There’s nothing like a good TV drama or reality show, is there? The suspense, the moments of highs and lows, the compassion you feel for the characters who don’t get their happy ending.
It’s a bit different, however, when the drama you see on your screen is, in fact, mirrored in your day-to-day life.
During the promotion of BBC Two’s School, the channel promised to show the realities of education as it stands. And after another hard watch on Tuesday night, there’s no doubting that the many problems ripping through education are now on full public display.
So far we’ve seen issues around funding cuts, pupil mental health, racism and behaviour.
We’ve seen a school suffering the triple whammy of a damning special measures judgement, a drop in the number of admissions and an even bigger drop in funding. We’ve seen middle leaders having responsibilities and salaries cut.
We’ve seen the stress, anger and heartbreak endured by staff, and, in particular, the toll they can take on the SLT. Last week, headteacher Mr Pope walked away from his school for good.
We’ve seen the damaging impact of the decrease in SEND funding. Those who need extra support the most are being badly let down by the system.
ITV, too, has chosen to put schools in the spotlight. A recent storyline in Coronation Street sees primary teacher Brian Packham being bullied by his deputy head. Phil Gillespie issues ultimatums, increases workload and shows no understanding. And over at Fiz Stape’s house, education is dominating family life. Her daughter Hope has been excluded from school. In upcoming weeks (SPOILER ALERT), Fiz will have to make a big decision. You see, there is a PRU that Hope can attend, but it’s in Birmingham, miles away from Weatherfield. All of this will ring true to many teachers.
As teacher workload and exclusions dominate Corrie, back in the real world there have been further developments at Harrop Fold, the school you’ll know from Channel 4’s Educating Greater Manchester.
The school has been placed in special measures. It may no longer be on our TV screens, but its story continues to play out in the public sphere.
Former head Drew Povey quit in September after he was suspended owing to alleged “administrative errors”.
In January, it was confirmed that two more series would take place at the school. But now, although filming has already been completed, the show’s future remains unclear.
So now the most prevalent issues in education are being broadcast into the homes of the general public in a way that has perhaps never happened before. We already know that it’s promoting debate. But sadly, it’s one drama that teachers, parents and pupils can’t switch off as the programme ends.
Kate Parker is an online and social media writer at Tes
