ITV Schools Programmes [ Main | Programmes: 1 2 | Wallpapers ]

Presented by SIMON LUXTON

The Messengers (1971) Granada's media studies series. In this edition, Brian Trueman interviews Coronation Street writer HV Kershaw.

The Time Of Your Life (1971) Social drama from ATV about life after school. The series followed Tony, a 16-year old apprentice mechanic. Helen Worth - Gail in Coronation Street - also starred. Unfortunately there's no sound, but the sequence is reminiscent of That's Life...

My World (1970s) Yorkshire Television's series for young children was first shown in 1968. In the seventies the show had two strands - Stories and Real Life. Great theme tune!

It's Fun To Read (1970s) Not a programme I remember, yet this timeless puppet series could easily be shown today (even the PC brigade would like it!)

Picture Box (1970s) Granada's popular creative series began in the 1960s, presented by Dorothy Smith. With the advent of colour, Alan Rothwell took over and introduced films of all kinds; everything from The Railway Children to a tumbleweed rolling across the desert.

Writer's Workshop (c. 1972) English was Thames' speciality and this is one of their earlier series. Does anyone have any further information?

Meeting Our Needs (c. 1974) Anyone remember this one? All we know is that Brian Trueman presented.

Facts For Life (1975) Primarily a sex education course, Facts For Life also dealt with other medical issues, especially in its early days. The original films were still used ten years later.

The Magic Of Music (c. 1976) Vicky Morgan introduces primary children to the delights of music, in this Granada programme. Although of course, many will have discovered music from the ITV Schools intervals!

Reflections (c. 1976) Evidently a world history series, a 1970s precursor to Granada's "History In Action".

History Around You (1976) Although only a few programmes were made they survived the move to Channel 4. Made by Granada, this show studied villages in the region and the history of Everton FC.

Good Health (1976) One of the best schools programmes ever, it educated children into healthy lifestyles with Blockaboots and Frank Carson as a pair of talking dentures! Part of the show's appeal was its use of local children rather than stage school pupils.

How We Used To Live End Credits (1976) One of the best-loved ITV schools programmes is still going strong, and featured many a future soap star. The 1976 series was set in the war years and centred on the lives of the Ackerley family. Here's a clip you'll go "bananas" for!

A Place To Live (1976) The award-winning natural history series for junior pupils, narrated by Jack Smith. And a memorable theme - if you can't get enough of it feast your ears on the end credit sequence (right).

It's More Life (1977) David Bellamy was everywhere in the 1970s and schools TV was no exception. In Thames' It's More Life, Britain's favourite scientist helped make junior children aware of the world around them, ably assisted by his young helpers.

Stop Look Listen (1977) Chris Tarrant narrated the famous documentary series for junior pupils, which is still running (albeit ruined by Channel 4). The theme music is "Cock Of The Roost" by Don Jackson.

Believe It Or Not (1977) ATV's long-established religious series introduced teenagers to a variety of world faiths. The programme survived the transition to Central, and this episode was narrated by ATV announcer Kevin Morrison.

A Place To Live (1977) It's that organ concerto again! But a different title graphic. Jack Smith is searching for more pond life, namely "The Tiger In The Pond".

Look Around (1978) A social history series, presented by Magpie's Tony Bastable. Was the film editor drunk though? The titles cut in before the ATV ident finishes!

Believe It Or Not (1978) You might recognise the opening music as the theme from BBC2's docusoap "The Village".

The English Programme (1978) The language series from Thames. Famed for its 1985 dramatisation of Brecht's "The Caucasian Chalk Circle" and discussion.

The French Programme Credits (1978) Max Bellancourt, a hook-nosed Frenchman, taught basic French from behind his desk for Thames. No titles I'm afraid, but great closing music!

Seeing And Doing (1980) Another long-running series which eventually fell victim to the bloodbath when C4 took over the schools service. The show made stars of Toni and Dave Arthur.

Cities (1980) In this edition of ATV's social studies programme, a young Liverpool couple talk about their lives, work and the struggle to find housing together.

Stop Look Listen (1980) A new look and music for Stop Look Listen. "Cock Of The Roost" has been ditched in favour an ethnic-style theme. But these titles didn't last long - ATV changed the opening sequence once more before losing its franchise. Visit page 2 to download these.

Picture Box (1980s) This is the one! By 1980 the Picture Box kaleidoscope gave way to the famous revolving erm...thing. And a more eerie theme, possibly played on a Wurlitzer.

My World (1981) A typical edition from the early Eighties. The show was retitled "Our World" in 1986.

Starting Science (1981) The first of several science programmes for junior schools debuted 1980 (this episode was shown later, hence "Central Presents" caption). Max Mason and Dawn Perllman demonstated "Catastrophes" and much more.

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