Teachers certainly influence our lives and lay the path for our future. Our interest in a particular subject depends tremendously on how it is taught and whether encouragement is given. We all hold memories, both good and bad, of teachers who have entered our lives.

Loxford did not offer us the best education. The constant strikes were met with our approval, which we now, however, realise disrupted our learning and consequently, affected our final results. We laughed at non-communicative teachers who lacked class control and laughed with teachers who were able to build good rapports and achieve respect. This was not easy to do in our school, especially one with such a diversity of students. We were not expected to go on to university. In fact, I remember quite vividly being discouraged from taking 3 'A' levels!

Nevertheless, two teachers stand out from the rest: Mr Hayes (history) and Mr Farley (sociology). Both helped us to believe we were capable of achieving our goals. They didn't let our 'working class' status stand in our way. Lessons were fun, but at the same time informative. Respect was reciprocal and we were treated as adults. It can't have been easy 'cause we were terrible chatterboxes and easily distracted! Thanks for your patience and great teaching!