"Adolescence" – Worksheet

Worksheet on the mini series "Adolescence"

Before watching the series

a) The title of the series is "Adolescence". What do you associate with this stage of life? Write down at least three keywords or associations. Collect all your keywords on the blackboard or whiteboard, or in a word cloud.

While watching the series

b) Pay close attention to what you learn about Jamie and his family. Take notes of your observations in bullet points.

After watching the series

c) Once you have all watched the series, come together as a class. Exchange notes about your impressions of the series and the feelings it evokes. Refer back to your list of associations with "Adolescence" from exercise a). Which of the keywords match the themes of the series? Explain why.

d) Split up into small groups. Each group will analyse one of the four episodes.

For the episode assigned to you:

• Briefly summarize the central plot. Who are the most important characters in this episode? Where is the episode mainly set, and over what period of time does it mainly take place?

• Describe the predominant perspective from which the story is told in this episode, for example the investigators working at the school, Jamie being interviewed by a psychologist, or the family trying to deal with the situation.

• What are the most important events or turning points in your episode?

• Identify at least two examples of the one-shot technique in your episode and describe the effect it has, for example creating intensity or giving viewers the feeling of being part of the action.

e) Present the results of your work to the other groups. Together, analyse the plot structure and the different perspectives by making a mind map on the board.

f) Work in pairs. Select two characters from the following list: Jamie Miller, Eddie Miller (Jamie’s father), Manda Miller (Jamie’s mother), DI Luke Bascombe, Briony (psychologist).
Write a profile of each of your selected characters, describing their role in the series and how their view of events, behaviour or emotional state changes. Pay attention to the information you gathered across all four episodes. Add the profiles in the appropriate places on the mind map.

g) Come together as a class and analyse the central characters in the series. Who evokes the most empathy in you? Whose perspective do you find the most difficult to understand?

h) Remain together as a class. The series touches on difficult issues that you or people in your life may already be familiar with, for example peer pressure, misogyny, online hate, and communication problems between generations. Describe one theme in the series particularly resonated with you or made you think. . Discuss the extent to which your own experiences resemble the portrayals in the series or differ from them.

i) Read the following Zum externen Inhalt: article (öffnet im neuen Tab) and Zum externen Inhalt: PDF (öffnet im neuen Tab) on your own.
The back then British Prime Minister Keir Starmer suggested that as many young people as possible should see "Adolescence". There have also been calls for parents and teachers to receive training in the meanings of emojis. What do you think about these proposals? Do you agree with either, both or neither? Why or why not? Collect arguments that will help you make a strong case in the final discussion. While doing so, refer back to the other discussions you have had in the course of this exercise.

j) Come together as a class. Discuss the following two controversial statements:

1. The series "Adolescence" should be shown in schools.

2. Parents need to be educated about the meanings of emojis.

Put the issues to a vote and count the number of people in favour, the number against and the number of abstentions. Be prepared to defend your position with well-reasoned arguments.