Teacher's secret film 'underhand'

Mrs Mason used a camera hidden in her handbag

A supply teacher's secret filming of pupils misbehaving was "underhand", a head teacher told a tribunal.

The head, who cannot be identified, told the General Teaching Council for England (GTC) Angela Mason's recordings had left pupils angry and dismayed.

The "deliberate manipulation" of classes for a TV documentary had been "deplorable", he claimed parents said.

Mrs Mason denies professional misconduct and failing to promote the education and welfare of students.

'Upset'

She is accused of having filmed students in schools in London and the north-east of England between October 2004 and January 2005.

The head told the GTC disciplinary panel in Birmingham: "I felt it was wrong to do that because it's not allowing the students themselves to be aware of the situation.

"I think it's underhand," he said.

"I was upset and concerned over the content and tone of the documentary."

Pupils and members of his staff had been upset at the school's portrayal.

The Channel 5 documentary, Classroom Chaos, was broadcast in April 2005, exposing poor classroom behaviour, including children swearing, fighting and refusing to be quiet.

Mrs Mason denies that her behaviour amounted to unacceptable professional conduct.

She argues it was in the public interest to show what was really going on in schools.

The hearing continues.