You and the World: ITV schools series
You and the World: ITV Schools series
Educational programmes for children were broadcast on ITV in Britain between 1957-1987. Typically these would be shown on weekday mornings or early afternoons during term time. One such programme was You and the World which aired between 1964-1976. The series was aimed at 13-16 year olds; in the rather blunt language of the time it was described as "social drama for less able pupils" and for "children in remedial classes".
You and the World was produced by Associated-Rediffusion Television (later Thames). The series aimed to provide citizenship lessons, dramatising problems faced by school leavers in adjusting to the world of work and adult responsibilities.
It is feared that many of the You and the World episodes have been lost. There are hopes that rescue efforts such as the IBA Education Archive may uncover some recordings. But perhaps the twenty minute episodes live on only in the memories of 60s/70s teenagers...
Series 1: Summer Term 1964
Episodes in the first two series, all written by Joy Thwaytes and directed by Charles Warren, featured an introduction by Martin Starkie. As described in the TV Times, the aim of the series was "to give childen an idea of the world which they will be entering when they leave school. It deals with the problems they are likely to face in the early stages of their entry into the adult world."
Series 1, featuring the Abbott family, was repeated on ITV for Summer Term 1966.
S1.E1 Getting a Job. Episode first shown on 27 April 1964. David Abbott is about to be interviewed for his first job and he is very anxious. Today's programme shows the problems that David faces and the interview which eventually takes place.
S1.E2 Off to Work. 4 May 1964. This week we see how Carol starts her new job in a shoe shop and how she copes with the difficulties.
S1.E3 Using Your Money. 11 May 1964. Carol and David get their first pay packets. This programme looks at the pay slips they received and how a savings account can be opened. (Also, as previewed in the TV Times: Carol Abbott had her first pay packet and, after one glorious spending spree, was broke. Her brother gives her some sensible advice.)
S1.E4 Down at the Club. 25 May 1964. This week's programme shows how David and Carol join a youth club, and how an irresponsible action leads to an accident. / In today's programme we see how David and his sister, Carol, are persuaded to take part in preparing for the tenth anniversary party of their Youth Club. Although the party is a success, it is brought to an end in an unexpected and dramatic way.
S1.E5 Making Friends. 8 June 1964. Making friends is not as easy as it seems. One has to overcome many prejudices and personal preferences. Today's programme deals with the way prejudice can colour attitudes and become a barrier to making friends. This episode is one of six about the Abbott family, illustrating for the benefit of the 15-year-old who is about to leave school situations such as the first job, spending and saving, and youth club work. / Today's episode is a story about prejudices and how the opinions of parents may be handed on to and influence their children.
S1.E6 Going Away. 15 June 1964. The Abbott family go their different ways for their holidays. Carol goes to stay by the sea in a caravan and David goes camping with the club. / All the Abbott family have decided to take holidays at the same time. Carol is off to her aunt's, Mum and Dad are off to a holiday camp; although David is undecided where he is going, he is finally persuaded to go on a camping holiday. Today's programme shows the preparations needed for planning a successful holiday and the problems that can be encountered.
Series cast: | |
| TV Times, 2 May 1966 (repeat) |
Series 2: Summer Term 1965
Series 2 featured the Fraser family. James Beck, later famous for playing Private Walker in Dad's Army, played Dad. Richard Burnett and Peggy Paige, appearing as, Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, were married in real life. This series was repeated for Summer Term 1967.
S2.E1 Taking a Chance. First shown on 5 May 1965. Ken Fraser is eager to buy a motor-scooter but because he hasn't sufficient money to pay cash for it he gets it on hire purchase. Today's programme shows the reason why Ken takes a chance to make things go the way he wants. It also shows how his sister, Susan, tackles her first day at work.
S2.E2 Tell the Truth. 12 May 1965. Susan Fraser and her friend, Kathleen, work in a large store. Small articles disappear from Kathleen's counter and she gets the blame because she refuses to tell the truth. Today's programme shows how Kathleen and Susan come to their decision to tell the management all about the disappearing goods. It also shows what happens to Ken and his scooter.
S2.E3 Why Pick on Me? 19 May 1965. Ken's problems come to a climax; they affect his work and his family and he is taken to task for this. Susan has days off from work as she is sick but forgets to take a certificate when she returns and has to see the supervisor about it. Friends of Susan and Ken also fall foul of people in authority. Today's programme deals with the way the group reacts and comes to terms with at least one part of the adult world.
S2.E4 Helping Out. 26 May 1965. Susan Fraser, her brother Ken, and their friends, Kathleen and Geoff, belong to a youth club where they join in some do-it-yourself activities. It's not long before they put to use their newly-gained knowledge in helping some elderly people in the neighbourhood.
S2.E5 Make Up Your Mind. 3 June 1965. Ken and Susan Fraser and their friends continue to help to redecorate the old couple's home. During the time they are there, the group is faced with some unexpected and difficult problems and we see how they tackle these.
S2.E6 Change of Address. 17 June 1965. The firm at which Ken Fraser and his father work is moving out of town and the family is faced with the problems which result from this. Today's programme shows how the Frasers deal with these problems and prepare and plan for their new way of life.
Series cast:
Series 3: Summer Term 1968
Series 3 and 4 featured a new presenter, Barry Turner, and a new writer, Michael Cahill. Vic Hughes took over as director for series 3, with Charles Warren becoming producer. The series was repeated in Summer Term 1970.
As previewed in the TV Times (17 April 1968) "the aim of the series is to help less able pupils to adjust to the world they will be entering when they leave school. Real life situations are presented in a dramatised form to provide a basis for discussion about human conduct and human relations."
The Manchester Evening News (25 May 1968) ran a feature titled School Tips:
Leslie Dwyer has been in show business 52 years - more than twice as long as the lifetime of any of his co-stars in Monday's "You and the World". In the ITV schools' series, young actors ranging in age from 18 to 23, each week dramatise problems that school-leavers might encounter. Mr Dwyer is enjoying the experience. He says: "Far from their picking up useful tips from me, I find it's quite the reverse." In the episode "On Second Thoughts" is 18-year-old Sally Geeson, Judy Geeson's sister. Sally readily admits the usefulness of having a well-known sister. "She's very good about suggesting me for parts she can't take herself," she says. "I was going to take over from her in 'The Newcomers' but unfortunately they'd written her out too thoroughly."
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| You and the World image from ITA Guide to Independent Television, January 1969 |
Lesley Judd, who played Mary, had previously appeared in the BBC adaptation of Heidi and subsequently presented the BBC children's magazine programme Blue Peter from 1972-79.
S3.E1 Situation Vacant. First shown on 17 April 1968. Mary is bored with working in Eadie's shop, and applies successfully for another job. She contrives to get herself sacked in order to avoid telling Eadie. The main theme for discussion is the conflict between self-interest and consideration for other people's feelings. / Mary works in an old-fashioned shop owned by Eadie, her mother's friend. Mary finds another job and then cannot face telling Eadie because she thinks she will be letting her down.
S3.E2 Terry. 6 May 1968. We see two sides of Terry's character in this programme, and the main theme for discussion is 'People are not always what they seem'. / Terry does not always manage to make a good impression; and people often misjudge him because of his rather wild behaviour. But there is another side to his character.
S3.E3 The Weirdie. 13 May 1968. Tim is the subject of this week's programme. We soon see him in conflict with the rest of the group, and this causes tension on both sides. The main theme for discussion is how some people, because of their tastes, interests, personalities or behaviour, can seem misfits to others. / Tim is the subject of this week's programme. The others tend to think of him as the odd man out. He doesn't quite fit in with the rest of the group, and sometimes he arouses resentment.
S3.E4 The Real Thing. 20 May 1968. The programme explores the growing relationship between Mary and Bobby, and Eileen and Terry. They soon begin to talk about getting married - Mary and Bobby confidently, but Eileen and Terry more tentatively.
S3.E5 On Second Thoughts. 27 May 1968. This episode continues at the point where the previous one ended. Mary and Bobby discover that their ideas on marriage are not really compatible. Eileen and Terry move towards a closer understanding of each other. / Bobby and Mary have quarrelled and Bobby says that Mary is not showing enough interest in his plans. He thinks that she is being selfish. They begin to wonder if they have made a mistake. Terry calls on Eileen when she is not looking he best. He meets her mother.
S3.E6 The Trip. 10 June 1968. The group have been saving up for a day-trip, but they cannot agree where to go. Fortunately, Monica's last-minute suggestion - a day trip to Ostend - is acceptable to everyone. The main theme for discussion is the need for organisation and planning in our lives.
Series cast:
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| TV Times, 29 April 1968 |
Series 4: Summer Term 1969
Charles Warren assumed the producer/director role for series 4, which dramatised the experiences of a young offender in the criminal justice system. ITV London repeated the series in a tea-time slot in summer 1970, and some episodes were shown again for schools in Summer Term 1971. The series title The Kick-Off's at Three appeared in newspaper listings in 1970.
Michael Cashman, who played Billy, famously went on to share a then-taboo gay kiss on the BBC's Eastenders and subsequently became a member of the House of Lords.
Michael Holden, appearing as Tony, played Gwyn in Granada Television's adaptation of The Owl Service. Joy Stewart had featured previously in a different role in Series 1.
Brian Godfrey starred as Danny (see inset article below) while his on-screen uncle was played by his real-life uncle Tommy Godfrey.
S4.E1. First shown on 11 April 1969. The series will trace the consequences of an act of violence committed by a boy aged 16, whilst on probation. In the first programme we see the offence committed, the arrest and the charging.
S4.E2. 5 May 1969. Danny Simpson, who is already on probation, has been charged with unlawful wounding, and the news has got around. An argument flares up between Danny and a work-mate, and work is interrupted... / Danny gets into further difficulties and calls to see his probation officer and tells him what has happened.
S4.E3. 12 May 1969. Danny’s mother is annoyed because his father seems reluctant to talk to Danny about the trouble the lad is in. Danny obviously finds it easier to discuss his problems with his Uncle John; and when Danny attempts to run away, his uncle persuades him to turn up at the Juvenile Court and face the music.
S4.E4. 19 May 1969. Tessa's parents make it clear that they do not want her to have anything to do with Danny. Tessa finds their attitude objectionable and decides to leave home. This gets Danny into even more trouble.
S4.E5. 2 June 1969. Danny appears at the Juvenile Court and his mother is with him. Danny has broken the terms of his probation order and has been charged with unlawful wounding. The magistrates are not likely to be lenient with him.
S4.E6 9 June 1969. Danny has been sent to a detention centre by the magistrates. He will be there for nearly three months depending on his behaviour. His Probation Officer comes to see him while he is there.
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| Hammersmith & Shepherds Bush Gazette, 19 June 1969 |
Series cast (incomplete and partly inferred as no cast listings were found for episodes 3 and 6):
William Abney - Tom [2]
James Belchamber - Tessa's father [4]
Series 5: Summer Term 1972
Charles Warren reprised his role as producer and Vic Hughes returned as director for series 5. Episodes were written by John Bowen. The series was repeated in Summer Term 1973.
As described in the TV Times (30 April/2 May 1973) "this dramatised/documentary series explores three case-histories of juvenile offenders based on real life. The programmes cover the broad areas of care and protection, trunacy and theft."
Talfryn Thomas, who played a schoolmaster in the third episode, had numerous television roles including in the BBC's Doctor Who and Dad's Army. Roger Booth had appeared in a different role in Series 3.
The TV Times (with picture of lead actor Pierre Bedenes, below) revealed that Mrs. Barbara Warburton was a real-life magistrate and ad libbed the court scenes.
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| TV Times, 9/10 May 1972 |
S5.E1 The Scooter. First shown on 2 May 1972. The first case-history is about a youth aged 16 who takes a scooter without the owner’s consent, to give a girl-friend a lift. He has an accident and finds himself in serious trouble with the police.
S5.E2 The Scooter - 2. 9 May 1972. Richard Bell’s case is heard by the Juvenile Court.
S5.E3 Up West. 16 May 1972. John Pullar is 14. He has recently been doing badly at school, and has a history of truancy. He has got into the habit of drifting off to London’s West End, going into coffee bars and amusement arcades. One day, when he shoud have been at school, he is caught stealing. It is not the first time...
S5.E4 Up West - 2. 23 May 1972. John Pullar’s case is heard by the Juvenile Court. He is remanded in care for two weeks.
S5.E5 Care. 6 June 1972. Mary has an illegitimate baby and is determined to keep him. While she goes out to work during the day the baby is looked after in a Day Nursery. The Matron begins to notice signs of neglect...
S5.E6 Care - 2. 13 June 1972. The Court hears Mary's story and makes an interim order to give time to find out as much as possible about the child and his mother before reaching a decision.
Series cast:
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| ITV 1973 Guide to Independent Television |
Ian Johnson - John Pullar [3, 4]
Vicky Ireland - Mary Gracely [5, 6]
Natalie Kent - Matron [5, 6]
Series 6: Summer Term 1974
Series 6, written by Gordon Bowker and B. S. Johnson with Charles Warren as producer, was repeated in some ITV regions during Summer Term 1976.
The TV Times (29/30 April 1974) previewed the series:
A dramatised documentary based on actual problems which have been found to exist in the transition from school to work. The programmes, filmed at Islington Green School, concern a group of school leavers coming to terms with the reality of leaving school and finding their first job.
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| TV Times, 29/30 April 1974. |
S6.E1 Enter Mr. Taylor. First shown on 18 April 1974.
S6.E2 Tony's First Day. 6 May 1974.
S6.E3 Carole’s Audition. 13 May 1974.
S6.E4 At the One O'Clock Club. 20 May 1974.
S6.E5 Term Ends. 3 June 1974.
S6.E6 The Beginning. 10 June 1974.
After 1972 the TV Times no longer routinely published cast credits or episode synopses for schools programmes. The ITV 75 Guide to Independent Television (see image below) credits Susan Coates in her role playing Carole Wilson.
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| ITV 75 Guide to Independent Television, January 1975. |
Series 7: Spring Term 1975
Episodes for series 7, directed by Tim Jones, were written by Gordon Bowker, Peter Buckman and Neville Smith. In a departure from the format of previous series, ten rather than six episodes were commissioned.
As trailed in the TV Times (14/15 January 1975):
The series features five young people and a house. Their community education project involves them in independent living and work experience. You can follow the fortunes of both individuals and the group as they encounter the social and economic problems of the adult world.
Ray Winstone, who played Larry Meese, went on to enjoy a very successful acting career, appearing in films such as Quadrophenia and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
The Acton Gazette (6 February 1975, image below) credits Ian Allis as appearing in the series.
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| Acton Gazette, 6 February 1975 |
S7.E1 No Place Like Home. First shown on 30 December 1974.
S7.E2 Oh, Mr. Porter! 21 January 1975.
S7.E3 Judy Takes a Punch. 28 January 1975.
S7.E4 Irish Stew. 4 February 1975.
S7.E5 Do It Yourself. 11 February 1975.
S7.E6 Bonfire. 18 February 1975.
S7.E7 Choppers. 25 February 1975.
S7.E8 The Lift. 4 March 1975.
S7.E9 Birmingham Screwdriver. 11 March 1975.
S7.E10 Houses and Homes. 18 March 1975.
Cast for episode 1 (TV Times, 14/15 January 1975):
The IBA Guide to Independent Television (January 1976) summed up the motivation for broadcasting the programmes:
The move from school to work is given assistance in You and the World (Thames). To help overcome possible disappointment and bewilderment, adolescents are shown how to look objectively at the differences between school and the world of work and at the choices they are likely to make.
Sources for this post
Back copies of the TV Times
The British Newspaper Archive
Independent Television Authority (ITA) Guides to Independent Television
British Universities and Colleges Film and Video Council TV Times Project
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