With Staffroom Monologues, Teachers TV seeks to find great writers in the world of education
In March 2008 we asked entrants to write a fictional monologue of 800-1,000 words on any aspect of school life, from the perspective of someone who works in a school. Three winning scripts were made into films and two were recorded as audio versions.
Leading actors were cast and the successful writers were invited to see their monologue being made for Teachers TV. Go behind the scenes to read an interview with the winning writer.
The winners
The judges
Entries for the 2008 competition were judged by Ashley Pharoah (pictured), screenwriter and co-creator of Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes and the forthcoming Bonekickers (BBC One), Andrew Bethell (chief executive of Teachers TV); and Kendra Deacon (NUT executive member and Primary school teacher).
The second Staffroom Monologues competition has once again demonstrated the wealth of scriptwriting talent working in education today. Again we received many hundreds of entries from all over the country illuminating the issues, concerns and sheer humour that exists in our schools and colleges.
Some painted a picture of trench mentality, likening teaching to going into battle. Others highlighted the often unsung heroes of schools: the support staff. Many poked fun at the endless round of Government edicts and initiatives and some gave touching accounts of the difficulties encountered in dealing with young people. We are delighted with the five winners' pieces and thrilled to have such stellar actors playing the roles
David Libbert, joint head of programmes, Teachers TV
The shortlist
The competition judges felt that all shortlisted entries were strong contenders, were well written and each had something original to say about life in education today. Congratulations to you all.
Phillip Hazelwood by Jan Watts
A teacher's birthday is spoiled by an insult from a student, causing him to tip over the edge
Her Final Oral by Graham Minett
A teacher's account of a French oral exam where the student has misunderstood everything but makes a valiant attempt to answer all the questions
A Silly Mistake by Sally Curtis
A Primary school teacher takes to the bottle during an Ofsted inspection
A Guest in the House by Simon Lock
A polish cleaner's account of life in England and the racism she encounters at school
Beasts in Boots and Trenches by Bridget Livermore
A caretaker helps a gang of unruly boys to get back into learning
Incoming by James Ward
A secondary school teacher who has suffered a nervous breakdown criticises her replacement
Give Him Back His Shoes by Siobhan McSwiggan
A disturbed child lashes out in the classroom and the TA is in the line of fire
Bodyguard by Peter Drake
Teacher accused of assault on a student awaits the verdict of a disciplinary hearing
The Lion Kid by Jane Bastin
A student with SEN is introduced into mainstream then removed. His teacher contemplates the issues surrounding inclusion
Match of the Six Period Day by Natasha Turley
Lesson observation in the style of a football commentary
Apologies to Lauren Child by Danielle Harbord
A teacher describes ironic difference between successful childrens' picture book writing and the limitations of the Primary Literacy Strategy
A Change of Face by Steven Merrell
A teacher who has had a sex change reflects on the attitude of her colleagues
The Woman with No Name by Bernie Hughes
An Intrepid supply teacher enthuses about her day and reasons for doing the job
The Receptionist's Tale by Clive Hulme
A receptionist describes the horrors entailed in managing parents
Tending Wild Flowers by Karen MacCormack
A reception teacher primes her class for an important visitor