Homework… The dog ate it. I looked at the wrong week. It got totally ruined When my coke bottle leaked.

It’s done – in my old book. I've got my new book today. I've still got detention?! That's shocking! No way!

It’s on the dining room table. Sitting there. Phone my Mam! I'm not lying Sir! It’s the truth – not a scam!

I wanted to do it. But my Mam said I had To do the food shopping With my sister and dad.

We had relatives round. They left just this morning. They took over my room With no signs or no warning.

I didn't have a sheet, Sir. Danny had mine. If you give me another I'll do it – it’s fine.

The computer went crazy. The printer is bust. I wasn't half mad, Sir. I swore and I cussed.

But just occasionally One student might say “ I'm sorry Sir. I haven't got it today. There is no excuse. I just plain forgot.” As they squirm and they worry looking flustered … and hot.

An honest response. A nice pleasant shock. But they've still got detention. “ My room, one o' clock.” M F Cowan, 2008.