One of his students, Carl, had been passionate about boxing so he’d taught the periodic table along the same lines as a boxing sequence. Carl had brought in his gloves and before long all he had to do was imagine he was in the ring, punching out the elements. It was this technique, and others, that had got Carl an acceptable C in his chemistry exam instead of his predicted F.

Now all he had to do was find a way to help Simone prepare for her biology exam in a way that represented her love of textiles and then she would be putty in his hands. Paul mulled over his approach and eventually fell into a restless sleep.

*

Paul and Simone sat back in their chairs at the youth centre, grinning at each other in satisfaction. Comparing cell biology to fashion design had been a new one for him but somehow, he’d managed it. The proof was in Simone’s blue eyes – the fog had lifted and they’d widened in comprehension as she started to sketch and label the cell structure. To most people, it was a scientific drawing. To Simone, it represented – and Paul was still trying to get his head around this one – a handbag – and every part of the cell – from the nucleus to the mitochondria – was a design element of the bag.

As he watched her sketch and correctly label the cell parts, Paul knew he’d succeeded in capturing her interest. She was so engrossed that she hadn’t even looked up when the TV in the youth centre had been turned up high, the theme tune of The X Factor blasting out. Nor when Shelley, her mate, had shouted her name across the hall to come and watch. But the real test was when her phone had emitted a ping, signalling a message. Paul watched for her reaction, waiting for her fingers to drop the pencil and reach for her phone. It never happened, and Paul knew then he’d found a way to ensure she continued her extra study sessions with him.

‘At this rate, Simone, you’re going to pass biology with flying colours!’ said Paul, after she’d packed up her notes and they sat chatting at the table.

‘God, I wish Jenkins taught biology like you did! I’d have no problems then,’ replied Simone. ‘What will we work on next week?’

Paul saw his opportunity. ‘The mock exam’s in a few weeks, is that right?’

‘Yeah end March – just before we break up for the Easter holidays,’ groaned Simone.

‘Well,’ said Paul, ‘I reckon we can review the majority of the syllabus if we meet two or three times a week – what do you say?’