“School’s out for summer. School’s out forever.” Sing it Alice. That’s it. Finished. Done. Seven years. Two and a half thousand days from pre-teen to young adult. From ‘The Beano’ to Eno,…

“So, thanks to all at once and to each one, whom we invite to see us crowned at Scone.” “Very good Roger, except it’s pronounced ‘Scoon’”. “But Sir, it says ‘Scone’ here, you could…

Emma experiences several major revelations in the novel that fundamentally change her understanding of herself and those around her. Which revelation do you think is most important to Emma’s development, and why? “The only…

A drab, grey plastic mould chair, scuffed black metal legs akimbo, spins through the air above the ready-rubbed tobacco floor - an unhinged Apollo lunar lander in search of its own Sea Of Tranquillity. Its…

Firth Park Comprehensive School, the Brushes Building. It’s a July afternoon near the end of term, and lessons are over for the day. I’m in the music room, sitting behind a drum kit.…

“Wilma, what’s this song called?” “Spanish Stroll.” “So why are you singing it in French?” “I don’t understand what he’s saying in Spanish, summat about rose eater, take care oh.” “What are…