SEC A

Q1. An interesting way in which Channel 4 utelises narrative techniques in 'Educating Yorkshire' is through the structure of the narrative. In the beginning, we see our protagonist suffer from a speech impediment, but then develop into being capable in delivering a speech to his fellow peers. This would demonstrate Todorov's narrative theory of 'Equilibrium'. This would attract the attention of audiences because it presents how the Channel 4 series portrays the development of students in school. This would be a unique selling point because it informs audiences with the standard of the education system and the ethos of the teachers. Additionally, another way in which audiences are attracted is through the editing. By Channel 4 using cut a away shots of multiple students crying, it positions the audience in a sphere where they are most likely to respond emotionally. This would interest the audience as people do enjoy heart warming programmes.     

Likewise, in 'Waterloo Road' BBC 1 employ narrative techniques, namely Barthes' 'Enigma code' to attract audiences. When the character 'Gabby' arrives at school in her parents' car, there is a change in the music portraying a change in mood. Also, when she comes out the car, there is a use of a tilt movement in the camera, hence making her appearance being revealed much more dramatic. These contributing devices all create an enigma code which would attract an audience as they would be intrigued to see how the plot would resolve. 

Q2 Firstly, in Educating Yorkshire, Channel 4 presents school life as a positive experience, where teacher support the need of the student. This is specifically when the teacher aids our protagonists stammer. Thus implying that the school environment is nurturing. This positive representation would demonstrate Perkin's 'positive stereotypes. As it is commonly believes that the school is the place where the teachers cater to the needs of the students, by Channel 4 constructing the representation in the documentary to be parallel with the stereotypical vie it demonstrates Perkins stereotypes are also positive. As the student was an ethnic minority specifically from the East and the teacher helping him wa white and from the west, it portrays Said's 'Orientalism; that the West help educate the East to become un-civilised. This would therefore present the school not to be discriminating. 

In contrast, BBC 1's 'Waterloo Road' doesn't represent school life in quite the same light of positivity. Through the segregation of the groups in school, it presents how there is a binary opposition between the popular and the non-popular. Also, through the manner in which the students wear their uniform, it prestos how the students are trying to set their own agenda with the school rules. This therefore presents how school life is full of students trying to change the rules and in some instances, break them.