Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Episode 2

Teenagers are paired up with pensioners to see if they can transform each other's lives. Rifts open up when the teenagers feel the old folk aren't listening to them.

The Hairy Bikers are four weeks into their most ambitious project yet - an intergenerational experiment which pairs 12 teenagers with 12 pensioners for one term in a struggling school, to see if the resulting partnerships can benefit both groups.

A number of rifts have opened up in the partnerships and the project is in jeopardy - the teenage partners think the old folk aren't listening to them. The Year 11 students have an oral English exam coming up, the iGCSE. 15-year-old Marlon, Charisma, Bethany and Chloe all need to practise their speaking and listening skills and their partners, led by Marlon's partner 65-year-old Vic, offer to help. But tensions run high as Vic's line of questions offends the students and Chloe walks out.

The students raise the issue at a meeting with head teacher Niall McWilliams, where Kyrone has an idea. If all the students come together with all the partners in a joint meeting, the problem can be raised without hurting anyone's feelings. With Kyrone chairing the meeting, can the issue be aired and resolved?

Other partnerships face ups and downs. Robbie's partner Rick has fallen ill so Biker Dave temporarily partners with Robbie. Tawne and Judy finally get together and begin to hit it off although Judy is very worried by a picture that Tawne has painted. With Clive's help, Jacub plays Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet.

13-year-old Kimberly, who feels ignored at home, has come up with a great idea: the Intergenerational Games, where old and young get active and enjoy themselves. Kimberly is the host and chief organiser. Alongside the games, the partners set up stands in the school for the Old School Fair to build their community and raise cash. Will the games succeed, and will Robbie meet a new partner to replace Biker Dave?

59 minutes

Clip

Credits

Role Contributor
Series Producer Caroline Ross Pirie
Executive Producer Eve Kay
Executive Producer Mark Downie
Production Company Maverick Television

Broadcasts

Find out more from The Hairy Bikers and The Open University

Have your say, share your views, and find out more with The Open University

Do Something Great: Find out how you can make a difference

Old School is part of the Do Something Great season