You Can Pass This Subject 

 Synopsis

It’s about the concern of Mr. Bean, the head teacher of Physics, whose concern over Sandra’s inability to excel in her previous Senior Secondary School years is made known to Sandra. Prior to the preparation for the final Senior Secondary School Examination, Johnson, Andrew and Clinton are pointing at Sandra’s weakness in the subject. However, Peter, one of the Physics students, chose not take sides with them. Through Mr. Bean’s one-on-one counsel, Sandra goes on to be the best student in Physics.

Characters                                    Roles

Mr. Bean        Head Physics Teacher   (40 years of age)

Sandra                          Student (17 years of age)

Clinton                         Student (17 years of age)

Andrew                         Student (16 years of age)

Johnson                         Student (17 years of age)

Peter                             Student (16 years of age)

In the Classroom…

Mr. Bean, the head physics teacher, is in class to observe his fifteen-minute teaching period. There are five students in class, preparing for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination. But his concern is Sandra….

Mr. Bean: My very finalists, Congratulations! Permit me to say ‘’congratulations’’ because I know how daunting it was for you all to pass through every class to this level, which, of course, is tantamount to saying ‘goodbye to Senior Secondary School’’. In no distant time, you’ll be your respective hot seats taking on your final papers. Physics will be one of them, no doubt. I know for a fact that you will pass my subject. But my concern is Sandra

Andrew: To be frank sir, Sandra has no business with being a science student. We all know she’s a write-off!

James: Sandra, I wished you knew how to use your tongue to count your teeth! You ought not to be offering this subject. Physics is way beyond you!

Johnson: Sandra, you’ve been a failure at this, since the start of our Senior Secondary School year. Too late to cry when the head has been cut off!

Peter: Why write off Sandra?! Remember, she’s the only female and she’s better than some of us in other subject areas. You know, Chemistry Biology and…

Johnson: And what? What are you trying to drive at? What’s the big deal if she’s the only female? Please and please, Peter, understand that Physics is one of the compulsory subjects to be offered. That is, if she really knows what she wants.

Peter: You know you’re funny, Johnson.

Johnson: Who cares? I’m an edge above you. Check out my exceptional grades in other subjects…Compare them to yours….The difference is clear!

Peter: I really don’t have your time. Remember, this’ Mr. Bean’s period.

Clinton: Our teacher understands the gravity of what we are discussing about. That’s why she’s quiet. Can’t you see…? [Mr. Bean shakes his head in disappointment] Guess what?

Peter: What?

Clinton: I’m completely surprised at you, Peter!

Peter: Why?

Clinton: We know that Sandra is a ‘’no-do-well’’ in this area of science. Yet, you encourage her to be that failure. What kind of classmate are you?

Peter: For goodness sake, we should be looking at trying our best to make Sandra like us, especially when it comes to this subject. Andrew, Johnson and you, Clinton, you guys are fast becoming stale for my liking!

Clinton: Stale?

Johnson: I guess he owes us an explanation

Andrew: I was the first to shed more light on Mr. Bean’s concern over Sandra’s weakness in Physics. And here you are; telling me I’m stale. Peter, what’s your point?

Peter: My point is simple. I sight an example. When you go buy a newspaper magazine from a near-by vendor stand and read it, you’re said to be current at the moment based on what you’ve read. But when you go again and again, only to buy that same newspaper magazine you earlier purchased, you only become stale! Exactly what guys are doing…You know quite well Sandra had been struggling with this subject. Rather than seek ways to help her, you guys find it pleasurable to talk her down always. See how stale you guys are?

Johnson: Who cares? I’ve been burning the mid-night candle since day one of my Senior Secondary year. I’ve engaged myself in rigorous reading by solving problems that have to do with Mechanics, Quantum Physics, Atomic Physics, Radioactivity…name them. Now, tell me, why cover up for her lapses?

Peter: Not all fingers are equal, you know.

Andrew: But we’re in the same class offering the same set of subjects…Physics is one of them. We’ll be sitting for the same examination in no distant time. And you say, ‘Not all fingers are equal…’ Peter, try to be wise.

Johnson: Peter, you aren’t helping matters. Sandra, the very person we’re talking about, has been passive. Not even saying a word to show how concerned she ought to be. Does she think we’re jesters?

Johnson fixes his gaze at Sandra who appears unmoved.

Andrew: Well, I wonder why you’re still in this class. Sandra, you know I’m talking to you! [Points at Sandra] Sandra, I put it to you that you’re just here to complete the number of us who’d sit for the exam

Peter: Do you know why Sandra won’t say a word?

Andrew: Tell us, Sandra’s advocate

Johnson: Guys, Peter, knows Sandra’s mind. Mind reader. So, Peter, I’m all ears

Clinton: All the while, you guys realize I’ve been quiet…except for what I said earlier. I listened to your thoughts about Sandra’s issue. Though I see reasons with what Andrew and Johnson had said, yours is something else. Your words strike me like someone who is chasing shadows. But come to think of it, what just caught my attention, Peter, was the question you asked. Peter, I want to hear you now

Peter: Good to know I now have a following. First and foremost, Sandra is still one of us because of the very belief that someday, she’ll be like us. But she needs our encouragement and assistance to make her better in this subject

Clinton: Did you just hear yourself?

Peter: Loud and clear!

Andrew: Peter, do you still have anything else to say?

Peter: Of course, yes

Johnson: I hope your subsequent statements won’t be myopic…like your earlier expressions

Peter: We’ll see. Can I continue?

Johnson: Continue

Clinton: I’m listening

Andrew: Let me hear yet another one…

Peter: How many were we when began our Senior Secondary School year?

Andrew: Twenty-four in number

Clinton: Yes, twenty four we were in number

Johnson: Fifteen male students and nine female students. In all, twenty four. Sandra…the only female left!

Peter: Very good. What about our second year?

Clinton: We reduced to twelve. The only constant thing in life is change

Andrew: Nine male students and three female students. Again, Sandra, the only female among us.

Johnson: Yes, twelve in numbers. Maria, Tonia and Catherine were the only females left. Really missed them. Oh well, there’s a Sandra!

Peter: Good…How many are we now?

Andrew: It’s obvious

Johnson: I can see

Clinton: Just five.

Peter: Ask yourselves ‘’why is Sandra, the only female, still with us?’’

Clinton: Reasons best known to her

Johnson: Just to dilly-dally

Clinton: What do you mean by that?

Johnson: I’m saying Sandra is here just to waste her time.

Clinton: I see.

Andrew: How I wish we could get the answers from the Horse’s Mouth….

Peter: Guys, learn to think aright. Her belief has led her to this level. We still need to help her out. Afterall, coming out with good grades in this subject is what we all aim to achieve. Let’s don’t dispute that fact. It’s never too late, despite the nearness of our exam.

Andrew: Final Secondary School year? Still struggling to gain footing…

Johnson: Peter, you’d be better in the Arts. I know you’re quite good in Physics. In the sciences, in general. You’d be way better in law!

Peter: Johnson, mind your business

Johnson: Okay sir!

Clinton: Peter never ceases to amaze me with his funny words.

Peter: There is no worse situation than the state of perpetual stupidity

Clinton: What?

Peter: You heard me well!

Clinton: You’re stupidity-personified!

Johnson: Don’t you ever in your life insult me like that, Peter!

Andrew: Peter, you’ve wrongly touched the Lion’s Tail

Peter: Show me the tail…Do you have one?

Andrew: Funny. Very Funny

Peter: You just confirmed you level of stupidity. It’s seems to be a permanent one!

Andrew: Aren’t you stupid for defending a Sandra who is just next to nothing? Is she your girlfriend?

Peter: What if I said to you, Andrew and the rest of you, I mean you—Johnson and Clinton that you are irrevocably stupid, what would y’all do?

Andrew, Johnson and Clinton stand up from their front seats to confront Peter, seated behind Sandra who is watching them act. Peter isn’t perturbed by their angry faces. Mr. Bean, quiet all the while, is upset and can’t wait to decide what to do with them. But he waits patiently as he watches closely to know what the trio is up to.

Johnson: I’m warning you, peter, don’t you talk to me in that manner again!

Clinton: Hmmm…You’re lucky I’m in a good mood. If not…

Peter: What will happen?

Andrew: Peter, watch your tongue?

Peter: Andrew, I watched my tongue voice out the truth. Now, what?

Clinton: You’re funny!

Johnson: Guys, let’s leave him alone. Peter is out of his mind!

Peter: Get out of my sight, you stupid people!

Mr. Bean: I’ve heard enough of this nonsense you’ve displayed. I blame myself for stooping myself low as to accommodate this derogation. If I’d known, I would have kept the relationship between you and I at armslenght. All of you, except for Sandra, the only girl amongst you, lack courtesy. You know that I’m here to observe my regular teaching period for fifteen minutes. But you have not only dis-respected my person but also, successfully changed all I had to teach for today. You simply turned this classroom to a drama house! Peter, I thought you were sane…

Peter: I’m very sorry, Mr. Bean

Mr. Bean: That’s none of my business! You joined the ones you knew have been stupid to be stupid. Andrew, Clinton and Johnson, I see you weren’t meant for this class. Unfortunately, for you, Peter, you weren’t for this class.

Peter: I’m so sorry! It was never intended, Mr.…

Mr. Bean: Again, that’s none of my business! This is my verdict: Only Sandra is really ready for this class. I know my teaching period is, if not exhausted, almost up. But I’ll extend it by some minutes ONLY FOR SANDRA! Sandra has been quiet all the while. This is a sure indication of someone who is willing to learn. Understand that learning comes with character. For instance, keeping quiet when required. That, Sandra has exhibited. Without wasting much time, Peter, Clinton, Johnson and Andrew, leave my class now! And as you leave, I advise you go take up your books and read. Your exams are fast approaching. There is the library where you can conveniently read.

Peter shows remorse as he leaves the class. Andrew, Johnson and Clinton match out of the classroom in style. Mr. Bean walks up to where Sandra is seated, looking compassionate.

Mr. Bean: I understand how you feel. I’ve been in the same shoe before. How well have you been preparing for the forthcoming examination? The only female left in a competitive male-dominated class!

Sandra: I’ve been trying hard to be better. I have a home-tutor who takes me on Physics. Not moved by male presence at all!

Mr. Bean: Good! Are you catching up?

Sandra: Trying the best I possibly could. I must admit it’s quite a task.

Mr. Bean: You know what? I believe you can do well in this subject, Physics.

Sandra: It’s astonishing! But how? I’ve been struggling since day one!

Mr. Bean: Recall what peter said. When you started, that is, in your first Senior Secondary School Year, you were in number twenty-four. In your second year, twelve and now, just five. Yet, you’re still one of the five! The only female left! I refuse to agree with what Andrew said that you are just there to complete the number of students who’d be sitting for this subject. You are here to prove him wrong. That, I’m very sure of! You are here to excel in all your subjects, including Physics. That’s why I know You Can Pass This Subject. Do you know that discouragement is a part of success?

Sandra: How?

Mr. Bean: I’ve known you to be an easy talker, easy-going person who is willing to listen and learn. You see, those derogatory remarks by Clinton, Johnson and Andrew should be seen and used as energies, or if you like, the fuels to propel you towards excellence in your exam, particularly coming out in flying colors in Physics.

I’m very impressed that you’ve begun preparations. It doesn’t matter how little. It matters what’s gotten from that little. It doesn’t matter how long; but how well.

Look at a vehicle without fuel. It only remains in a state of rest. The first law of motion, in part. However, if there is fuel in its tank, it moves when ignited. The first law of motion is completed. Sandra, in life, if you want to succeed, you can’t avoid being discouraged. But see it as the fuel that should encourage the ignition of your decision towards being the success you’ve always wanted to be. Keep up the good character. Always remember that talent is just a percent and the remaining falls on character for you to succeed.

Remember the law of energy conversion…

Sandra (elated): Energy can neither be created nor destroyed but can be converted from one form to the other.

Mr. Bean: I don’t believe you’re weak in this subject. It’s just a matter of time you’ll catch up

Sandra: But my exam won’t be long…

Mr. Bean: It doesn’t matter. You will triumph. Keep the faith in mind. I thought you this topic in your First Secondary School year. And you were able to tell me without thinking twice!

Sandra: Thanks

Mr. Bean: Possess the ‘’I Can’’ mentality, if you want to succeed. Therefore, say to yourself, ‘’I can pass this subject, physics’’

Sandra: I CAN PASS THIS SUBJECT!

Mr. Bean: I know you can. Again, what will you do, Sandra?

Sandra: I CAN PASS THIS SUBJECT!

Mr. Bean: That’s why I earlier told you that ‘’YOU CAN PASS THIS SUBJECT’’. You’re matter. That means what?

Sandra: I have mass and occupy space

Mr. Bean: Good! In this context, you’re peculiarly good at physics and your excellence will marvel your male contemporaries…Clinton, Johnson, Andrew and even peter.

Sandra: I’ve been lifted by your words. Very inspiring they are. Thank you for your encouragement, Mr. Bean.

Mr. Bean: That’s why I’m here for you. Because I believe in you. I know You Can Pass This Subject very well. Oh! My time has fast been spent! But it’s great talking to you. Need to attend to other pressing matters. But please feel free to get in touch with me if you have any problems with any topic in, you know, Physics! Let me take my leave.

Sandra: Thank you very much!

Mr. Bean: You’re welcome

Mr. Bean leaves the classroom and heads to his Staff-Room Office. Sandra leaves school a fulfilled woman.

Three Months after the exam was sat for, it turned out that Sandra had the best result. She did come-out with a distinction in Physics edging Clinton, Peter, Andrew and Johnson. She also excelled in the other eights subjects—-English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Economics and History.

This great feat by Sandra, in the area of Physics, was made possible by the support of Mr. Bean, painstakingly taking his time to demystify what Sandra saw as complex and the assistance of peter, who’d, in her own way, put her through with some past and current questions regarding the subject. Sandra’s home-tutor is not left out as she is keeping to time to come over teach her what she needs to know about Physics.