TV Cameras in the Classroom: a fly-on-the-wall documentary - Module 2

C1 Advanced · Cross Text Multiple Matching · Advanced Expert Student's Resource Book, Pearson Education

You are going to read four reviews of a 'fly-on-the-wall' television documentary, which followed the daily life of staff and students in a large inner-city secondary school. For questions 1–4, choose from the reviews A-D. The reviews may be chosen more than once.

When the idea of this fly-on-the-wall documentary was originally suggested to the school's head teacher, he was justifiably concerned that it wouldn't present a balanced picture of life in his school and could lead to unfair criticisms of his staff. Exposing teachers and pupils to such scrutiny was a risk, yet the finished programme vindicates his decision to go ahead. It shows us the everyday reality of life in the classroom but doesn't appear to have an agenda. What it reveals is that complex issues, often hidden from the rest of adult society, are part and parcel of life for teachers. The programme goes a long way towards exploding the common myth that teaching is a doddle, comprising short working days and extended holidays. These people deserve our respect. By showing challenging moments in classes of difficult students, some with behavioural problems, the documentary raises relevant issues for debate and airs complex issues. It makes for compelling viewing.

This programme sheds welcome light on the world of secondary education in the UK. Originally planned as an expose of the problems facing teachers in inner-city schools, it has actually managed to break through the stereotypes to show us what lies beneath. It was a brave move to allow cameras into the school but it does seem to have had some positive knock-on effects. In last night's programme, one teacher claimed he was now regarded with more respect by a class with whom he had previously had a very combative relationship. The risks of misrepresentation in any such programme are high. The temptation to edit out those sequences that do not provide entertaining viewing can lead to a biased picture emerging. But the film-makers seem to have avoided those particular pitfalls. If this programme has gone some way towards enhancing the reputation of teaching and enticing a new generation into the profession, then it was worth making for that reason alone.

The editors of the programme inevitably focus on moments they think will engage the audience – that's their brief, after all. They're in the business of audience ratings and their inclination is to concentrate on moments of conflict and drama. For me, this is exploitation as I'm sure that some of the disruption is occurring solely for the benefit of the camera. Whatever was the head teacher thinking of in agreeing to this intrusion? Although the teachers are shown in a good light, one wonders why they had allowed these conflicts to arise in the first place. They did nothing to restore my confidence in the profession. Quite what this programme has added to the debate about education in this country remains unclear to me.

I felt very enthusiastic about the concept of this programme: a documentary that would bring the teaching profession into the public eye and show not only the problems but also the good that teachers do. I can see why the head teacher gave the idea the go-ahead. However, as I watched last night's programme, I had mixed feelings. Why didn't we see the studious children being asked about their feelings? It's depressing to watch learning being disrupted by students who clearly have little interest in being there and deeply worrying to see teachers apparently oblivious to the needs of the majority. Just occasionally, we get glimpses of something more reassuring. On exam results day students were shown crying, either from delight or disappointment, emotions evidently shared by their teachers.

has a different opinion to Reviewer A about how wise the head teacher was to allow the programme to be made?

shares Reviewer B's opinion about the value of this particular programme?

expresses a similar view to Reviewer C on how objective the film-makers managed to be?

has a different attitude to the others towards the teaching profession in general?

TV Cameras in the Classroom: a fly-on-the-wall documentary

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