VOCATION, VOCATION, VOCATION

PROGRAMME 4: NOOR

ACTIVITIES

Guidance

This programme could be used in the first year of post-16 education, to encourage students to start thinking about careers ideas for the future. It would also be useful within university application sessions as a general introduction. Also, it could be used to demonstrate the value of work experience and/or work shadowing.

Before viewing

Discussion questions for small groups or pairs:

• What can you do to show your commitment and interest when applying for a college or university course?
• What are the best ways to find out more about any jobs you are interested in?
• List seven things that are important to you in your future career. Put them in rank order and discuss with a partner why they are important.

After/during viewing

Some or all of the following activities relate to specific clips from the programme. We regret that we cannot make these clips available on the website. Teachers and other users can access the programmes free of charge from the Channel 4 video on demand service, 4oD (PC only), or the programmes may be taped off air for use in the classroom (see TV listings for the current term's schedule). Please note that the clip times will vary on different viewing platforms and devices.

Activities linked to clips

Download activity sheet for clips 1-3 [Word doc, 43KB]

Reporting to the local council
Clip 1: 04.28 – 10.16

• Opens with David saying, 'We are going to be throwing him in at the deep end to see if he has got what it takes.'
• Closes with David saying, 'Whether he chooses business or politics, he is going to have to learn to work under pressure.'

Complete the question sheet (included in the downloadable activity sheet) in pairs. Questions repeated below:

Noor finds out about being a political researcher. What is needed to do this job? Think in terms of:

• Experiences
• Skills
• Qualities
• Qualifications.

How well does he do the survey in the street? How would you have carried out this task?

How does Noor come across when he is talking to the council leader? What feedback does he get?

What does he learn from the woman who coaches people in how to present themselves?

It's a risky business
Clip 2: 11.23 – 16.10

• Opens with David saying, 'Noor is all geared up for action.'
• Closes with Noor saying, 'If something is really challenging, I can do it.'

Complete the question sheet (included in the downloadable activity sheet) in pairs. Questions repeated below:

In a business environment, why is lunch an important time?

What skills and ideas does he use to find out the information he needs in the insurance company?

Do you think he would enjoy this kind of job? Why? Would you like this kind of job? What would be attractive and not attractive about it?

Think about the way Noor presented himself in Clip 1 when he talked to the council leader and then his meeting with the boss at the insurance company? In which did he present himself the best and why?

Politics at university
Clip 3: 19.40 – 22.22

• Opens with David saying, 'Most jobs in politics require a degree.'
• Closes with Ann saying, 'I'm impressed that Noor kept an open mind, but what choices about his future is he going to make?'

Complete the question sheet (included in the downloadable activity sheet) in pairs. Questions repeated below:

What might worry Noor about going to Warwick University to do politics?

What did he learn from the visit to the university?

Why is it important to visit universities or colleges before applying to go there?

What would Noor need to do/get in order to get a place at Warwick to do politics?

How could he prove his commitment to politics?