Activities:

Write a job description for Vikki’s job
Include all the qualities and skills you think may be necessary after seeing the programme. Describe the various aspects of the work, the hours and working conditions.
Hold mock-interviews for the job.

Analysing visual display – a store outing
Visit a specific store. Make notes of its display, inside and the windows. Notice the general impression / image as well as specific things like colour usage, consistency across windows / internal displays / signage and banners, etc.

Write a critique of a window – what do you think could be improved or what works particularly well. Possibly compare two different shops with different client bases.

Creativity – set a brief and plan a display
One group sets the brief:
Decide what goods are to be displayed, state the size and shape of the available space, and explain what effect is desired. Indicate any specific wording needed.

Another group plans the display:
Situate key items / large objects and work details around them. Consider the scale and look – cluttered or minimalist – plus the colour scheme. Think about the broad layout, plus any details regarding signage, props, etc. Think about key points to draw the eye. Does the pyramid system work here?

Design and make some of the key signs for the window – either freehand or on the PC. (Visual merchandisers have to be able to make their own props sometimes!)

Personal development at work
Discuss the sort of person Vikki appears to be and how suited she is to her work. What kind of team leader is she? (Remember the scene with the present for colleague Ange – what does that say about her relations with her team?). How does she carry herself at work and how is it different from her out of work. Does she behave professionally? Will she go far up the carer ladder?