In this international hit history reality format, school children are transported back in time and placed in a school from another, altogether different and tougher era.
In the first UK season, thirty bright, modern teenagers find themselves having to deal with the strict discipline of a 1950s boarding school. Strict teachers, tougher lessons, lots of physical exercise and a diet of no-nonsense healthy food are all par for the course. At the end of four gruelling, yet rewarding weeks, the kids sit genuine 1950s exams with astonishing results.
Season 2 is set in a secondary school of the 1960s where the modern day kids take classes that include woodwork and cookery, to see if the practical skills taught then are still relevant today. This season poses the question: ‘is there now too much emphasis on academic success and access to higher education at the expense of practical training and life skills?’
Boys Vs Girls
Season 3 pits the boys against the girls. With a practical, 1950s education imposed, competition runs high. But will the boys close the gap, or will the girls stretch their lead?
The decade of the 1970s has also been explored.
Key Format Points
Recreating the teaching environment of the past
Modern students living the school lives of generations before them and taking the equivalent exams of the age.
That’ll Teach ‘Em Worldwide:
Belgium: Season 1 produced by Kanaka for SBS. Following an 18 month rest, a second season was then produced for VTM
France:Two seasons produced by Endemol. Season 1 achieved average viewing figures of just under 5 million for the series with a 21.8% share. The second season also rated well with an average 3.5 million viewers
Germany: One season produced for ZDF
Holland: Produced for RTL
Norway: Ten episodes produced by TV Norge. The series rated extremely well within the 12- 29 demographic
Spain: One season produced by Endemol for Antena 3 and a second commissioned. Season one rated exceptionally well and was the most watched show in Spain that season. With an audience peak of 5.5 million viewers and 22.4% share, the season saw an extremely strong following, particularly within the 13-24 year group which saw a 40.2% share.
The first season broadcast in the UK in 2003
achieved impressive ratings and saw an
average of 3.25 million viewers and a 14.27%
share
France:Two seasons produced by Endemol.
Season 1 achieved average viewing figures of just under 5 million for the series with a
21.8% share. The second season also rated
well with an average 3.5 million viewers.
Norway: Ten episodes produced by TV Norge. The series rated extremely well within the 12-29 demographic.
Spain: One season produced by Endemol for
Antena 3 and a second commissioned. Season one rated exceptionally well and was the most watched show in Spain that season. With an audience peak of 5.5 million viewers and 22.4% share, the season saw an extremely strong following, particularly within the 13-24 year group which saw a 40.2% share.