The audio resources explore our attitudes to age - especially how young people regard the elderly. The drama focuses on two boys - Kenny and Andy - and their encounter with the ageing Mrs Komotsky.
Voxpops 1
Young people share their thoughts about old people…including how they believe themselves to be viewed by older people.
When people get old I think they're a bit boring because they can't do any sports like football and they're a bit boring…
They think young people are just trouble-makers basically. They should look back and they should maybe think 'Well I was a child then and I wanted to do that…' Not just thinking what they think now.
Young people tend to go in to video games and all that, but the elderly don't know of any of that stuff and they criticise young people for doing that stuff.
They can be a bit boring but they do usually have a laugh with you and play the games that aren't physical…
I think old people are quite interesting because they tell you about what happened in the past.
A lot of the old people who live around where I live get picked on by kids who come round…
They shouldn't really do that because when they're old they just going to get picked on too…it's no different.
Drama 1
The presenter sets the scene. The story is about two friends - Kenny and Andy - and as we join them they are on their way to school.
Scene 1: Kenny and Andy and kicking a drinks can along the road as they go to school when suddenly the can goes into the garden of Mrs Komotsky. Kenny is reluctant to retrieve the can as Mrs Komotsky is an acquaintance of his mother.
Scene 2: In their classroom a short while later. Kenny and Andy are unimpressed with their teacher's suggestions for their citizenship project and are scathing about the proposed new School Council. They hope they'll be asked to attend a fire station for their project, but in fact are selected a visit to an old people's home.
Scene 3: Kenny and Andy are on their way back home when they pass Mrs Komotsky's house again. Andy jumps into her garden to retrieve the can. At the same time Mrs Komotsky opens her window and calls to Kenny. Andy makes an assumption that Mrs Komotsky probably can't speak much English ('with a name like that'). Mrs Komotsky asks Kenny to come into her garden as she needs his help with something. Kenny persuades a reluctant Andy that they should both go to her assistance.
Voxpops 2
Young people offer their thoughts on when you're 'old' - when does 'old age' begin?
I think 'old' is when you're retired and you're over 60 / 65 - something like that, and you get your pension.
'Old' is when you start to lose abilities that you could do when you were young, like run fast and play football and stuff like that.
I think people who are 70 are quite old because if you're like 60 you can still have fun.
I don't think there's a certain age for being young or old.
I think 'old' is when you feel old - so if other people say 'you're old', you're not unless you feel old…and you'll be young if you feel yourself that you are young.
I think you're as young as you feel or you're as old as you feel and you should never say 'I'm too old to do this' because if you want to do it, you should.
If you feel like you're really weak and very old then you are old; but if you feel that you're very healthy and very young then you are young.
Drama 2
Scene 4: Mrs Komotsky's garden. Mrs Komotsky explains that she wants to ask the boys about her new mobile phone, which her daughter has given her so that she can remain in touch wherever she is. She tells the boys that her daughter explained how to use the phone, but now it doesn't seem to be working.
Andy takes a look at the phone and decides that the battery is dead and needs charging.
Andy then asks Mrs Komotsky 'how come she speaks such good English'. She initially doesn't understand and then realises that Andy is making an assumption that she is foreign because of her surname. So Mrs Komotsky tells them her story…
Scene 5 - Mrs Komotsky's story: Mrs Komotsky tells Kenny and Andy how as a young woman she travelled abroad. Shortly after the war broke out and the country was invaded and although she had the opportunity to leave she decided to stay - because she had fallen in love and married a journalist - called Piotr Komotsky.
Piotr Komotsky used his profession to speak out about the occupation and had to go into hiding to protect himself. One day they learnt that the hideout had been discovered and that they would shortly be arrested. Now escape was the only option. Finally the couple made it over the border and were able to escape back to Mrs Komotsky's homeland - England. She ends by telling the boys that she and Piotr raised a family and remained happily married until Piotr's death.
Scene 6: Back in the classroom. Kenny and Andy are just ending a report to the class about their visit to Mrs Komotsky's house. Her wartime story has made a big impression on them and they realise too the significance of Piotr's battle for freedom of expression. Their attitude to the School Council has changed too: after all it's what Piotr was fighting for, the chance for everyone to have their say.
More from this series
1. Who needs rules? audio
Exploring rules: why they are made and whether it is ever acceptable to break them.
2: Crime and punishment. audio
Exploring theft and the possible punishments appropriate for those guilty of stealing.
3: Conflicting responsibilities. audio
Exploring occasions when people feel pulled in two different directions.
4: Self-esteem - proud to be me. audio
Exploring self-esteem and occasions when children are made to feel vulnerable.
5: Diversity - respecting differences. audio
Exploring how we are all different and that those differences should be respected.
6: The environment. audio
Exploring the environment and the benefits and drawbacks of changing the environment.
7: The media. audio
Exploring 'the media' - including what 'news' is and what 'the public interest' is.
