My inspiration.

Graham Lawrence, 29, science author and TV presenter went to Overton Comprehensive, 1981-89.

I haven’t seen Mr Jenkins since I left school but he was my inspiration. I wasn’t very good at most school subjects. I suppose I was a bit lazy and now I wish I’d done a bit more work, especially in languages. But when I went into Mr Jenkin’s science class to prepare for my GCSEs, I really became interested in a subject for the first time.

Mr Jenkins was full of enthusiasm and made everything interesting – I wish my French teachers had been the same! He used to demonstrate things with lots of practical examples. One day he took us outside and we built a rocket. It was great fun.

I wasn’t a particalary willing and cooperative student at school. I know I shouldn’t have been so rebellious, but it was probably because I lacked confidence. Mr Jenkns made me feel that I could do things. I was interested in astronomy and he asked me to give a lesson to the class. That was really the first time I ever tried to explain science to an audience. Now, when I’m preparing a programme, I think about how Mr Jenkins would have done it. Sometimes, I wish I could phone him and ask for his opinion!

My pupil.

Brian Jenkins, science teacher at Overton Comprehensive.

When Graham came into my class he was a bit “difficult”. But when he got interested, it all changed. He was extremely bright and he should have done much better in all of his other subjects. I’ve read a couple of his books and seen him on TV. I say to my wife, “Oh look, I used to teach him!” I certainly wish I was as successful with all my pupils as with Graham. It’s difficult teaching nowadays. There are discipline problems and not enough money. The government should give more money for science education. I also wish the classes were smaller – it’s difficult doing lessons in laboratories with big groups. My wife often wishes I had chosen a less stressful career.

But I love teaching. It’s a great feeling when you know you’ve taught something well. It also makes me proud when I see my pupils doing well, like Graham. I feel that I’ve achieved something.

4. Find sentences in the text that mean the same as the ones in the box.

Graham:

1. I regret I didn’t do enough work at school. _____________________________________

2. It’s a pity I was so rebellious. _______________________________________________

3. Sometimes I want to phone Mr Jenkins to ask his opinion. ______________________________________________________________________

Mr Jenkins:

4. It’s a pity Graham didn’t do better in other subjects. _______________________________________________________________________

5. The government doesn’t give enough money for science education. _______________________________________________________________

6. I think the classes are too big._______________________________________________

7. My wife regrets I didn’t choose a less stressful career. ____________________________________________________________________