The Hidden Curriculum

Teachers in a West Belfast Secondary School try to inspire pupils and keep them from trouble outside the gates. It is a thankless and remorseful task as two ex pupils, Boyd and Allen intimidate Eric and Ruby Alexander towards emigration from Belfast.

RUBY: I’m catching that boat, Eric. If you do go back, then you’ll have to kill those two boys. Either that or them and their mates will kill you. It’s a vicious circle and getting on that boat is the only way to break it.
ERIC: I’ll never see him again, Ruby
RUBY: You’ll maybe be able to get back now and again
ERIC: No, I’ll never be able to come back, never. What was it all for? …..I can’t go.

© Graham Reid 1992’ ‘Excepts from Graham Reid’s play THE HIDDEN CURRICULUM reproduced by kind permission of Graham Reid c/o Rosica Colin Limited, London.

The play observes the stresses of the competing influences over the minds of people living in areas with a strong paramilitary culture.