Even the most well-behaved students enjoy testing the boundaries occasionally. And, as the midemeanour becomes apparent, you look around and find the culprits sniggering and clearly proud that they have done something ‘original’. The poor things are blissfully unaware that this is the 91st time you have scrubbed that whiteboard - and the times you have stood in the rain because of a “fire” number well into triple figures.

Here’s five discretions students think are daring and original, but that are very familiar indeed to experienced teachers. 
 

1. Drawing on whiteboards 
   Usually one of two more intimate body parts. Usually in permanent marker. Always a pain to remedy. Sigh.
   
   
   
   
    
2. Setting off the fire alarm
   There’s nothing like an “unexpected” fire drill in the rain to remind you how frustratingly tedious teenagers can be.
   
   
   
   
    
3. Hiding clocks 
   What larks! Hey kids, it’s not as if we have watches... Oh wait...
   
   
   
   
    
4. Missing resources
   Oh, the textbooks have all gone missing! How could we possibly do the lesson now? Rookie error. I have a well-used compulsory test for just these occasions.
   
   

    

   
    
5. Swapping names
   A favourite when the cover teacher is in and it is hi-larious. We are rolling in the aisles... while clutching our copy of the year photo. I’ve done this before kids, and the name on the detention slip if you don’t start behaving will be the right one, I assure you. 
   
   

    

   
   
   Nicola Davison is a former teacher 

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