Rome Rule Okay?

Extract

‘By virtue of its very purpose, while it cultivates the intellect with unremitting attention, the school ripens the capacity for right judgment, provides an introduction into the cultural heritage won by past generations, promotes a sense of values, and readies for professional life’.

THE DOCUMENTS OF VATICAN 11

Just before nine o’clock I dragged my tired frame in through the school doors and on towards the staff room.

‘Good morning’ . . . ‘Good morning’

Like that frustrated character Billy Liar I would like to machine-gun down that irritating cheerful face in the comer. I pour out my tea and sip it quietly, consulting my timetable. On the wall across the road a painted slogan reinforces the image of my first class, 4F.

BING BOOT BOYS ROOL

At the first piercing sound of the bell Mr. C. rises sharply and makes off in the direction of the Technical rooms. I would like to bomb that bell for ever but instead make my way wearily upstairs to room 5, open the door, and walk over to the desk. I am soon followed by a few lads who make towards the desks at the window.

‘D’ye catch that cunt last night, Joey’?

‘Aye an’ a kicked fuck oot the bastirt’.

‘Whit di dae’?

‘Try i get aff wi Mary Maloney’.

‘Yi bin gawn wi hur, eh’ ?

‘Aye a fancy hur—-yi shid see ‘ur tits, sur. A hivnae hud it aff fur ages—an a fancy mu chances wi yon burd’.

I pick up a book, Your Life of Our Lord, and try to think of 2c’s R.K. lesson while a few more boys come trickling in the door. I acknowledge them with a casual look and they join their mates. I have given up struggling with these lads. They resist all efforts to get them to read or to write.