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To view 4Learning video clips you will need Windows Media Player for PC or Mac, which is free to download from Microsoft:
www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/
player/download/download.aspx
The video clips may contain a few seconds of extra material at the beginning and end, so we have included opening and closing descriptions to help identify the intended scene.
The programme can be used as the focus of a stand-alone lesson. These activities support a variety of individual, paired and group work and can be chosen and adapted to suit the needs of the students involved.
For further information, websites and other resources, see Find out more.
Teachers may want to refer to information on the DfES's Teachernet website about handling controversial issues:
www.teachernet.gov.uk/wholeschool/behaviour/
tacklingbullying/racistbullying/preventing/controversialissues/
If you haven't already done so, consider undertaking the Group agreement activity from Programme 1 to help to establish a safe environment for young people to engage with potentially sensitive issues.
For the How much time is enough? activity, ask pupils to read the Background information on fathers.
Before undertaking the Action against bullying activity, check your school's anti bullying policy. You can download a specimen anti-bullying policy here:
www.teachernet.gov.uk/management/
atoz/a/antibullyingpolicy/
For the How to get closer activity, ask pupils to study the Background information on communication. Print or write the list of 10 strategies for good communication. You can download a printable version of the list [PDF, 28KB].
How much time is enough?
One of the main problems for Yvonne and Ashleigh is the lack of time they spend together. What could Yvonne do to free up more time for Ashleigh? Yvonne says she has to have two nights a week for herself. Is she being reasonable, do you think? List reasons why parents might need time to themselves. Then list some reasons why it's good for parents and their teenage children to spend time together.
Ashleigh's dad has to be away for weeks at a time when he's working, but what could he do when he's at home to build a better relationship with the kids?
'I can't get up in the morning…'
Why do you think Ashleigh might be reluctant to go to school, or find it hard to get up on time? Do you think Yvonne's reward system is helpful for Ashleigh? What else could Yvonne have done to help Ashleigh overcome her persistent lateness?
Action against bullying
Clip 1: 09:42 – 11:06
How would your school's anti-bullying policy (or the Teachernet specimen policy) help a child, like Ashleigh, who couldn't talk to his or her parents? Do you agree with Ashleigh's reasons for not talking to Yvonne? Do you think your school's anti-bullying policy (or the one you looked at) is or would be effective? Is there anything else that schools could do to deal with bullies?
How to get closer
Looking at the list of 10 strategies for good communication, which of these do Ashleigh and Yvonne need to work on? What could Yvonne have done after she'd read Ashleigh's letter? Both say separately that they'd love their relationship to be more open. What could they each do to make that happen? Think of a relationship in your own life that you'd like to be closer. What could you do to make that happen?
Watching the films
What changes do you think would improve Ashleigh and Yvonne's relationship? Do you think they understand each other better now? Do you get the impression that either of them is likely to change as a result of seeing the film?
Watch Channel 4 Education programmes for free on your PC with Channel 4's on demand service 4oD.
Citizenship, PSHE and careers for 14-19s from 4Learning. Packed with interactive games and activities.
Index of Notes to support Channel 4 Learning programmes.
Full listings of Channel 4 Learning programmes for the week ahead.
