ABSTRACT

This chapter explains why the pupils misbehaved in school and why they were finally transferred into the special unit. The pupils' relationships with their teachers varied from indifferent to hostile. If relationships with peers, relationships with teachers, and academic goals are the three major circles in pupils' school life-as indicated by the pupils' preoccupation with them during the interviews—and if the pupils of this group had failed in all three—as has been shown—it is not surprising that they wanted to get out of school. Although extreme forms of behaviour are common in school, especially among pupils who end up being excluded, there seem to be specific reasons why they were adopted by Colin, Jackie and Nicola. The possibility of deliberate use of misbehaviour has to be taken into account seriously when studying deviant behaviour both within and without mainstream education. Surprisingly enough, there were some positive relationships between these pupils and their teachers.