Representation of Age: Bad Education

1. Liam Smalley

2. Analysis
Introduction:
For this task, I am looking at the representation of age
between the teacher, Alfie, and the students. I will be
looking at the character’s behaviour in the scene as well
as camera shots, movements etc, to identify whether a
common stereotype of teenagers is in action.
Stereotypes:
Typical common stereotypes of teenagers include foul
language, “street” slang, being law abiding and lastly
trying to present themselves as a dominant figure.

3. Establishing Shot
The scene begins with an Establishing Shot. This shot is
used to show the audience the what the scene looks like.
This shot provides the audience with important
information, regarding the setting and the storyline.
The shot establishes the time and location. This scene for
example can be interpreted as a school corridor in the
afternoon. Eventually, the first characters come into shot
to then begin the context of the scene.

4. Two Shot
The following shot becomes a Two Shot. This the introductory shot of the scene that
introduces the characters 0f the scene. This shot expresses the relationship between
the two characters as well as the action in which they find themselves in. In this
scene, the relationship between the two characters is a teacher and his student. The
action of the scene is the pair exiting the girl’s toilet.
The teacher can be interpreted as trying to be a student as tries to use a phrase that a
normal, professional teacher wouldn't say, “Yippie khai-yay!”. This again refers to the
idea of age, as Alfie clearly attempts to use teenage phrases and actions to bond with
the students to get a positive outcome. This could represent Alfie’s character as an
older teenager.
The Two Shot is also featured towards the end of the scene when the student and the
teacher begin to reach an agreement. The image below clearly shows that the student
is the dominant member of the conversations due to his confidence in his actions and
intimidating attitude compared to the teacher who’s facial expression shows fear and
that he is uncomfortable. This once again follows the stereotypical behaviour of
teenagers as rude, intimidating figures who use fear as a method of getting what they
desire. This is interpreted by the behaviour of the student who is confronting Alfie.

5. Over the shoulder Shot
The next comes an Over the Shoulder Shot. This type of shot enables the
audience to view the action from over the shoulder of another character.
This is used in the interaction between the teacher and the student
confronting him.
The interaction between the two characters is about a picture of the teacher
and another student being captured by the student who attempts to upload
onto the social media site, Twitter. This type of shot is used throughout the
scene.
The student acts and behaves like the typical stereotype. Slang, foul
language and presents himself as the dominant character in the scene by
countering Alfie’s speech with a ‘foul-mouthed’ response, such as calling
him ‘Butt Nugget’ and ‘Flippers’ to seem superior. As well as owning up to
law abiding actions such as graffiti. This follows the typical stereotype of
teenagers as they are presented as lively, immature characters that do
anything for attention.

6. Mid Shot
The Mid Shot is used to show the audience the detail of the characters from
the waist upwards. This also enables the audience to connect with the
character which then focuses on the narrative and the body language of the
characters in the scene.
The image shows the scene in which Alfie counters the students name
calling of ‘Jumper’ with a speech of a JLS star modelling a similar brand of
clothing on BBC’s The One Show. His speech can be viewed as a witty
attempt to make himself the dominant member of the conversation. Instead
he receives mockery from the supporting bullies.
Alfie’s speech can be interpreted as childish and not professional as he
stands on the spot and speaks the first thing that comes to mind about the
clothing to make himself ‘cool’ and appealing to his peers and surroundings.
This again refers to the concept that his character is represented as a slightly
older teenager who is out of his comfort zone by being placed in a formal,
working environment.