I have the good fortune to be put in charge of a year seven form this year. After having met them all of twice now I already feel a sense of attachment and responsibility and have managed to learn their names. They seem pleasant enough, if a little bit lacking in imagination. I asked them all to think of three things they like. 'Football, Cricket and Wrestling' came the first response, 'Football, Rugby and Wrestling' was the second, 'Football, Netball and Gymnastics' 'Netball, Gymnastics and Cricket' and so on... Well we should do well at sports day at any rate.

There's a problem though. I seem to be running out of kids. We were supposed to start with 26 in the class. One has apparently moved to the other end of the country over the summer, so we're down to 25. Another is going to be home-schooled (good luck with that), 24. One boy wants to move forms because of falling out with some others in the class at junior school. 23? At this rate I'll be down to zero pupils by the end of next week.