- William Franklin: Now, before we start, let's get a few things straight. We will call each other by name. Secondly, your reasons for being here are no concern of mine. My only concern is that while you are in this room that you learn something. Thirdly, you can ask me any question you like. I will try and answer it. If I can't, I will say so.
- William Franklin: Any questions?
- Gerard Peters 458: [raises his hand]
- William Franklin: What's your name?
- Gerard Peters 458: 458 Peters, sir.
- William Franklin: Stand up, Mr Peters.
- Gerard Peters 458: What's someone like you doing in a place like this?
- William Franklin: Why do you think I'm here?
- Liam Mercier 636: Because you couldn't get a job anywhere else.
- William Franklin: Sit down, Mr Peters. Have we any serious questions?
- Liam Mercier 636: You haven't answered the first one yet.
- William Franklin: I'm here because I'm a teacher and I think I'm a good one.
- Brother Mac: Your sentence here is two and a half years. Truant thirty five time this year, caught robbing five times. How old are you?
- Patrick Delaney 743: Thirteen and a half.
- Brother Mac: You're no saint. That's some history for a boy of thirteen. From now on, Delaney, you will be known as 743. That's the number allocated to you and you alone.
- William Franklin: [punches Brother John to stop the flogging] It's Christmas Day
- William Franklin: [charging at Brother John] You murdering BASTARD
- [is restrained by the other Brothers]
- Brother John: Let me give you some advise. The creatures you are going to teach, if that is the word, are not to be confused with intelligent human beings. The only thing these boys understand is strength. Should you fail to employ that strength they'll eat you alive.
- William Franklin: Thank you for the advice, brother. I think I will manage.
- William Franklin: Tell me about the books you have read.
- Liam Mercier 636: I robbed most of them.
- William Franklin: Did you ever read a book you didn't rob?
- Liam Mercier 636: Yea.
- William Franklin: You mean yes.
- Liam Mercier 636: I mean aye.