The students more than live up to their reputation. Led by Bert Denham and Pamela Dare , they're an unruly mob who view the classroom as their domain. An battle of wills ensues. As the students' antics progress from mere disruptive behaviour to distasteful pranks, Thackeray retains his calm manner and resists being baited. A turning point comes, however, when one morning he discovers something (presumably a sanitary pad) burning in the classroom grate. He angrily orders the boys out of the classroom and excoriates the girls for their disgusting, "sluttish" behaviour. Dismayed by his lack of self-restraint, he retreats to the staff room, upset that he let himself be manipulated by "kids."