At the end of class, I'm taking the exercise books when I see Big Mouth sitting in my chair, rifling through my desk. He can't find his phone (which is still in my pocket) and starts to swear at me. He finally leaves, late to his next lesson. At lunchtime, the door bursts open and there is Big Mouth. 'I've come for my phone, miss.' I repeat that he can have it at the end of the day. He becomes very angry, telling me that I pick on him. I tell him that he needs to leave. He storms towards the door then turns, red faced, and yells 'I'm surprised nobody's stabbed you yet!'.
Phew. Before I even let myself think about what he actually said, I've fired off two emails and am halfway down the corridor. I find Big Mouth's form teacher and explain the situation. The head of year 9 walks up. I give them the phone and start to shake. They promise to send Big Mouth home and seek Consequences. We all agree on the need for Consequences, and also Tea. After Tea, the head of maths arrives. They have pulled Big Mouth from his lesson and confronted him. Whilst being removed he told the head of maths to fuck off. He denies all charges. There is a horrible moment, as people hum and har about lack of evidence, when I think that I am not going to be believed.
The head of maths finds a kid who was outside my room at lunch and heard what was said. I think my word would be enough, but I'm glad that it doesn't have to be. He writes a statement and a message comes through: the head is thinking about permanent exclusion.
I don't even know what to think about that. It is technically the correct response, but in a school where many students have threatened teachers, brought in knives, fireworks and a bulldog, set a classroom on fire and had only multiple suspensions for these offenses, it seems unfair. I will feel awful if he goes. I haven't planned anything for tomorrow.