14x04 - Episode 4

[bunniefuu]

I know things aren't right for you,
but I'm not the enemy.

My period's really heavy and
I'm in so much pain. I've got you

a doctor's appointment for next
week. And I got you some stuff

for your period pains.
You haven't mentioned to anyone that

we used to be a thing, back in
the day? Are you still in love with

the head teacher?
Oh, you are way off the mark!

Well, if she was doing the decent
thing, then she'd have told you

all about her and Ste. You told him?
Why would you do that?!

It's just the two of us -
it's not really a band, is it?

We can put a band together.
I can put in a word,

if you want to try out. Welcome to
the band. Did you wreck my guitar?

I'm going to wreck you.
You meet me here

after school, and you can have a go.

That's disgusting!
SHUTTER CLICKS

Did you enjoy that?

See you next week, pal.

Music is a passion,

and once you fall for it,

it'll be with you for life.

Unlike other subjects,
music isn't about books or essays.

It isn't about exams, or even

hitting the right notes

in the right order. Music

is about making you feel something.

It gives you a voice,

a way of communicating.

Get rid of the gum, Mr Weever.

Make the class less boring,
Miss Walker.

Don't worry about getting it right.

Worry about creating magic.

# Get back in line

# I can't deny myself
Show me the feeling

# Oh, you got me wrong

# If you don't belong
Live in the trouble

# Don't hesitate

# Time heals the pain

# You ain't the problem... #

So just play with all your heart.

# La-la-la-la-la

# La-la-la-la-la, la

# La-la-la-la-la. #

Sounding great, guys.

Yeah, wonderful stuff. Well done!
It'll go down brilliantly at

the Battle of the Bands tonight.
Oh, absolutely.

We've got something a bit heavier
we could show you - some Nirvana?

Oh, Nirvana! You know
the way to a man's heart.

If I didn't know any better,
I'd think you were buttering me up.

Now, folks, I've actually just
popped in to tell you

I've seen the mock exam results
and you've all done much better than

this time last year.
So well done. Well done.

That's good to hear.

Well, the crib sheets you gave us
obviously did the trick.

LONE CLAPPING

PUPILS MUTTER: No. No. No.

Miss Chambers, er...

How was I meant to know?

Crib sheets? Really?

It's not as bad as it sounds.
Most of my students

aren't academic, Steve.
Well, that would suggest that

the entry requirements to
this subject were set too low.

No, they just need a
bit of extra support.

Oh, give over, Val!
You were helping them to cheat!

I gave them a fighting chance.
Well, maybe I should mark those

crib sheets as well, given that Noel
only got 20%, even WITH help.

The arts are about empathy,
creativity, humanity.

Being able to write an essay
about jazz is meaningless.

Well, we'll have to agree
to disagree on that one,

because grades are what I'm about,

and writing essays is part of that.

They're all going to have to
resit it. Today.

We're supposed to be rehearsing. Mm.

You said Years 12 and 13

could be off timetable...
Yes, I did say that.

That was before I found out
you were spoon-feeding them answers

to an important exam. A mock exam,
which you threw at them early.

Why is it so vital that
they resit this exam today?

The Trust - they want predicted
grades across all A-level subjects

before the end of the week.
Because that's the cut-off point

for changing subjects.

VALERIE SCOFFS

Are you going to encourage
underperforming pupils

to drop out of all subjects,
or just the creative ones?

If students are in subjects that
they aren't capable of passing,

well, then, I'm sorry,
they shouldn't be.

Hello, fiancee! Oh, now,
if you're after the brownies

before the kids get to 'em,
you're too early.

As much as I'd love one of your
brownies, I've come to tell you

that I'm heading to a careers
fair for potential teachers.

Oh, really? Yeah, Steve just
mentioned it, when I told him about

how much I enjoyed
covering for Coral last week.

Well, I mean, I might be biased,

but I think you're going to be
the best teacher. Yeah? Mm-hm.

Erm, yeah. Thing is, though,
er, I've got to go now,

so I'm not going to be able to take
Tonya to her doctor's appointment.

You've made Tonya
a doctor's appointment?

Well, yeah, I thought she told you
about it. For her period pains.

Oh! Do you know, I don't know what
all the fuss is about.

She's played you like a fiddle.

Just, please, just talk to her.

All right? I've got to go.
I'll see you later.

Bye. See ya.

Er, excuse me.

Where do you think you're going to?

My stomach's really hurting. Well,
you were only on the other week.

I had to buy extra tampons for you,
didn't I? What, you think

I'm making it up?!
I'm not saying that.

That's what it feels like, OK?
Period pains.

I don't know why, but it does.

I am in so much pain,

and I feel like I can't even move.

All right. All right, OK,
just...just you sit there, right?

I'll go and get me stuff and
I'll take you to the doctor's, OK?

Just so you know,
there's been a change of plan.

All A-level
music students, unfortunately,

are going to be sitting another
practice exam paper later.

MUTTERING
I know. I know.

BELL RINGS
The orders came from above.

Well, I mean,
I'm sure with your support, Miss,

we'll all be all right, won't we?

Not this time, Noel,
this is serious.

This paper's being sat
under exam conditions.

I can't give any additional support
or help, I'm sorry.

It just won't come out. If you
put chewing gum in the freezer,

it makes it easier to take out,
apparently. Right, well,

I can't exactly put my entire head
in a freezer, can I, Shola?

Have you told your
dad about him yet?

I'll just... I'll go see if I can
wash it out. I'll see you in class.

That sounds like a three-man job
to me. Come on.

Thanks. Ah.
Where are you three off to?

Just fitting in a quick rehearsal.

Billy's doing a solo tonight.

Ah. I thought you were
playing guitar

in Noel and Preston's band.

Billy?

I lost it... You what? I'm sorry.

How do you lose a guitar?!

What, did it grow legs
and walk off, did it? I don't know.

Your mum gave you that guitar!

Yeah, I know, and I said I'm sorry.
What more do you want from me?

"If the wind changes,
your face will stay like that." Ha!

That's what our nana used to say.
Yeah. It's good, that.

I don't know what to do. Ah, well,
if you go in with an attitude

like that, then... Look, does it
actually matter if you fail?

It's just a mock, man.

Er, yeah. Cos if I fail,
they'll kick me out of music.

Yeah, but you can still play,
even if you don't study it.

Look at our Preston.
You don't get it, do you? What?

Well, look, if I can't take
music as a subject, yeah,

what else am I going to do?

Born entertainer, me.
THEY LAUGH

Oi, Fanny Ann!
You forgot your English folder.

Get your feet down, you scruff.

What's up with you?
Hey, if the wind changes,

your face'll stay like that.
I just said that!

My, er, future's at stake.

I really need tonight to go well,
yeah? People to impress.

Anyone in particular?

No. You fancy someone.

No, I don't. Who do you fancy?

I can tell when someone fancies
someone - you fancy someone.

I don't fancy anyone.
Noel's got a crush!

Do we know her? Noel's got a crush!
I don't fancy anyone.

Noel's got a crush!

"I'm Noel and I've got
my love goggles on."

No, where you going, man?
Don't leave! Don't leave!

I've been getting really bad
period pains.

But, like, it's not just
when I'm on my period.

It's pretty much all the time now.

Do you have any other symptoms?

Upset stomach, have you been feeling
emotional or anything like that?

Er, we have just lost my mum.

I'm really sorry to hear that.

Come and sit down.

Sometimes, when
we're feeling stressed,

we can get physical symptoms, too.

Stress?

Are you saying it's in my head?

Cos it's not, it really hurts.

OK.

Well, if you're struggling,

we can consider prescribing
the contraceptive pill.

If you take it constantly,
it can help with pain.

Obviously, you'd still need to use
condoms, though, to prevent STIs.

Please take this leaflet.
It's got more information on it.

Excuse me!

My daughter's 14 years old.

She doesn't need to be
thinking about STIs!

We'll manage this by ourselves,
come on. But, Mum... Come on!

Who can tell me what Vivaldi
used to provide the imagery

and aesthetic for Spring?

Erm, he uses violins to mimic
the sounds of birds tweeting.

Very good, Millie.

How do you even know that? Look, I
don't even understand the question.

Keep writing down your answers,
as many as possible.

Er, what makes the music
feel like spring?

Erm, it's repetitive,
so light and quick.

That's right. Vivaldi wanted
to capture the cheerful,

dynamic nature of the season. Right,
so is it...? Is this going to be

one of the questions
on the exam, then?

No, but there will be similar
you'll be able to answer.

I'm just no good at exams,
right, Miss?

Look, even when I know stuff,
my brain goes blank,

so I don't want to do it. And if
that happens, you just move on

to the next question
and go back when you're ready.

But I don't get why we've got to do
a written exam for music.

Surely it's the practical side
that matters.

It's just one of those things, I'm
afraid, Noel. I might fail music.

It's something I'm good at. I know.

Just read, listen and stay calm.

You will pass.

# Weak as I am

# No tears for you

# Weak as I am

# No tears for you... #
Oh!

Sorry!
MUSIC SPILLS FROM EARPHONES

You looking forward to the
Battle of the Bands tonight?

Well, Val's promised me
some classic Nirvana. Ooh!

Yeah, right, well, I mean,
she's put a lot effort in,

Val, and, er, well, the students
are going to have a great time.

She told you about
the music exam resits, then?

Mm. Now, do you think that pulling
students out of subjects

that they love might impact
their motivation to learn?

Joe, I wouldn't be doing
my job properly

if I allowed students to fail
without intervening, now, would I?

There's loads of ways
to improve grades.

Oh, yeah, well, we could give them
crib sheets, couldn't we? Look,

I love music as much
as the next person,

but we've got to turn
these results around, Joe.

If the students can't do the theory,

they'll have to play music
outside of school, won't they?

KNOCK ON DOOR
Sorry to interrupt,

but, er, Jamie's here.

Ah, Jamie, nice to see you again!

Jamie's our new caretaker,

now that Donte's coaching more
and Rolf has retired.

Oh, good for Rolf! Yeah.

Shall I do the tour? No, no.

I'll do it, don't worry. I was
finished here, anyway, wasn't I?

Wouldn't want Wendy putting you off
before you'd even started! Come on!

If, at any point in the exam,
you need extra pages

or to ask a question,
just raise your hand.

You have 65 minutes.

You may turn your papers over now.

I-I can't do it.

I'm sorry, Miss, I just can't do it.

DOOR BANGS

Carry on, please.

I will be back soon.

So, what do you think
about me going on the pill?

I think maybe we should try
other things first.

I mean, heat packs, painkillers...
I've already tried it all.

If it makes me feel better, why
can't I just start taking it now?

Let's just wait.

You know, it might
just...settle down.

But what if it doesn't, Mum?

Oh, forget it. What is the point?!

And this is our
Head of Catering, Nicky.

What she can do with a bag of spuds
is nothing short of sorcery.

I'll leave the lunchbox
at home, then.

Er, this is Jamie. He's taking over
from Rolf as our new caretaker.

Good to meet you. Yeah, you too.

Always good to keep the person
in charge of food on side,

I always say. I'll, er,
I'll keep that in mind.

Is he fit?

Looks like Donte's got competition.

Listen, you've tried to sabotage
my relationship once already,

do not try and do it again.
All right, keep your knickers on!

He IS fit.

Get lost. Or what?

I mean it! Our Tonya is in
a right mess at the moment

and I need to focus on her,
so just leave me alone.

Come back inside.

Why? We both know
I'm going to fail anyway.

Hey, don't be so hard on yourself.

I'm being realistic.

This is not a reflection on you
as a musician.

A-levels aren't for everyone.

Just be honest with me, Miss.

Am I wasting my time?

If you don't go back to the
exam hall, then, yes, you are.

So, come on.

Yeah? Yeah.

This is the sixth form common room.

Smell that? That's teen angst
and body spray.

Noel just needed a quick break
from the exam.

Performance anxiety, sir.

It's one of them things, innit?

That's mint.

Yo, you around tonight? Maybe. Why?

I scoped out this sick bike. I
looked it up, it's worth a few quid.

Ah, yeah. Talking my language.

THEY LAUGH

What, don't you want everyone
to see you in your kecks?

I thought we had till lunchtime

before he'd take it down.
I forgot my science book.

I heard you've got a little show
tonight, Billy Boy.

Hope no-one messes it up for you!

You might want to get off his back,
you know.

Don't want to spend
a week at home like I did.

Thanks, you know, for taking
the heat for me and all that.

I appreciate it.

Yeah, whatever.

The square opposite the hypotenuse

is equal to the sum of the squares
on the other two sides.

Now, if the sides of
the right-angled triangle

are labelled A, B and C,
Pythagoras' theorem states that...

Miss, please can I go to the toilet?

Isn't it convenient that
every single maths lesson,

you need to use the toilet? Miss,
but I really, really need to go.

No. I'm sure you can wait.

So Pythagoras' theorem -
A squared + B squared = C squared.

Shove Pythagoras
where the sun don't shine!

Tonya!

Sit down, Dwayne.
It's not a free-for-all.

Right, where was we?
Pythagoras' theorem.

See? That wasn't so bad, was it?

I actually think I've done
all right, you know, Miss.

I can't believe there was
a question in there as well

on my specialist subject -
Scouse house.

No... I'm joking!

But, er, thank you, though, Miss,

for pushing me and that.

Enjoy your break. See you in a bit.

Tonya?

Tonya? You shouldn't be in here!

I, uh...

I know what's happened.

Do you want me to get you some
clothes from lost property? No!

I don't...I don't need your help.

No-one saw,
if that's what you're worried about.

I don't even know why it happened.

It's not even the right time.

Should I get your mum?

She already knows.

She doesn't care.

Is there anything I can do?

Er, I'll be OK.

I'm sorry.

Why?

It's not your fault.

No, I know. I mean...

I'm just...

I'm sorry that
it's happening to you.

I'd hate to be a girl.

You wouldn't last five
minutes with this pain.

I've seen you scream over
a paper cut. All right, well,

that was actually very painful,
thank you very much.

I had to have, like, two plasters,
an' all. It was bad.

Oh, my God, two plasters?!
DWAYNE LAUGHS

KNOCK ON DOOR

Come in.

So, are you going to tell me what
you and Noel were talking about

when he should have been
sitting his exam?

He lost his nerve and walked out.

You left all the other
students unsupervised.

You know how much was
riding on this exam.

Yeah, for everybody, Val,
not just for him.

Was I just supposed to let him fail,
without even trying?

Well, I hope it was worth it.

Well, you definitely weren't feeding
the answers this time, were you?

Look, I'll...I'll get him down here,

and speak to him about what other
subjects might be an option.

Noel is the most talented musician
I have in that class.

You can't pull him out of the only
subject he truly cares about.

Hey, you've got to look at it
from my... If Noel goes, I go.

Ha!

You what? I came into this job
to support young people

to do the best that they can do,

not throw them on the scrapheap

because they don't match up to
some arbitrary marking scheme.

Oh, come on, Val, you can't
seriously be willing to risk

your career over the failure of
one student! Noel is not a failure!

He deserves better than this!
All of our students do!

Look, Val... I'm out, Steve.

You and I, we're never going to see
eye to eye.

The quicker I leave, the quicker you
can improve your precious grades!

Val... Val, please. Just...

Look, just calm down, take some
time and let's talk again later.

I don't need more time. I stand
by every word I said in there.

This is not what
I came into teaching for. Fine.

Look, if you're that unhappy,
I can't force you to stay.

But I'd appreciate it if
you'd work your notice,

just give me time
to recruit a replacement.

Me staying on won't benefit
the school or the students.

I'm not going to change how I teach,

so we're just going to go round
in circles until I leave.

I will make sure there
are clear lesson plans

and schemes of work to follow.
The students won't suffer.

Right, er, Caz, I think my vocals
need to be just a little bit higher.

Er, yeah, and my guitar.

How does that sound now? Er...

LOUD RIFF

Sound, yeah. Wahey!

Go on, the boy! Right, we need to
get your vocals sorted.

Yeah, no, I can't sing tonight.
Why? What's wrong?

It's not cos of your dad, is it?

No. Erm...
It's performance anxiety.

Look, I've been there.

Yeah? You'll get through it.
Come on. It's not...

Like, I'm not... It's Schuey,
isn't it? He's been at you again?

Mate! Look, I know being a teacher's
kid isn't easy, but you can't just

let rats like Schuey just stop you
doing stuff you enjoy.

Yeah, well, I've already got a big
enough target on my back as it is,

and I don't really want to be
giving people more excuses, do I?

It's just not worth the hassle.
Of course it is! No.

Look, I appreciate you letting me
join your band and everything,

but I'm not doing it, end of.
No, Billy...

Look, right, sir,
tell Billy not to drop out, right?

We need him later.
Miss Chambers will persuade him.

Actually, er, Miss Chambers
is no longer running

the Battle of the Bands
this evening. What?

I can't do it without her.
Is she OK? Yeah, she's fine.

Er, and I've asked Miss Spratt
to look after you,

so you won't be doing it alone. OK?

Good luck.

Well, erm, that was weird.

There's no way she would have just
dropped out and not told us.

Yeah. Something's happened.
Think she could be ill?

Er, well, he'd have just said that,
wouldn't he?

Yeah, I don't get why
he's being so cagey.

I bet he's sacked her.
He can't do that, can he?

He can.

And I think I know why.

I would be well up for starting
a teachers' band. I love karaoke.

Oh, you're not one of those,
are you, who hogs the mic?

No! Only if I'm doing
Meat Loaf or Cher. Right,

well, I will be in the corner,
then, with a prosecco,

drowning out the sound. Apparently,
singing is really good for

your mental health, innit?

Val, what do you reckon - teachers'
band, great idea or terrible?

Val?

Are you all right?

I'm leaving.

You what?

I've had enough, so I quit.

Seriously?

Steve is threatening to take
some of my most talented students

out of music because they're
underperforming academically,

and I just can't agree to it.

OK, you're upset -
yeah, totally legitimately -

but you can't just leave.
What about tonight

and your students? You're not going
to change my mind or persuade me.

I'm leaving.
Quietly and with no fuss.

Hey.

Is it because of me?

What?

You dropping out of the Battle of
the Bands, is that cos of me?

I got upset earlier
about you losing your guitar,

and I shouldn't have, and I'm sorry.

OK.

Are you sure you've lost it?

I said I did, didn't I?
Yeah, but it's...

It hasn't got anything to do with
all this hassle

that you've been getting? No!

I lost it. I'm an idiot.

You could borrow one.

You said it yourself,
Mum gave it me.

Billy...

..a guitar, it's...just
wood and string, mate.

Your mum gave you
much more than that.

What she gave you
is in here, the real stuff.

Your passion for music.
Your pure talent.

And I know you'll regret
not performing. So just...

..have a little rethink, eh?

If not for me, for your mum.

All right?

Mum, I need to go home.

What, now? Why? I kind of...

I leaked in maths class and my
stomach's still really hurting.

OK, well, I've got some paracetamol
in my bag. Paracetamol doesn't even

touch the sides.
Mum, please, I just want to go home.

Oh, yeah, on your own?

Or is Dwayne going to pop
round while we're all out?

What?! I saw you both earlier,
leaving the toilets together.

If that's the real reason
you want to go on the pill,

I just wish you'd tell me the truth.

Nothing's going on
between me and Dwayne!

We're not doing anything like that.

He's just being a good mate.

If this was Preston, you'd
bend over backwards to help him.

Oh, well, I'm sorry for being a
bit suspicious, given that every

other time you've been off school,
you've been on the rob.

You are not going home, end of.

Miss, why aren't you going to be at
the Battle of the Bands tonight?

We need you there!
I-I can't say too much.

Are you in trouble?
Have you been sacked, Miss? Cos...

I am leaving.
Wait, what, for good?!

What, leaving? Yes. Just like that?
Hold on. Hold on. Hold on.

There is a disconnect

between the way that I work and
the way that the school now works.

But the most important thing
for you to know is that it has

nothing to do with you.

I'm sorry I can't
be there tonight...

VOICE BREAKS: ..but I know that
you will all be amazing.

Please go and enjoy your lunch.

TONYA BREATHES RAGGEDLY

Tonya? Tonya?

Oi, are you... Are you OK?

Oi, Ton. Tonya!

Oi, Ton! Look at me, yeah?

Look at me! Look at me!

ECHOES: Can you hear me?
I'm going to go get your mum, OK?

Just stay there! Agh!

What do you think,
for the party on Saturday?

I'm not sure. Who have you
borrowed that off, your mum?

Take that as a no, then.

You fancy her, don't you?

SCHUEY SCOFFS
Get lost.

I don't blame ya. She's fit,

and she well likes you too.
Look, shut up.

I mean, she must do.

Why else would she just
swallow a suspension

and not even grass you up?

Er, no running, Mr Jackson! Miss!
There's something wrong with Tonya!

Well, where is she?
Upstairs, but quick!

OK, everybody, head outside.

Go and get some vitamin D,
before lunchtime finishes.

Are you hurt, baby? What happened?

Nothing to see. Come on.

She just collapsed.

There are easier ways of
getting attention, you know.

Right, we need to get her
to hospital.

Should I call an ambulance, or...?
No, no, I'll drive.

No, no, no. We can get a cab.
It's quicker if I drive.

Right, I'll come with you.
I'll come, too. No, lads.

You've got lessons to get to.

We'll give you a call
if there's an update.

Noel, what are you doing here?

They'll run out of mushy peas
again, you know.

Miss...I know you said it's got
nothing to do with us, but...

..I know Mr Savage is annoyed about
you helping me in the exam and that.

Noel, what I choose to do
is my responsibility and mine only.

I get that, but, like...

..he doesn't want me
to do A-level music.

I know that. Even if I do manage
to scrape through the exam,

my days are numbered anyway.
So, I don't know...

..if it helps, I'll quit.

Then you can stay.

That's really kind,

but the decision has been made.

Don't let Mr Savage put you off.

Whatever happens, please know that
you are incredibly talented.

Don't give up!

Thank you, Miss. You're welcome.

Boo!
GIGGLING

I'm guessing the exam
didn't go well?

Oh... Oh, mate, look, come on.
So what if you're not a geek?

You've got mad other skills.

Like what? Er, like...you're funny.

Kind of. Erm, loyal.

I'm not a dog!

No, no, but you can sing, man.

Do you reckon? Yeah, 100%.

Look, the Noel that I know wouldn't
just sit back and let this happen.

He'd make a plan. You know?

Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, he would,
wouldn't he? He would. He would.

What would I do without you?!

That's what mates are for.

You're more than just a mate.
Come on.

OK.

Miss Chambers can't come to
the performance tonight,

cos she's been sacked. Hold on,
she never actually said that!

Come on, it's obvious!
Wait, wait, wait.

Wait. So you think she's just left?

Yeah! Mr Savage is a muppet,
who's got it in for anyone -

anyone, right? -
who thinks differently to him.

No offence. Yeah, none taken. Right.

Why would we perform here, yeah,
make him look all great,

after what he's done?
So, you want us to boycott it? No.

Right, look, we're going to take it
somewhere else,

right, where he can't take
the credit

and Miss Chambers can come
and watch the performance.

Hey, hey! Yes!
CHEERING

Let me hear you. You with me?

Yes! Come on. Instrument time, baby.

Right, class,
does everybody have a copy of

Much Ado About Nothing
on their desk?

Much Ado About Nothing.
Hands up, please.

Good.

OK, so we'll turn to

the page where it says
characters in the play.

Fractions is what
we will be covering today.

So if you could all turn to page 40,

I'd like you do to questions
one to three. And then,

if you finish that,
we'll be going back to...

What are you doing?

You've let yourself down.
You know that?

Final warning.

Come on.

What on earth are you lot up to?!

Erm...nothing. Really? Because from
here, it looks like you're nicking

a load of instruments
from the school.

We're not nicking, Miss! Borrowing.

Dare I ask why? Yeah.

In solidarity with Miss Chambers.

Right? We're taking our
Battle of the Bands elsewhere,

somewhere Mr Savage will not
interfere. See you in a bit.

Look, whilst I admire
your support...

You're not going to grass on us,
are you, Miss?

Look, please, don't.

Right? We want to do this.

Look, a lot of work
has gone into tonight.

I can't let you... Yeah, from us!
And Miss Chambers.

Imagine directing a show, yet
you don't even get to go watch

the performance! Great point.

It was, wasn't it? Hit that. Bosh.

OK. Do you...

Do you swear to have
all of this stuff returned

the minute you are done?
On our lives!

Sound effects. I know. That's cool.

OK, I will get Mr Casey
to tell the audience

about the change of venue.

Where are you doing it?
Just in the park.

You can't do it in the park.
Why not?

Because you need power and licences
and all that kind of stuff.

Right, how are we going to
do it, then?

Erm...

My mate Craig runs a youth centre.

No promises, but he does
owe me a favour, so...

Big Craig. Big man Craig...
Cool Craig. All right.

Thanks.

Why didn't you just let me go home?

I thought you were
pulling a fast one.

I told you what was going on.

You just ignored me.

Like usual.

Do you really think
I always ignore you?

Mum, even Donte's helped me
more than you have.

Batted my eyelashes
at the woman in the cafe

and she threw in a chocolate bar.

How are you feeling?
All right. Good.

Well, it's good news. All of Tonya's
bloods have come back normal,

so we're happy to discharge her.

At least you got
the afternoon off school, eh?

Er, excuse me,
why did she collapse, then?

Why is she in all this pain? Why is
she bleeding when she shouldn't be?

Mum! Well, sometimes,
these symptoms can happen

if you've not been eating properly,

or you've been under
a lot of stress.

That's all that everyone keeps
saying to me. "It's stress.

"It's in your head." But it's not!

I know this is really frustrating,
but unfortunately,

all these symptoms are very normal
when it comes to periods.

I've been looking online
and this thing keeps coming up.

En-Endometriosis.

Could it be that? It's really
unlikely, given your age.

But this girl has it
and she's younger than me.

Unfortunately, we can't always
trust what we see online.

What, so that's it, then?

Well, I could give you some
stronger painkillers,

but there's not much else
we can do here.

Well, if you can't help her here,
can you not maybe ask the GP

to refer her to see a specialist? At
least then, we can rule things out.

I don't see how
that's going to help,

but I'm happy to do that for you.
Thanks, Doctor.

We really appreciate it. Thank you.

KEYBOARD CLACKS

SEND ALERT WHOOSHES

DOOR OPENS
Knock, knock.

So, you're really off, then?

Yeah. I'm...I'm done here.

OK, so, look, I need you to be at
the Oakley Youth Centre at five.

I said no fuss. Yeah, I know,
I know, but...please.

Yeah.

Right.

DOOR CLOSES

What was today really about?

You what?

Did you send Donte
on that careers fair just to

get him out of the way? What?! No!

I don't know what it is you're
doing, but I need you to back off.

I'm doing me job. Some people
might say thank you, you know!

Yeah, well, me and Donte
are engaged now,

and the last thing I need
is you messing with my head.

Well, congratulations.

Have a go at me all you want,
if it makes you feel better,

but we both know if anyone's going
to mess things up, Nicky, it's you.

All right, love?
Yeah, I'm just ready to go home now.

BELL RINGS

You all right, Stace? Yeah.

What's up? Erm, I just wondered
if you fancy going to

the Battle of the Bands
with me tonight?

Going to be lame as,
but...might be a laugh.

Yeah, no, I'm all right. No, not...

Not like that!

You know, just...like...

..like, like thanks for not
dropping me in it and that.

We could all go.
No, thanks. We're busy.

And that's all of us, so...

I didn't drop you in it cos I'm not
a grass, but what you did to Billy,

it wasn't cool. See ya.

Look who finally decides to show up

just after all the
hard work is done!

I didn't think you were
going to make it, you, mate.

Thought me and Billy were
going to be winging it up here.

Yeah, sorry. I just wanted
to make sure Tonya was all right.

Is she? Yeah.

Yeah, I think so.

She's at home with my mum now, so...

Right, good. Well, at least now,
we can sound-check.

Yeah, right.

One, two. One, two.

You haven't switched it on, Noel.

Right, yeah.

LOUD FEEDBACK

Don't point the mic at the speaker.

Miss Chambers! You made it!

One, two. One, two. Working...

Sick, that! Did you guys
do all of this yourselves?

Pretty much, yeah. I mean,
Miss helped out a little bit...

Barely. But why?

Well, for you. Mr Savage is
well out of order, sacking you.

He didn't sack me, Noel.

It was my decision to leave.

Right. But, look, we wanted you
to be at the show, yeah?

So we thought this was the only way.

You honestly don't know
how much this means.

So what can I do to help?

DOOR OPENS

Here you go.

These are the stronger painkillers
the doctor gave us.

Oh, hey, come on.

TONYA SOBS
Come on, baby, it's all right.

I don't understand how
I'm supposed to manage

when nobody believes I'm even ill.

I believe you.

Yeah, but do you, though?

Of course I do.

I can't bear that
you think I ignore you.

It's not cos I don't love you.

You must never think that. OK? OK.

It's just...

It's just easy for me
to forget that you...you need me

just as much as Preston does.

And I'm so sorry for that.

I, erm...

I've been reading
about endometriosis.

It does definitely sound
like you might have it.

And I am going to do everything
in my power to make sure

that you get the right diagnosis

and the proper help.

Them GP receptionists will be
sick of the sound of my voice!

I'm not going to let anyone
ignore you any more.

OK? OK.

Come here.

KELLY JO HUMS A TUNE

Oi! What are you still doing here?
Have you been kept behind?

No. No, I'm just... I'm here to get
stuff for the Battle of the Bands.

Eh, we're doing it at
the youth centre now.

Have you been helping out
with that? Yeah.

Do you know, you'd have never done
something like this a year ago.

Proud of you, kiddo. Thank you.

While I'm here,
can I ask your advice on summat?

They don't call me
Trisha for nothing.

Eh? Doesn't matter. Go on.

OK. Weird.

Erm, so...

..I think it's me who Noel fancies.

Of course it is. Why do you think
he's always at our house?

Hey, he's a good kid, him.
I know, I...

I don't see him like that.

How do I get rid?

Ghost him. No!

OK, well, don't ghost him, then.

Well, talk to him nicely. Cos you
know what these lads are like.

They like to act all cool,
when they're not. Hmm. OK.

Wait, wait, wait. Wait. Are you
coming tonight, then? Might do.

OK.

"Ghost him"?

How did they do it all so
quickly, though? It was...

It was Noel, he just geed them up.

You know what he's like. I know.

Hey! Hey!

Amy dropped me a message,
said you've had a mare,

could do with a bit of support.
Thank you.

Obviously, I couldn't care
less about you or the kids.

I'm just here for a night out!

Hey, it's all right here, innit?

Yeah! It's proper mint. Hey,
I can introduce you to Craig later,

if you want. He's always looking for
volunteers, if you're interested.

Yeah, yeah, yeah,
I'd be well up for that!

Great. OK, good, because
he'll be lucky to have you.

Yeah. All right,
catch you later, Miss.

Debs, I didn't know
you were coming tonight!

Well, I was hardly going to
miss your big night, was I?

Right, where can we sit, kiddo?

Right, well, er, I'll sort you out
a VIP table over here, yeah?

Cheers, Noelly. Nothing but the best
for my two favourite girlies!

Right, come on.

On there. Right, see you in a bit.

You've not told him yet,
have you? No.

Thank you for coming, everyone.

You are in for a treat.

Please welcome our first act
tonight, Manchester Mist!

# I don't know what you've been told

# But the story's getting very old

# My girl

# My girl

# I don't care what people say

# But if I could ruin both our days

# My girl

# My girl

# I still look for you the same

# But a city and the lights change

# Change

# Take me home and I'll come to you

# I can be with you all alone

# My girl

# My girl

# Take me home, take me home

# Take me home, take me home

# Take me home

# Take me home... #

INDISTINCT CHAT

Joe, erm... Yeah, I was just telling

Serena Michelle about the
Battle of the Bands being moved.

I did try to leave a message
with your assistant,

but mustn't have got through.
Yes. I know that's frustrating,

apologies not to have been told.

Why was the venue changed?

Well, we're trying to build
a relationship with a local

youth centre. Yeah. It, er, yeah,
just felt like a really

good opportunity to, er,
cement that collaboration.

Mm. Developing community
relationships is important.

Isn't it? Isn't it just? Yeah.

Will you still be able to join us?
Much as I'd love to,

I won't be able to fit it in
before my gym class now.

Ah! Ah! But perhaps there'll be
better communication

before the next event?
I'll send the carrier pigeon myself!

FORCED LAUGHTER

Thank you.

Start talking.

The kids are upset
that Val is leaving

and they've decided to put on
their own performance.

One that she can attend. What, and
no-one thought to tell me, the head?

Where are they? Oakley Youth Centre.

Right, you stay here, send over any
stragglers. We'll catch up later.

It's one of me favourites.

# She's had to peel me off
the pavement

# Trying to insinuate

# Sometimes, I am in danger
of going too far

# Said, would I like to go
for tea and toast?

# Get your hand off my thigh

# In the car

# She turned to me and said

# You're not 19 forever

# Pull yourself together

# I know it seems strange, but
things, they change

# Older woman and an
ever-so-slightly younger man

# God bless the band

# They're doing all they can

# You're not 19 forever

# Pull yourselves together

# I know it seems strange, but
things, they change

# Older woman and an
ever-so-slightly younger man

# God bless the band

# They're doing all they can... #

CHEERING

# You're not 19 forever

# You're not 19 forever

# You're not 19 forever

# It's not big and you're
definitely not clever. #

Just lovely, innit? Lovely.

INAUDIBLE

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

To be fair, you couldn't
do much better than him.

I had nothing to do with this.

The kids organised
it all themselves.

And if you've come here to stop it,

you can turn around and go back out.
Thank you, everybody.

Right, we're going to introduce now
the person

that's going to see the night out,
yeah? Can I hear it up

for Billy Savage?!

CHEERING

Go on, Billy!

One, two, three.

GUITAR RIFF STARTS

# I'll sing it one last time
for you

# Then we really have to go

# You've been the only thing
that's right

# In all I've done

# And I can barely look at you... #
That's his mum's favourite song.

He chose it specially.
# ..But every single time I do

# I know we'll make it anywhere

# Away from here

# Light up, light up... #
Look at him up there.

# ..As if you have a choice... #
How important tonight is for him.

# ..Even if you cannot hear my voice

# I'll be right beside you, dear

# Louder, louder

# And we'll run for our lives... #
Yeah. I got it wrong, Val.

# ..I can hardly speak
I understand

# Why you can't raise
your voice to say... #

OK. What about we open up
a conversation with the Trust,

get 'em to offer BTecs,
as well as A-levels?

T-levels, once they're up and
running. Something more practical,

for those who are less academic,
like Noel.

That would take at least
a year to implement.

We'd be chasing our tails
until then. Come on!

I'm trying here, Val.
Meet me halfway.

More lesson time, and as many
exam concessions as possible

for the students who are really
struggling. So, extra time,

rest breaks. A scribe, even.

Look, that's a lot.

We're going to have to request each
one individually, and start now.

But if you're willing to do that...
I am.

OK. So does that mean...?

If this isn't all just chat,
then I'm willing to try.

Look, I know I talk
a lot of nonsense...

I know that more than anybody.

# ..I'll be right
beside you, dear... #

..but I know the real deal
when I see it.

# ..Louder, louder

# And we'll run for our lives

# I can hardly speak
I understand

# Why you can't
raise your voice to say

# Slower, slower

# We don't have time for that

# All I want's to find an easier way

# To get out of our little heads

# Have heart, my dear

# We're bound to be afraid

# Even if it's just for a few days

# Making up for all this mess

# Making up for all this mess. #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

LIVELY CHATTER

Billy. Just two secs.

Do you want a lift home?
No, I'm going to go with...

Yeah, yeah, you're off with
your mates.

How stupid of me!
STEVE CHUCKLES

You know, seeing you
on that stage tonight...

..blew me away, son.
Shut up. No, I mean it.

You know, I've not listened
to that song since, erm...

..you know.

She'd be so proud of you.

Come here.

All right, get off.
All right! Sorry! Don't worry,

nobody saw, you got away with it.
Go on, have fun with your mates.

Hey.

I love you.

I'll see you at home.

My phone.

Right, can someone remind me

why we couldn't just take this
all back tomorrow?

Cos we promised. Remember?
Kelly Jo swore on our lives.

You know what, right?

I reckon that was the best
night of my life.

Go on! Tear into me
and tell me how tragic my life is

that a night in a youth centre
meant so much.

Do you fancy me mum?

What?!

No. At first, I thought that
you fancied me.

That'd be weird, wouldn't it?
You're like my sister!

Er, excuse me, you'd be very,
very lucky to have somebody like me!

OK. Noel, I saw you looking at her
when you were singing.

Yeah, but I look at everyone, innit?
That's what a frontman does,

engage the crowd...
KELLY JO MOCKS

Swear on your life that you don't.

Swear on my life.

Yeah?

SIGHING
Whatever!

What you looking so smug about?

I'm not, I'm just...

What, you think you're
a big man now?

All cos you impressed Daddy
and some saddos with your singing?

Why can't you just leave me alone?
Why would I?

Teacher's pet still needs
teaching a lesson.

BLOW LANDS, THUD

BLOWS LAND

COUGHING

BILLY COUGHS

PHONE RINGS

Boz?

Calm down.

The bike ain't going anywhere.

Yeah.

Just had something
to take care of first.

I know. I know.

I should have told you
as soon as I found out.

That is the understatement
of the year.

Steve, it's just...we nearly
lost one of the best teachers

that this school has today and...
What do you want from me, Joe?

I made a mistake and I rectified it.

You undermined me,
embarrassed me in front of my boss.

Yeah, that wasn't deliberate,
but I-I... What is your problem?

Seriously? Do you resent me
because I got the headship?

No! No. I-I just...

I just don't agree with everything
that you're doing.

Right, well, I'm very sorry that
you still feel that way, Joe,

but I'm in charge
and your role is to support me.

Maybe you need to have a little
think about whether or not

you can do that. And
if you can't, well...