
They're confiscated.
(Bell) - I'll see you both at break.
- Definitely.
Thanks, sir.
What's this? It's a scheme to help students doing university entrance.
Can I join? Er I'm not really sure it'd benefit you.
So time off and trips and career advice and more free periods wouldn't benefit me, sir? And what about extra homework, essays, extra reading? This is hardcore academic stuff.
I don't think it'd suit you.
I want to be on the scheme.
Look I can only take on the serious consistent high achievers, Michaela.
I'm sorry.
- Are you saying I can't go to university? - No, not at all.
There's hundreds of universities and with more effort you could get a place.
But this is for students who want to go to the really academic establishments.
So better universities for better students.
Not everyone is or wants to be an academic high-flyer.
Use your big words all you want.
I know what you're saying.
- He's saying I'm thick! - No, I never said that.
So how do you know what I'm capable of if you won't even let me try? Because this requires intense study and commitment.
Right! So I'm lazy now, too? No, of course not.
Don't be stupid.
Stupid.
He called me stupid.
You calling me stupid, sir? Because I'm not stupid! What's going on? He's excluding me from the APU scheme.
He won't let me have a go.
What gives you the right to choose who can and can't go to university? I haven't said you can't go.
Can you go to class? We don't need an audience.
I want to be on the scheme.
We need to discuss this.
You know it's such a shame because I really wanted one.
- Ignore her.
- Did you want one? - I can get you one if you want one.
- No, it's OK, honestly.
- But I'll get a fresh batch by break.
- No.
- I'll phone my dealer.
- (Girls laugh) Mum? Where are you? I need some more doughnuts now! (Sighs) Just call me.
(Whispers) Karla! Are you on the APU scheme? You should be.
You've got the best memory in the class.
It's outrageous.
It's wrong and they're repressing you.
Just sign that and pass it on, yeah? Michaela! Is there a problem? No, sir.
Hi.
I've got an interview with Rachel Mason.
I'm a bit early.
Name? - Adam Fleet.
Chef.
- I've not got you down for another hour.
I like to be early.
You'll have to take a seat.
Miss, I was just wondering if I could borrow some card and some sticks.
We're doing some banners for English.
Yeah, well, help yourself to card.
- Will that do? - Yeah, thank you.
Well done.
You're brilliant.
Come on.
Yoo-hoo! Yoo-hoo! Aiden! - Can I help? - I'm just - I thought you weren't going to come.
- I'm sorry, darling.
I were at work.
I had to find an excuse to come out.
- So where are they? - Oh, yes.
- What's these? - Well, I couldn't get to Berties.
I wouldn't have got here in time.
I've promised the girls doughnuts.
- Oh, I'm sorry.
- It's OK.
We really don't mind.
- Can you not get anything right? - They're nice.
I got a lot.
Look, I'm sorry.
I did try my best.
What happened to the others? - Teacher took 'em off me.
- We're not allowed to eat in class.
Do you want me to have a word with them? - (Phone rings) - I'm going to have to go.
I'm late.
If you change your mind, you let me know, OK? Hello, I'm sorry.
She is so lame.
My mum would kill me if I talked to her like that! - (Chanting) What do we want? ALL: Equal opportunities! - When do we want 'em? Now! - What do we want? - Equal opportunities! - When do we want 'em? - Now! - What is going on here? - Equal opportunities! - When do we want it? - Quiet.
Now! - What do we want? - Equal opportunities! - When do we want it? - Now! - Do you know if we're running on time? - I'd tell you if we weren't.
Have I got time for a look around? I won't go far.
- I'll see if anyone's free to take you.
- Thank you.
- When do we want it? - Now! - What do we want? - APU! - When do we want it? - Now! - What do we want? - APU! - When do we want it? - Can we break it up now, please? ALL: We will not, we will not be moved! - What's going on, sir? - A lot of noise and very little else.
That's enough.
Well done.
You've had your moment.
No, sir.
We're not moving till our demands have been met.
- Say no to grade discrimination! - Say no to grade discrimination! - Say no to grade prejudice! - Say no to grade prejudice! - Say no to grade discrimination! - Say no to grade discrimination! - Say no to grade prejudice! - Say no to grade prejudice! - Aiden, what are you doing with those? - Enjoying them.
- They were confiscated.
- No, they weren't.
It's time you handed them over.
Have you got any idea how many calories there is in just one of these? - Are you calling me fat, miss? - (Girls giggle) Aiden, I am not concerned about your size, I'm concerned about your health.
When the new Healthy School co-ordinator starts, I'd like you to talk to them, OK? Erm What? - Has Rachel not mentioned it to you? - No.
Oh, right, well, she's interviewing now for a new head chef and they'll double up as a Healthy School co-ordinator.
Head up the policy on food and nutrition.
Right, just leave Aiden to me.
We're going to have a chat, all right? - Can I have 'em back, then? - Later.
- What do we want? - Equal rights! - When do we want them? - All right, everybody, calm down.
- I want this to stop! - Now! Mr Mead's gone for Miss Mason, miss.
Now! - What do we want? - That is enough! - When do we want 'em? - Enough! APU! APU! APU! APU! (Chanting continues) - Thank you, that's enough.
- (Cheering) What's going on? Somebody tell me what's happening here.
It's a peaceful protest, miss.
We want our voices heard.
We're not doing anything wrong.
- So what's it about? - He is labelling us second-class citizens.
Us and them.
A and B.
Clever and thick.
University and who cares.
- It's segregation, isn't it? - Yeah! OK, OK, you have been heard.
Right, thank you very much.
Let's break this up and get back to your lessons.
Miss Campbell, Mr Mead and I will have a look at your demands.
- We'll let you know our decision later.
- (Cheering) - How the hell did this happen? - Ask him.
You say we can't fail Ros.
Fine.
But we can't fail students like Michaela.
She felt excluded.
That's where this has come from.
This has come from Michaela's desire to cause trouble.
Why does she want to cause trouble? You made her feel inferior.
- I don't think so.
- Chris, you did.
By not letting her on that scheme, that is a vote of no confidence.
How can we have confidence in grades consistently low? Intelligence isn't always about grades.
No, in an ideal world, it's not.
But grades are important to universities, and this is about university.
Does Michaela want to go to university? - She's being disruptive and destructive.
- She's being creative and assertive.
Aiden, what are you doing in here? Nothing.
Well, it can't be nothing, it must be something.
I just wanted to know why you called me fat, miss.
I didn't I didn't call you fat, Aiden.
I said I was concerned about your health.
I get low blood sugar.
I need to eat.
I can't help how I am.
Well, I I think that you can, if you wanted to.
If you went to a few more of the sports classes, maybe cut back on the snacks.
Aiden, Miss Campbell will come and find you later, OK? You can talk about it then.
Where are you when I need you? I want you to ring the school.
You need to complain.
I'm being bullied.
And it's by this teacher called Miss Campbell.
She called me fat in front of all the other kids.
And she says it's my fault.
I need to talk to you, Mum.
I opened up the scheme as suggested.
Philip's on it.
Philip? Our most middle-class pupil from a university family.
Ros isn't, though, is she? She's a genuinely bright, working-class kid.
I've got a mix.
Come on, Chris, it's pretty token.
What about our under-privileged kids? They should be getting advantages that pupils like Philip get for nothing.
I hear what you're saying but the fact is not all our kids are cut out for Oxbridge.
No, I know, and I'm not saying that.
But it's our duty to nurture any ambitions that any of them might have.
There's a difference between nurturing ambition and encouraging false dreams.
One is kind, the other is cruel.
No, one is egalitarian and one isn't.
The scheme has got to be opened up properly.
For all university entrants.
Never mind all this Oxbridge elitist stuff.
OK, OK, that's enough.
We need to set up a process of application to get on this scheme.
All the kids who want to be considered can have a shot at it.
- OK.
- Right.
It would be really great if I can trust you two to deal with it.
This is our food technology department.
- May I help you? - Are you Mrs Fry? And you are? Adam Fleet.
Head chef.
I'm being interviewed today.
Ruby.
It's nice to put a face to the name that the head and I will be discussing.
- Ah.
- Thanks very much, Andrea.
- I can look after Mr Fleet now.
- Sure, no problem.
- Interesting school.
- Challenging.
I expect you have diet-related behavioural problems.
ADHD, ADD, violence, depression, aggression? Know a lot about children and behaviour, do you? I used to be in your shoes before I started chefing.
What was your background, Mr Fleet? Er, it's been quite a journey.
I began as a teacher.
Food technology, like you.
- Right.
- I wanted the buzz of a kitchen so I left and trained as a chef.
I missed working with the kids so I started as a youth worker in my spare time.
Disadvantaged teens.
Now I want to get back to working with them full-time.
There's a lot we can do.
A lot of improvements we could make.
That's fascinating.
Why don't you pop in with me and tell me a bit more about it? Don't worry about your interview because they'll be running late.
And erm if you sit in on my next class then you get a chance to meet the children.
- That would be great but are you sure? - Absolutely! Yes, my pleasure.
- Maybe for a few minutes.
Thank you.
- OK.
Interviews? We have to interview to get on the scheme? You'll get in.
It doesn't make any difference.
Oh, well, we've done it! This is exactly what we wanted.
The APU scheme open to anyone.
It's political correctness.
Box ticking.
They're wasting their time.
Too right they are.
We'll all do it.
It'll take 'em all week to get through us.
- I don't think so.
- Nope, definitely not me, sorry.
Well, you will, won't you? We can't stop now! I hate interviews.
They're scary.
Looks like you'll be representing the underprivileged alone.
It's just talking.
All we've got to do is give them a hard time.
It's a prop.
Right, we take turns with our questions and we give each other space, yeah? All right.
Hi, Danielle.
Why do you think you are university material? I'm not sure I am.
Erm Because you told me I was.
I'm only here because Michaela made me, so Go on.
I want to be an international lawyer.
So I thought I could do a language degree and then a law conversion course.
I'm applying to get onto the scheme that prepares me for university entrance.
If I get on, then I'll be in a better position to answer that question.
Michaela, why do you think that you're university material? Why wouldn't I be? Can we have a little bit less attitude, please? Look, this is an opportunity for you to, well, prove to us and to yourself that you deserve a place, OK? So why do you want to go to university? Better education equals better jobs, better money, better lifestyle.
Better all round.
I've got ambition.
And what do you think you have to offer a university? Myself.
Right, gather round.
I'd like to introduce you to somebody.
This is Mr Fleet and he is a professional chef.
He's taken time out to chat with you today.
- He's buff.
- No, he's not! I'm going to observe you if that's all right by way of an informal interview.
Sure.
OK.
Erm All right, hi, kids.
Let's take a look at this recipe here.
Now can anyone tell me what it's for? Come on, take a guess.
- Aiden, would you read it out for us? - Excellent.
Water, rehydrated rusk, dextrose, stabiliser, raising agent, pork rind, pork fat, filled-in beef protein casings.
Urgh, what are filled-in beef protein casings? Bits of the beef carcass that can't be used for meat.
Like the bones, the gristle, the hooves.
- Urgh! - Carry on, Aiden.
Antioxidants, sugar, colour and yeast extract.
- Is it dog food, sir? - No.
Someone else have a guess.
A biscuit? It's something most of you eat pretty regularly.
- Sausage roll? - Urgh! Sausage roll.
And that is what's in it.
So you are what you eat.
Think about it.
Well, thank you very much.
That was very informative.
- If you could stay a moment longer.
- I'll have to go.
I Is this a question? A question is a sentence concluding in a question mark which requires an answer.
Unless the question is rhetorical, in which case the answer is implied by the question or questioner.
So, yes, your sentence could be described as a question.
Is this a question? Is this necessary? Is this a question? You've been reading the Oxbridge horror stories on the internet.
(Both laugh) Is this a question? If this is an answer.
(Laughs) Spot on.
We called you.
I gave your slot to another candidate.
Is there any chance I could be seen later? It's unlikely.
I'll see what I can do.
This is a bomb.
You all right? - This is a bomb.
- It's a ball.
I'll get it.
Yeah, I know.
It's a bomb.
And if it was a bomb I'd throw it out the window.
Which is how someone passed his Oxford interview.
- This is a bomb.
- Aargh! Where do you see yourself in ten years? (Sighs) With a beard.
(Both laugh) Thank you.
Erm In a job, I suppose.
God, I'll be 27! Thank you.
In a French-speaking North African country, working in human rights.
- Brilliant.
Thanks, Ros.
- Thank you, Ros.
I don't know.
Well, what would you like to be doing? I know what I don't want to be doing.
OK, what's that? Raising three kids in a one-bedroomed flat.
No bloke.
No job.
So what would you like? Well, I suppose I'm good at telling people what to do.
I know it's usually just for a laugh but I could make a good boss, couldn't I? Yeah.
I'd like to have my own business.
Thank you, Michaela.
He's here, he's here.
OK.
I've got the results from your interviews.
Michaela? Don't you want to hear how you did? Congratulations.
You four got through.
- Are you serious? - Yeah.
- I got through? - You did very well.
(Screams) I'm going to university! No, whoa, hang on.
I haven't finished.
It isn't a fait accompli yet.
What? It's not all sewn up yet.
Congratulations on getting through part one.
- You mean there's more? - Yeah.
Stage two.
There'll be a written paper after lunch.
Like an exam? Think of it more as a chance to express your opinions.
It's not testing your knowledge.
More a chance to show your powers of analysis.
What's that? Your ability to argue.
- Should be all right, then.
- Shut up.
The subject's going to be "The past, the present or the future.
Which has most value to you and why?" I want you to use your lunch break to make any notes, do some research and plan your essay.
Well done, all of you, and good luck with the paper.
# You visit my sleep # When I'm trying to dream # These thoughts I don't want to keep Come in.
Have you got a moment, miss? Yeah, course I have, come in.
You did really good today, you know.
Thanks.
Do you really think I can go to university? I think you've got so much potential, you could do anything you put your mind to.
- You're not just saying that, are you? - No.
Right, well, will you help me with the next bit, then? - What next bit? - The exam.
- What exam? - The exam Mr Mead told us about.
- When did he tell you about that? - Before.
I find it harder to express myself and argue on paper, so I wondered if you have any tips.
Erm Yeah.
The best thing is to keep it clear and simple.
Write it as you'd speak it.
Don't try and be too literary.
- Bookish.
- Right.
- And make sure you use your own voice.
- OK.
Don't get intimidated by the exam conditions.
Keep confident.
Just be yourself.
That's the key to your success.
OK.
You've got a really good opportunity here.
Make the most of it.
# I know that you're waiting # To break my heart What's this essay? You didn't mention that earlier! Ah, yeah.
Er Michaela literally thought that that was it.
That she had a university place.
I couldn't let her believe that.
I'm only protecting her, Kim.
Shouldn't you have discussed it with me first? Yes.
Yeah, I should have done and I apologise.
But Rachel wanted a proper application process.
This is it.
We can't just let them through on interview, Kim.
Universities test academically.
To let the kids think otheRWise is setting them up for a fall.
Hang on, Michaela has just proved that she has got as much right to be on this scheme as anybody else.
No.
She's proved she's quick-witted and she's got the gift of the gab.
She's street and she's smart but she's not academic.
And as much as I'd love to be proved wrong, Michaela won't get the grades they ask for.
We'll cross that bridge when we get to it but for now we have got a student who has all of a sudden got this ambition and drive.
And instead of encouraging her, you want her to fall at the first hurdle! - You're missing the point.
- No, you are! Kim, just calm down.
I don't want you getting all het up.
My God, you really are like this sexist, elitist, prejudiced OK, can I get a little word in here? I've got Aiden Keen's mum downstairs in a fury.
It's difficult because now she's saying you called Aiden fat.
She's accusing you of bullying and prejudice.
Shall we deal with it? Prejudice.
Your favourite subject.
I haven't got all day, you know.
I'm due back at work! I'm sorry to keep you waiting, Mrs Keen.
Kim Campbell.
Oh, so it's you who's been giving my son so much grief? I'm not sure what Aiden's said but there are two sides to every story.
You're accusing him of being a liar as well, are you? - I don't think that was Kim's intention.
- Well, it's what I heard.
If it wasn't what she meant, she ought to be careful with her words! Aiden got a little bit upset this morning when I confiscated some snacks that he was eating in my class.
Then I had to have a word with him when he stole the bag back.
Oh, so he's a thief now as well, is he? Well, I'm sorry, but you've got my son wrong.
- He never nicked that bag back.
- I'm afraid he did, Mrs Keen.
Well, what's them there, then? I brought him in the snacks he had at break.
I brought in sausage rolls.
Them in there is doughnuts.
- Doughnuts.
- I'd like an apology, please.
- There you go.
- Cheers.
Thanks a lot.
- What will you have? - Chicken.
Anything else? - Chips? - Yeah, please.
Cheers.
OK.
Who's next? What would you like? Aiden has a healthy appetite.
When he comfort eats, it's because he is not happy.
And he is not happy because he's being bullied at school.
- Have you been aware of any bullying? - No, she is the bully! I can't allow you to speak to my staff like that.
But you let her talk about my son like that.
Aiden is a complicated and conflicted young boy.
No.
Aiden is a gentle and sensitive young boy and if the insensitive and aggressive way that you're talking to me is the way you talk to him, I'm not surprised he's been having these upsets! I don't think that Aiden is the same at school as what he is at home.
Mrs Keen, what is he like at home? Well, he's tired from school, isn't he? There's a lot of stress put on him.
So I don't put on pressure.
I just give him what he needs.
Look after him and he's calm, he's mellow.
And in your point of view, what's he like at school? To be honest, he's sulky, he's negative, he's withdrawn, he's hostile to the other pupils, rude to staff.
You have really got it in for him, haven't you? You know what, I think Aiden should be here.
You should get him.
He should be involved in this discussion.
- OK.
- I'm coming with you.
- Is she ready for me? - Full diary all afternoon.
You could wait and catch her at the end of the day.
OK.
Thank you.
# Won't you be my fantasy? - Lover boy's coming over.
- He's not my lover boy.
- Is this seat free? - Make room, everyone.
- Sam's boyfriend wants to sit down.
- Shut up, Lauren.
- Yeah.
Shut up, Lauren.
- Are you two together or something? - You didn't tell me.
- Leave it.
- I thought you only had eyes for Bolton.
- Shut up.
She said shut up! - You can't speak for her.
- Well, you can't either! Sam, why don't you just tell him? Tell him you don't like him.
She doesn't like you! - Leave her alone.
- Shut up! Just shut up! - What are you doing, you fat slob! - You anorexic cow! You what? Calm down.
Lauren! What are you doing, Aiden? Leave that girl alone! Calm down.
- (Whispers) Are you all right? - Erm What do we do if we run out of paper? There's only half an hour.
I'm sure you'll be fine.
- What were you doing? - I didn't mean to.
It were her, she were winding me up.
She made me hit her.
No, Aiden, we have a strong policy about physical violence in this school and there is not an excuse for it, ever.
She were bullying me! - Is that right, Sam? - No.
Yeah, she were.
She were picking on me.
She were making fun of my weight.
She was making fun of me, too.
She was just teasing.
We tease each other all the time.
You just can't take it.
The only person that's got a problem with their weight is you.
The rest of us, we just don't care.
You care.
You won't go out with me because I'm fat.
No.
It's because I don't like you.
Are you going to let her talk to my son like that? Explain why you said that.
It wasn't very kind.
- He isn't very kind.
- I've had enough of this.
He takes everything personally.
He won't join in with anything and he always feels sorry for himself.
You make it impossible for anyone to be your friend, Aiden.
You always make us feel like we're upsetting you, even when we're not.
The only person that's a bully is you.
Erm, sir.
Can I have some more paper, please? How did it make you feel when Sambuca said that, Aiden? None of this would have happened if you'd have come for me when I told you to.
Please don't talk to your mum like that.
- Can we go? - Why do you let him talk to you like that? - Sam - This morning he called you lame! You're too nice to him.
He doesn't deserve you.
Shut up! You know nothing about us, so shut it! That is enough, Aiden.
You may talk to your mum like that at home but we do not allow rudeness in this school.
You see, Mum? They're all against me, all the time.
Maybe Aiden is struggling with the different boundaries that he has at home and at school.
We all want the best for Aiden but we need your support at home if he's going to be a success at school.
Thank you.
I know that you care.
- Where are you going? - With you.
No, you're staying at school until the end of the day.
But I don't want to.
I want to come with you! I have tried to do my best by you, Aiden.
I've given you everything.
Maybe it's too much.
It's not made you happy, has it? It's not working.
Mum! You just listen to your teachers while you're at school because I am not interfering with your school business any more! So I'll see you later.
Psst! (Whispers) How do you spell "coincidentally"? - Philip! - Shut up.
But I need to know how to spell Look, I'm trying to do my work, OK? (Tapping continues) Look, sir, I can't concentrate.
Either she has to move or I will.
I'm not doing anything.
Just cos you can't do it doesn't mean you have to drag us down.
Quiet, please, these are exam conditions.
- I've finished, sir.
- There's still ten minutes left.
Why don't you use that time to check through your work? No.
You were right.
I am second-rate.
# I hear a silent whisper # And I know you're close # I watch your shadow linger # And I feel your ghost Is Lauren OK? Yeah.
I've sent her to the school nurse, though.
And is Aiden's mum still here? No, no, she's gone home.
I think she finally saw the other side to her son.
Any luck with any of these candidates? It's an eclectic bunch but I don't think any of them are right.
Oh, and we had one no-show.
It was this guy, Adam Fleet.
He didn't turn up.
- Oh, no, no! He was in the canteen.
- Really? - Mmm.
- Any idea where he is now? - I should imagine he's still there.
- Right, thanks.
I'll go and find him.
Michaela.
(Sobs) You lied to me, miss.
- You made me think that I could do it! - I don't understand.
What's happened? I made such an idiot of myself in there! What do I do? What do I do now? Come on.
Adam Fleet? - I know you, don't I? - Amanda Fenshaw! Oh, my God, I don't believe it.
It is you! It's Adam Fleet Fat Adam! (Laughs) I'm sorry! Good to see you too! Do you work here? - I'm the head teacher.
- Rachel Mason? I had to change my name.
It's a long story.
- I had an interview with you today.
- I know.
I recognised your name but You used to be much bigger, didn't you? I did, yes.
That was some time ago.
- It has been a long time.
- Well, you haven't changed.
You have! But you still can't keep an appointment! I got hijacked by your food tech teacher.
She got me demonstrating my methods.
- Seemed pleased.
- She never mentioned that.
- Really? - Look, I have got some time now.
- Do you want to do that interview? - That would be great.
I never even wanted to try out for the scheme properly.
I was just annoyed at Ros and Philip and then you made me think I could do it.
I should have known I couldn't do it.
I shouldn't have believed you.
You proved yourself highly capable in those interviews today.
Not in the exams.
Look, the exams and the interviews weren't about passing and failing.
They were about showing us what the best way foRWard for each student was.
So what's the best way foRWard for me? Well, you've got a choice.
You could go to uni.
You would have to apply yourself.
You'd have to get your written work up to standard but what you need to ask yourself is three years' academic study what you really want? I want to be successful.
I want to make something of myself.
And you will.
You're already on your way to doing that now.
Believe it or not, you had a great day today.
It was a good learning curve.
You can be anything that you want to be.
You just need to want it enough.
Well, I know what I don't want.
What? I don't want to go to university.
Well, you might change your mind on that again.
Higher education isn't the only way.
Some of our most powerful entrepreneurs, Sir Alan Sugar, Sir Richard Branson, they didn't go to university.
Mr Mead said all three of us are through.
These are the papers.
Erm What did you get? - How about you? - Must be a mistake.
- What? - 90%? Congratulations, Ros! You're doing modern languages for your APU, right? I've been chosen to be your tutor.
Any idea who I've got? Oh, you'll have to ask Mr Mead about that.
It's just our Oxbridge candidate for the moment.
How's Michaela? Er, well, she's she's bruised but she's a survivor.
She'll be OK.
It's better she goes through this disappointment now.
It'd only be more painful further down the line.
No, I still think that she could go to uni if she puts her mind to it.
You can't put a glass ceiling on her ambition.
I admire your principles, Kim, but this one-size-fits-all philosophy doesn't work.
No, Chris, it's not about that.
These kids are fragile, they need positive reinforcement.
They don't need telling that they're not good enough.
Right, and that's what you were doing with Aiden Keen, is it? - Aiden Keen - Sir, I don't understand what's going on.
What? I thought I was down as a potential Oxbridge student.
Nothing's been decided yet, Philip.
Ros has been given a tutor.
She's been told she's the only candidate.
No, that's a rumour.
Me and Miss Campbell are discussing everything now.
It's not fair if you're basing everything on that exam today.
I'll speak to you in the morning.
OK? Less chat, more action.
Right.
Team captains, Paul and Bolton.
Get into your teams.
Let's play.
Go on! - Sorry! - (Laughs) Thanks, Aiden.
Why don't you join us, Aiden? Might be your sport.
Come on.
Maybe some other time but thanks.
- Right, come on.
- Come on, guys.
Kids understand food by handling it.
Getting to grips with the whole process.
That makes sense.
Get someone like Aiden to make a list of what he ate yesterday.
Work out the calories and nutritional content.
Using the same ingredients, I'd teach him how to make something like this.
Fewer calories and proper nutritional content.
Hmm, well, smells good.
I seem to remember that you were known as the take-away king.
- It was all fish and chips and pizzas.
- Not any more.
Mexican-style chicken mole, the only main course I could come up with that used chocolate Chocolate? OK Let's give it a go then.
Chocolate - Actually, that's really good.
- Thank you.
- That's delicious.
- Thank you.
I'd like to do this with all the kids with weight issues.
Rework their relationship with food.
Reconnect them with what they're eating.
Yeah.
Congratulations.
If you want this job, it's yours.
Thank you.
Your essay.
I really enjoyed it.
- Did you? - It's a brilliant piece of writing.
You must have read a lot around the subject.
A bit.
Have you thought about university? What you might like to study? Where? - Not really.
- Well, you should.
That essay was Oxbridge entrance standard.
- As if! - Yeah, it was.
Have confidence.
You should be setting your sights high.
- Swot! - I'm still waiting for yours, Michaela.
Any chance I could have it this term? - Oxbridge, eh? Teacher's pet.
- Brainiac.
Maybe I just like doing my work.
- What's so wrong with that? - He just fancies you.
Oh, get off my case.
- You coming tonight? - Maybe.
- Maybe? - Maybe.
Hey! I am so sorry.
- (Laughs) - You got a problem? No, she hasn't.
I'm sorry.
Come on! My intention is to get a head chef who can double as a Healthy School co-ordinator.
I'm going to have interviews all day, so if there's anything else? Yeah, there is one more thing.
Ros McCain.
- That's impressive.
- Exceptional.
She's leaving everyone else behind.
We have to do something for this girl.
She's not just bright, she's extraordinary.
- She's clearly university material.
- She's more than that.
She's Oxbridge.
It's the best.
And she's the best.
- That'll be a first for Waterloo Road.
- Exactly.
Which is why we should push through this APU scheme.
Just talk us through it one more time.
Advanced preparation for entrance to Oxbridge and the top universities.
Extra tuition, visits to the universities, practice interviews and exams.
You're talking about committing all these extra resources and money into literally one student? Ros has every chance of getting to Oxford or Cambridge but she lacks confidence.
She needs more time and input to give her that extra push.
Surely we have to help the brightest pupils as well as the most challenged? Yeah, I get your point.
OK, Chris, set it up.
- What's a bedder? - It's like your own personal cleaner.
They make your bed and clean your room every day.
- You're joking.
- No.
My cousin's friend knew someone there.
They just want you to concentrate on your studying.
What's this? The ivory towers.
The what? Oxford and Cambridge, where Ros and I are going.
Where we might apply to, Philip.
You're not as clever as you think you are.
And what idiot'd want to spend three more years studying? A loser who knows the better degree you get means the better job you're likely to have.
You know what you need, Ryan? School of life.
You can't learn everything from books.
No.
Which is why Mr Mead's given us high-flyers a bit extra.
- Like what? - Special treatment.
Perks.
Rewards.
Privileges.
- Just for us gifted types.
- Treats for geeks.
Wouldn't want 'em anyway! Oh, dear.
Moonlighting taking its toll? - Your cab business? - I've stopped.
Can't drive a taxi if you haven't got a car.
It was my sister's.
I borrowed it.
Well, I never thought you were really cut out to be a cabbie.
Anyway, you've got this job.
Why not concentrate on that? Yeah.
What's all this? Applying for a post-grad course? Mature student? I'm going to get one of our students into Oxbridge.
Square peg, round hole.
Dream on.
That is exactly the kind of prejudice I'm trying to get rid of.
It's not prejudice.
It's geometry.
It's a world of "we can" now, not "we can't".
Move with the times.
I applaud your idealism but it'll all end in tears.
Oh, miserablist! You'll give them a false sense of their own potential.
Unleash dangerous dreams.
What's the idea? More support of pupils to get them up to the standard of the top universities.
What kind of support? The stuff kids at private school get as a matter of course.
The first thing I want to do is set them up with individual tutors.
I think it's a wicked idea, Chris.
I'll be a tutor.
- Yeah, I'm in too.
- Great.
Looks like you've got a cling-on.
OK, everyone, quieten down, please.
Take your seats.
Right, on your table you should all have mirrors.
I want you to pick one up, take a look and draw what you can see, OK? Oi, oi, oi! - Do either of you girls fancy one? - Ooh, are you mad? No, I meant one of these.
Aiden, what are those? N-nothing.
They're confiscated.
(Bell) - I'll see you both at break.
- Definitely.
Thanks, sir.
What's this? It's a scheme to help students doing university entrance.
Can I join? Er I'm not really sure it'd benefit you.
So time off and trips and career advice and more free periods wouldn't benefit me, sir? And what about extra homework, essays, extra reading? This is hardcore academic stuff.
I don't think it'd suit you.
I want to be on the scheme.
Look I can only take on the serious consistent high achievers, Michaela.
I'm sorry.
- Are you saying I can't go to university? - No, not at all.
There's hundreds of universities and with more effort you could get a place.
But this is for students who want to go to the really academic establishments.
So better universities for better students.
Not everyone is or wants to be an academic high-flyer.
Use your big words all you want.
I know what you're saying.
- He's saying I'm thick! - No, I never said that.
So how do you know what I'm capable of if you won't even let me try? Because this requires intense study and commitment.
Right! So I'm lazy now, too? No, of course not.
Don't be stupid.
Stupid.
He called me stupid.
You calling me stupid, sir? Because I'm not stupid! What's going on? He's excluding me from the APU scheme.
He won't let me have a go.
What gives you the right to choose who can and can't go to university? I haven't said you can't go.
Can you go to class? We don't need an audience.
I want to be on the scheme.
We need to discuss this.
You know it's such a shame because I really wanted one.
- Ignore her.
- Did you want one? - I can get you one if you want one.
- No, it's OK, honestly.
- But I'll get a fresh batch by break.
- No.
- I'll phone my dealer.
- (Girls laugh) Mum? Where are you? I need some more doughnuts now! (Sighs) Just call me.
(Whispers) Karla! Are you on the APU scheme? You should be.
You've got the best memory in the class.
It's outrageous.
It's wrong and they're repressing you.
Just sign that and pass it on, yeah? Michaela! Is there a problem? No, sir.
Hi.
I've got an interview with Rachel Mason.
I'm a bit early.
Name? - Adam Fleet.
Chef.
- I've not got you down for another hour.
I like to be early.
You'll have to take a seat.
Miss, I was just wondering if I could borrow some card and some sticks.
We're doing some banners for English.
Yeah, well, help yourself to card.
- Will that do? - Yeah, thank you.
Well done.
You're brilliant.
Come on.
Yoo-hoo! Yoo-hoo! Aiden! - Can I help? - I'm just - I thought you weren't going to come.
- I'm sorry, darling.
I were at work.
I had to find an excuse to come out.
- So where are they? - Oh, yes.
- What's these? - Well, I couldn't get to Berties.
I wouldn't have got here in time.
I've promised the girls doughnuts.
- Oh, I'm sorry.
- It's OK.
We really don't mind.
- Can you not get anything right? - They're nice.
I got a lot.
Look, I'm sorry.
I did try my best.
What happened to the others? - Teacher took 'em off me.
- We're not allowed to eat in class.
Do you want me to have a word with them? - (Phone rings) - I'm going to have to go.
I'm late.
If you change your mind, you let me know, OK? Hello, I'm sorry.
She is so lame.
My mum would kill me if I talked to her like that! - (Chanting) What do we want? ALL: Equal opportunities! - When do we want 'em? Now! - What do we want? - Equal opportunities! - When do we want 'em? - Now! - What is going on here? - Equal opportunities! - When do we want it? - Quiet.
Now! - What do we want? - Equal opportunities! - When do we want it? - Now! - Do you know if we're running on time? - I'd tell you if we weren't.
Have I got time for a look around? I won't go far.
- I'll see if anyone's free to take you.
- Thank you.
- When do we want it? - Now! - What do we want? - APU! - When do we want it? - Now! - What do we want? - APU! - When do we want it? - Can we break it up now, please? ALL: We will not, we will not be moved! - What's going on, sir? - A lot of noise and very little else.
That's enough.
Well done.
You've had your moment.
No, sir.
We're not moving till our demands have been met.
- Say no to grade discrimination! - Say no to grade discrimination! - Say no to grade prejudice! - Say no to grade prejudice! - Say no to grade discrimination! - Say no to grade discrimination! - Say no to grade prejudice! - Say no to grade prejudice! - Aiden, what are you doing with those? - Enjoying them.
- They were confiscated.
- No, they weren't.
It's time you handed them over.
Have you got any idea how many calories there is in just one of these? - Are you calling me fat, miss? - (Girls giggle) Aiden, I am not concerned about your size, I'm concerned about your health.
When the new Healthy School co-ordinator starts, I'd like you to talk to them, OK? Erm What? - Has Rachel not mentioned it to you? - No.
Oh, right, well, she's interviewing now for a new head chef and they'll double up as a Healthy School co-ordinator.
Head up the policy on food and nutrition.
Right, just leave Aiden to me.
We're going to have a chat, all right? - Can I have 'em back, then? - Later.
- What do we want? - Equal rights! - When do we want them? - All right, everybody, calm down.
- I want this to stop! - Now! Mr Mead's gone for Miss Mason, miss.
Now! - What do we want? - That is enough! - When do we want 'em? - Enough! APU! APU! APU! APU! (Chanting continues) - Thank you, that's enough.
- (Cheering) What's going on? Somebody tell me what's happening here.
It's a peaceful protest, miss.
We want our voices heard.
We're not doing anything wrong.
- So what's it about? - He is labelling us second-class citizens.
Us and them.
A and B.
Clever and thick.
University and who cares.
- It's segregation, isn't it? - Yeah! OK, OK, you have been heard.
Right, thank you very much.
Let's break this up and get back to your lessons.
Miss Campbell, Mr Mead and I will have a look at your demands.
- We'll let you know our decision later.
- (Cheering) - How the hell did this happen? - Ask him.
You say we can't fail Ros.
Fine.
But we can't fail students like Michaela.
She felt excluded.
That's where this has come from.
This has come from Michaela's desire to cause trouble.
Why does she want to cause trouble? You made her feel inferior.
- I don't think so.
- Chris, you did.
By not letting her on that scheme, that is a vote of no confidence.
How can we have confidence in grades consistently low? Intelligence isn't always about grades.
No, in an ideal world, it's not.
But grades are important to universities, and this is about university.
Does Michaela want to go to university? - She's being disruptive and destructive.
- She's being creative and assertive.
Aiden, what are you doing in here? Nothing.
Well, it can't be nothing, it must be something.
I just wanted to know why you called me fat, miss.
I didn't I didn't call you fat, Aiden.
I said I was concerned about your health.
I get low blood sugar.
I need to eat.
I can't help how I am.
Well, I I think that you can, if you wanted to.
If you went to a few more of the sports classes, maybe cut back on the snacks.
Aiden, Miss Campbell will come and find you later, OK? You can talk about it then.
Where are you when I need you? I want you to ring the school.
You need to complain.
I'm being bullied.
And it's by this teacher called Miss Campbell.
She called me fat in front of all the other kids.
And she says it's my fault.
I need to talk to you, Mum.
I opened up the scheme as suggested.
Philip's on it.
Philip? Our most middle-class pupil from a university family.
Ros isn't, though, is she? She's a genuinely bright, working-class kid.
I've got a mix.
Come on, Chris, it's pretty token.
What about our under-privileged kids? They should be getting advantages that pupils like Philip get for nothing.
I hear what you're saying but the fact is not all our kids are cut out for Oxbridge.
No, I know, and I'm not saying that.
But it's our duty to nurture any ambitions that any of them might have.
There's a difference between nurturing ambition and encouraging false dreams.
One is kind, the other is cruel.
No, one is egalitarian and one isn't.
The scheme has got to be opened up properly.
For all university entrants.
Never mind all this Oxbridge elitist stuff.
OK, OK, that's enough.
We need to set up a process of application to get on this scheme.
All the kids who want to be considered can have a shot at it.
- OK.
- Right.
It would be really great if I can trust you two to deal with it.
This is our food technology department.
- May I help you? - Are you Mrs Fry? And you are? Adam Fleet.
Head chef.
I'm being interviewed today.
Ruby.
It's nice to put a face to the name that the head and I will be discussing.
- Ah.
- Thanks very much, Andrea.
- I can look after Mr Fleet now.
- Sure, no problem.
- Interesting school.
- Challenging.
I expect you have diet-related behavioural problems.
ADHD, ADD, violence, depression, aggression? Know a lot about children and behaviour, do you? I used to be in your shoes before I started chefing.
What was your background, Mr Fleet? Er, it's been quite a journey.
I began as a teacher.
Food technology, like you.
- Right.
- I wanted the buzz of a kitchen so I left and trained as a chef.
I missed working with the kids so I started as a youth worker in my spare time.
Disadvantaged teens.
Now I want to get back to working with them full-time.
There's a lot we can do.
A lot of improvements we could make.
That's fascinating.
Why don't you pop in with me and tell me a bit more about it? Don't worry about your interview because they'll be running late.
And erm if you sit in on my next class then you get a chance to meet the children.
- That would be great but are you sure? - Absolutely! Yes, my pleasure.
- Maybe for a few minutes.
Thank you.
- OK.
Interviews? We have to interview to get on the scheme? You'll get in.
It doesn't make any difference.
Oh, well, we've done it! This is exactly what we wanted.
The APU scheme open to anyone.
It's political correctness.
Box ticking.
They're wasting their time.
Too right they are.
We'll all do it.
It'll take 'em all week to get through us.
- I don't think so.
- Nope, definitely not me, sorry.
Well, you will, won't you? We can't stop now! I hate interviews.
They're scary.
Looks like you'll be representing the underprivileged alone.
It's just talking.
All we've got to do is give them a hard time.
It's a prop.
Right, we take turns with our questions and we give each other space, yeah? All right.
Hi, Danielle.
Why do you think you are university material? I'm not sure I am.
Erm Because you told me I was.
I'm only here because Michaela made me, so Go on.
I want to be an international lawyer.
So I thought I could do a language degree and then a law conversion course.
I'm applying to get onto the scheme that prepares me for university entrance.
If I get on, then I'll be in a better position to answer that question.
Michaela, why do you think that you're university material? Why wouldn't I be? Can we have a little bit less attitude, please? Look, this is an opportunity for you to, well, prove to us and to yourself that you deserve a place, OK? So why do you want to go to university? Better education equals better jobs, better money, better lifestyle.
Better all round.
I've got ambition.
And what do you think you have to offer a university? Myself.
Right, gather round.
I'd like to introduce you to somebody.
This is Mr Fleet and he is a professional chef.
He's taken time out to chat with you today.
- He's buff.
- No, he's not! I'm going to observe you if that's all right by way of an informal interview.
Sure.
OK.
Erm All right, hi, kids.
Let's take a look at this recipe here.
Now can anyone tell me what it's for? Come on, take a guess.
- Aiden, would you read it out for us? - Excellent.
Water, rehydrated rusk, dextrose, stabiliser, raising agent, pork rind, pork fat, filled-in beef protein casings.
Urgh, what are filled-in beef protein casings? Bits of the beef carcass that can't be used for meat.
Like the bones, the gristle, the hooves.
- Urgh! - Carry on, Aiden.
Antioxidants, sugar, colour and yeast extract.
- Is it dog food, sir? - No.
Someone else have a guess.
A biscuit? It's something most of you eat pretty regularly.
- Sausage roll? - Urgh! Sausage roll.
And that is what's in it.
So you are what you eat.
Think about it.
Well, thank you very much.
That was very informative.
- If you could stay a moment longer.
- I'll have to go.
I Is this a question? A question is a sentence concluding in a question mark which requires an answer.
Unless the question is rhetorical, in which case the answer is implied by the question or questioner.
So, yes, your sentence could be described as a question.
Is this a question? Is this necessary? Is this a question? You've been reading the Oxbridge horror stories on the internet.
(Both laugh) Is this a question? If this is an answer.
(Laughs) Spot on.
We called you.
I gave your slot to another candidate.
Is there any chance I could be seen later? It's unlikely.
I'll see what I can do.
This is a bomb.
You all right? - This is a bomb.
- It's a ball.
I'll get it.
Yeah, I know.
It's a bomb.
And if it was a bomb I'd throw it out the window.
Which is how someone passed his Oxford interview.
- This is a bomb.
- Aargh! Where do you see yourself in ten years? (Sighs) With a beard.
(Both laugh) Thank you.
Erm In a job, I suppose.
God, I'll be 27! Thank you.
In a French-speaking North African country, working in human rights.
- Brilliant.
Thanks, Ros.
- Thank you, Ros.
I don't know.
Well, what would you like to be doing? I know what I don't want to be doing.
OK, what's that? Raising three kids in a one-bedroomed flat.
No bloke.
No job.
So what would you like? Well, I suppose I'm good at telling people what to do.
I know it's usually just for a laugh but I could make a good boss, couldn't I? Yeah.
I'd like to have my own business.
Thank you, Michaela.
He's here, he's here.
OK.
I've got the results from your interviews.
Michaela? Don't you want to hear how you did? Congratulations.
You four got through.
- Are you serious? - Yeah.
- I got through? - You did very well.
(Screams) I'm going to university! No, whoa, hang on.
I haven't finished.
It isn't a fait accompli yet.
What? It's not all sewn up yet.
Congratulations on getting through part one.
- You mean there's more? - Yeah.
Stage two.
There'll be a written paper after lunch.
Like an exam? Think of it more as a chance to express your opinions.
It's not testing your knowledge.
More a chance to show your powers of analysis.
What's that? Your ability to argue.
- Should be all right, then.
- Shut up.
The subject's going to be "The past, the present or the future.
Which has most value to you and why?" I want you to use your lunch break to make any notes, do some research and plan your essay.
Well done, all of you, and good luck with the paper.
# You visit my sleep # When I'm trying to dream # These thoughts I don't want to keep Come in.
Have you got a moment, miss? Yeah, course I have, come in.
You did really good today, you know.
Thanks.
Do you really think I can go to university? I think you've got so much potential, you could do anything you put your mind to.
- You're not just saying that, are you? - No.
Right, well, will you help me with the next bit, then? - What next bit? - The exam.
- What exam? - The exam Mr Mead told us about.
- When did he tell you about that? - Before.
I find it harder to express myself and argue on paper, so I wondered if you have any tips.
Erm Yeah.
The best thing is to keep it clear and simple.
Write it as you'd speak it.
Don't try and be too literary.
- Bookish.
- Right.
- And make sure you use your own voice.
- OK.
Don't get intimidated by the exam conditions.
Keep confident.
Just be yourself.
That's the key to your success.
OK.
You've got a really good opportunity here.
Make the most of it.
# I know that you're waiting # To break my heart What's this essay? You didn't mention that earlier! Ah, yeah.
Er Michaela literally thought that that was it.
That she had a university place.
I couldn't let her believe that.
I'm only protecting her, Kim.
Shouldn't you have discussed it with me first? Yes.
Yeah, I should have done and I apologise.
But Rachel wanted a proper application process.
This is it.
We can't just let them through on interview, Kim.
Universities test academically.
To let the kids think otheRWise is setting them up for a fall.
Hang on, Michaela has just proved that she has got as much right to be on this scheme as anybody else.
No.
She's proved she's quick-witted and she's got the gift of the gab.
She's street and she's smart but she's not academic.
And as much as I'd love to be proved wrong, Michaela won't get the grades they ask for.
We'll cross that bridge when we get to it but for now we have got a student who has all of a sudden got this ambition and drive.
And instead of encouraging her, you want her to fall at the first hurdle! - You're missing the point.
- No, you are! Kim, just calm down.
I don't want you getting all het up.
My God, you really are like this sexist, elitist, prejudiced OK, can I get a little word in here? I've got Aiden Keen's mum downstairs in a fury.
It's difficult because now she's saying you called Aiden fat.
She's accusing you of bullying and prejudice.
Shall we deal with it? Prejudice.
Your favourite subject.
I haven't got all day, you know.
I'm due back at work! I'm sorry to keep you waiting, Mrs Keen.
Kim Campbell.
Oh, so it's you who's been giving my son so much grief? I'm not sure what Aiden's said but there are two sides to every story.
You're accusing him of being a liar as well, are you? - I don't think that was Kim's intention.
- Well, it's what I heard.
If it wasn't what she meant, she ought to be careful with her words! Aiden got a little bit upset this morning when I confiscated some snacks that he was eating in my class.
Then I had to have a word with him when he stole the bag back.
Oh, so he's a thief now as well, is he? Well, I'm sorry, but you've got my son wrong.
- He never nicked that bag back.
- I'm afraid he did, Mrs Keen.
Well, what's them there, then? I brought him in the snacks he had at break.
I brought in sausage rolls.
Them in there is doughnuts.
- Doughnuts.
- I'd like an apology, please.
- There you go.
- Cheers.
Thanks a lot.
- What will you have? - Chicken.
Anything else? - Chips? - Yeah, please.
Cheers.
OK.
Who's next? What would you like? Aiden has a healthy appetite.
When he comfort eats, it's because he is not happy.
And he is not happy because he's being bullied at school.
- Have you been aware of any bullying? - No, she is the bully! I can't allow you to speak to my staff like that.
But you let her talk about my son like that.
Aiden is a complicated and conflicted young boy.
No.
Aiden is a gentle and sensitive young boy and if the insensitive and aggressive way that you're talking to me is the way you talk to him, I'm not surprised he's been having these upsets! I don't think that Aiden is the same at school as what he is at home.
Mrs Keen, what is he like at home? Well, he's tired from school, isn't he? There's a lot of stress put on him.
So I don't put on pressure.
I just give him what he needs.
Look after him and he's calm, he's mellow.
And in your point of view, what's he like at school? To be honest, he's sulky, he's negative, he's withdrawn, he's hostile to the other pupils, rude to staff.
You have really got it in for him, haven't you? You know what, I think Aiden should be here.
You should get him.
He should be involved in this discussion.
- OK.
- I'm coming with you.
- Is she ready for me? - Full diary all afternoon.
You could wait and catch her at the end of the day.
OK.
Thank you.
# Won't you be my fantasy? - Lover boy's coming over.
- He's not my lover boy.
- Is this seat free? - Make room, everyone.
- Sam's boyfriend wants to sit down.
- Shut up, Lauren.
- Yeah.
Shut up, Lauren.
- Are you two together or something? - You didn't tell me.
- Leave it.
- I thought you only had eyes for Bolton.
- Shut up.
She said shut up! - You can't speak for her.
- Well, you can't either! Sam, why don't you just tell him? Tell him you don't like him.
She doesn't like you! - Leave her alone.
- Shut up! Just shut up! - What are you doing, you fat slob! - You anorexic cow! You what? Calm down.
Lauren! What are you doing, Aiden? Leave that girl alone! Calm down.
- (Whispers) Are you all right? - Erm What do we do if we run out of paper? There's only half an hour.
I'm sure you'll be fine.
- What were you doing? - I didn't mean to.
It were her, she were winding me up.
She made me hit her.
No, Aiden, we have a strong policy about physical violence in this school and there is not an excuse for it, ever.
She were bullying me! - Is that right, Sam? - No.
Yeah, she were.
She were picking on me.
She were making fun of my weight.
She was making fun of me, too.
She was just teasing.
We tease each other all the time.
You just can't take it.
The only person that's got a problem with their weight is you.
The rest of us, we just don't care.
You care.
You won't go out with me because I'm fat.
No.
It's because I don't like you.
Are you going to let her talk to my son like that? Explain why you said that.
It wasn't very kind.
- He isn't very kind.
- I've had enough of this.
He takes everything personally.
He won't join in with anything and he always feels sorry for himself.
You make it impossible for anyone to be your friend, Aiden.
You always make us feel like we're upsetting you, even when we're not.
The only person that's a bully is you.
Erm, sir.
Can I have some more paper, please? How did it make you feel when Sambuca said that, Aiden? None of this would have happened if you'd have come for me when I told you to.
Please don't talk to your mum like that.
- Can we go? - Why do you let him talk to you like that? - Sam - This morning he called you lame! You're too nice to him.
He doesn't deserve you.
Shut up! You know nothing about us, so shut it! That is enough, Aiden.
You may talk to your mum like that at home but we do not allow rudeness in this school.
You see, Mum? They're all against me, all the time.
Maybe Aiden is struggling with the different boundaries that he has at home and at school.
We all want the best for Aiden but we need your support at home if he's going to be a success at school.
Thank you.
I know that you care.
- Where are you going? - With you.
No, you're staying at school until the end of the day.
But I don't want to.
I want to come with you! I have tried to do my best by you, Aiden.
I've given you everything.
Maybe it's too much.
It's not made you happy, has it? It's not working.
Mum! You just listen to your teachers while you're at school because I am not interfering with your school business any more! So I'll see you later.
Psst! (Whispers) How do you spell "coincidentally"? - Philip! - Shut up.
But I need to know how to spell Look, I'm trying to do my work, OK? (Tapping continues) Look, sir, I can't concentrate.
Either she has to move or I will.
I'm not doing anything.
Just cos you can't do it doesn't mean you have to drag us down.
Quiet, please, these are exam conditions.
- I've finished, sir.
- There's still ten minutes left.
Why don't you use that time to check through your work? No.
You were right.
I am second-rate.
# I hear a silent whisper # And I know you're close # I watch your shadow linger # And I feel your ghost Is Lauren OK? Yeah.
I've sent her to the school nurse, though.
And is Aiden's mum still here? No, no, she's gone home.
I think she finally saw the other side to her son.
Any luck with any of these candidates? It's an eclectic bunch but I don't think any of them are right.
Oh, and we had one no-show.
It was this guy, Adam Fleet.
He didn't turn up.
- Oh, no, no! He was in the canteen.
- Really? - Mmm.
- Any idea where he is now? - I should imagine he's still there.
- Right, thanks.
I'll go and find him.
Michaela.
(Sobs) You lied to me, miss.
- You made me think that I could do it! - I don't understand.
What's happened? I made such an idiot of myself in there! What do I do? What do I do now? Come on.
Adam Fleet? - I know you, don't I? - Amanda Fenshaw! Oh, my God, I don't believe it.
It is you! It's Adam Fleet Fat Adam! (Laughs) I'm sorry! Good to see you too! Do you work here? - I'm the head teacher.
- Rachel Mason? I had to change my name.
It's a long story.
- I had an interview with you today.
- I know.
I recognised your name but You used to be much bigger, didn't you? I did, yes.
That was some time ago.
- It has been a long time.
- Well, you haven't changed.
You have! But you still can't keep an appointment! I got hijacked by your food tech teacher.
She got me demonstrating my methods.
- Seemed pleased.
- She never mentioned that.
- Really? - Look, I have got some time now.
- Do you want to do that interview? - That would be great.
I never even wanted to try out for the scheme properly.
I was just annoyed at Ros and Philip and then you made me think I could do it.
I should have known I couldn't do it.
I shouldn't have believed you.
You proved yourself highly capable in those interviews today.
Not in the exams.
Look, the exams and the interviews weren't about passing and failing.
They were about showing us what the best way foRWard for each student was.
So what's the best way foRWard for me? Well, you've got a choice.
You could go to uni.
You would have to apply yourself.
You'd have to get your written work up to standard but what you need to ask yourself is three years' academic study what you really want? I want to be successful.
I want to make something of myself.
And you will.
You're already on your way to doing that now.
Believe it or not, you had a great day today.
It was a good learning curve.
You can be anything that you want to be.
You just need to want it enough.
Well, I know what I don't want.
What? I don't want to go to university.
Well, you might change your mind on that again.
Higher education isn't the only way.
Some of our most powerful entrepreneurs, Sir Alan Sugar, Sir Richard Branson, they didn't go to university.
Mr Mead said all three of us are through.
These are the papers.
Erm What did you get? - How about you? - Must be a mistake.
- What? - 90%? Congratulations, Ros! You're doing modern languages for your APU, right? I've been chosen to be your tutor.
Any idea who I've got? Oh, you'll have to ask Mr Mead about that.
It's just our Oxbridge candidate for the moment.
How's Michaela? Er, well, she's she's bruised but she's a survivor.
She'll be OK.
It's better she goes through this disappointment now.
It'd only be more painful further down the line.
No, I still think that she could go to uni if she puts her mind to it.
You can't put a glass ceiling on her ambition.
I admire your principles, Kim, but this one-size-fits-all philosophy doesn't work.
No, Chris, it's not about that.
These kids are fragile, they need positive reinforcement.
They don't need telling that they're not good enough.
Right, and that's what you were doing with Aiden Keen, is it? - Aiden Keen - Sir, I don't understand what's going on.
What? I thought I was down as a potential Oxbridge student.
Nothing's been decided yet, Philip.
Ros has been given a tutor.
She's been told she's the only candidate.
No, that's a rumour.
Me and Miss Campbell are discussing everything now.
It's not fair if you're basing everything on that exam today.
I'll speak to you in the morning.
OK? Less chat, more action.
Right.
Team captains, Paul and Bolton.
Get into your teams.
Let's play.
Go on! - Sorry! - (Laughs) Thanks, Aiden.
Why don't you join us, Aiden? Might be your sport.
Come on.
Maybe some other time but thanks.
- Right, come on.
- Come on, guys.
Kids understand food by handling it.
Getting to grips with the whole process.
That makes sense.
Get someone like Aiden to make a list of what he ate yesterday.
Work out the calories and nutritional content.
Using the same ingredients, I'd teach him how to make something like this.
Fewer calories and proper nutritional content.
Hmm, well, smells good.
I seem to remember that you were known as the take-away king.
- It was all fish and chips and pizzas.
- Not any more.
Mexican-style chicken mole, the only main course I could come up with that used chocolate Chocolate? OK Let's give it a go then.
Chocolate - Actually, that's really good.
- Thank you.
- That's delicious.
- Thank you.
I'd like to do this with all the kids with weight issues.
Rework their relationship with food.
Reconnect them with what they're eating.
Yeah.
Congratulations.
If you want this job, it's yours.
Thank you.