- 15 hours ago
Trading Places S01 E02 (2026)
Category
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TVTranscript
00:00:01Four extraordinary worlds steeped in tradition
00:00:05are opening their doors
00:00:06Hopefully it's not haunted
00:00:07to four groups of young Brits
00:00:10I'm a bit nervous now
00:00:11Ready to take a giant leap out of their comfort zones
00:00:14I'm just a 24-7 princess
00:00:16What happens when a generation raised online
00:00:20All we care about is how we look
00:00:22I've really rotted my brain from TikTok
00:00:24Come face to face with regimes built on no-nonsense rules
00:00:28How long I've got to spend in silence
00:00:30Actually more than 10 hours
00:00:32Where loyalty and principles really count
00:00:35You had your blazer done off in my school
00:00:37You was a weirdo
00:00:38I don't want to do this anymore
00:00:40Will this unique clash of values
00:00:43Whatever I was expecting this is 50, 100% more
00:00:46Welcome to hell
00:00:46And cultures
00:00:49Lead to conflict
00:00:50Everybody can stand right here and shut the f*** up
00:00:53Or lasting change
00:00:54There comes a point where it's not fun and cool anymore
00:00:57And after each unforgettable week
00:01:00It was amazing
00:01:01We're top of the world right now
00:01:02Will either side ever be the same again?
00:01:05I think I've just found three friends
00:01:07It's been the most funniest, strangest, abnormal week of my life
00:01:13I feel like I've had an epiphany
00:01:14This time
00:01:16I never thought I would be going back for anything
00:01:18Three young people who thought school wasn't worth the bother
00:01:22I actually got kicked out of college
00:01:23Because I just stopped giving
00:01:24Bed down in a posh private boarding school
00:01:27Which believes in getting results
00:01:29Deep down on it
00:01:30This is actually torturous for me
00:01:33They've landed in a different universe
00:01:34Can those who've always played by their own rules
00:01:37I don't want to do something
00:01:38I'm just going to do it
00:01:39Survive a week of strict routines
00:01:42Fierce competition
00:01:43And time-honoured traditions
00:01:46It feels like a cult
00:01:47You do have to stick by all of our rules
00:01:50That's crazy
00:01:52That was one of my worst nightmares
00:01:53Will challenging these outsiders to fall into line
00:01:57I don't believe in war
00:01:59But I do believe in that outfit
00:02:00See everyone go on a steep learning curve
00:02:03Just show me anger
00:02:04Three, two, one, show me
00:02:08Mimes drop
00:02:14Steeped in history and tradition
00:02:17Christ College Brecon
00:02:19Is among the most prestigious boarding schools in the country
00:02:25It's one of the oldest schools in Wales
00:02:27Set up by King Henry VIII
00:02:29And it's about to welcome three new students
00:02:32Who'd written school off
00:02:35I'm a bit nervous
00:02:36But excited
00:02:39Shadia from Bristol
00:02:40Quit the classroom a year ago
00:02:42And for now works part-time in a gym
00:02:45I'm not an academic person at all
00:02:47I get easily distracted
00:02:49I actually got kicked out of college
00:02:50For having like really no attendance
00:02:52Because I just stopped giving
00:02:52She's never seen the need to conform
00:02:55I like to question authority
00:02:57If I don't understand why you're telling me to do something
00:02:58I'm just not going to do it
00:03:01There is actually bare sheep, isn't there?
00:03:04I've seen more sheep on this journey
00:03:06Than I have in my whole life
00:03:07Danny Joe
00:03:08Who grew up on an estate in South London
00:03:10Never thought school had anything to offer him
00:03:13I used to get in trouble just from talking too much
00:03:16As I got older I was like
00:03:17I should be working
00:03:19If I earned money from school
00:03:20Then I probably would have gone every day
00:03:24After repeatedly bunking off to earn rather than learn
00:03:27He couldn't wait to ditch double maths
00:03:29And he's now a trainee barber
00:03:32When you're cutting hair
00:03:33You're more like a therapist
00:03:35I've heard some stuff that would get people cancelled
00:03:43Very different from where I am from
00:03:45Molly has been stuck at home with her parents in Essex
00:03:49Since she walked away from school two years ago
00:03:51Secondary school was really awful
00:03:53But I worked so hard for my GCSEs
00:03:58Convinced she'd aced her exams
00:03:59She decided to share her results with the world
00:04:08I thought I was going to do really well
00:04:10Hence why I was recording
00:04:13I thought it was the end of the world
00:04:15And I posted it on TikTok
00:04:16And it went crazy
00:04:19And it's got 20.2 million views
00:04:24It's left her with little faith in learning
00:04:27Or in herself
00:04:28I just feel really gutted
00:04:31And it just left me with a really negative view on school
00:04:37Christ College is run by headmaster Mr Pearson
00:04:40A no-nonsense former Royal Marine
00:04:42Who leads the school with a cast-iron belief
00:04:45In the Brecon way
00:04:46The school motto is
00:04:48Believe to achieve
00:04:49And it underpins our educational philosophy
00:04:52They achieve because they believe they can
00:04:55And I think we really instil that in our pupils
00:04:59Brecon's new students have some serious concerns
00:05:02About how well they'll fit into such an alien regime
00:05:05When I think about a boarding school
00:05:07Like rich, white kids come to my mind
00:05:10People are very different to me
00:05:12I'm a bit shocked that you're going back
00:05:15What the hell?
00:05:16I don't know how well I'd get on with strict teachers
00:05:20You're not
00:05:20Like, you're just not
00:05:22Like, I wasn't the best person at school
00:05:24No
00:05:24You were the menace
00:05:25That is literally it
00:05:26Shadia was a menace
00:05:29The type of people you'd expect to go to boarding school
00:05:33They'd be arrogant and flashy
00:05:35And maybe look down on me in a way
00:05:37I don't think there'll really be much common ground
00:05:40It's probably going to be a massive shock to your system, bro
00:05:43You know what I mean?
00:05:43So, you've just got to deal with that, bro
00:05:45I think it's just going to be a shock for me and also other people as well
00:05:49They've probably never even, like, seen anyone like me
00:05:55Boarding school, it immediately makes me think of really posh, rich families and really smart children
00:06:01Which I do not fall under the category of any of those things
00:06:05How do you feel about me going to a private school and not having to pay for it?
00:06:08That is amazing
00:06:09Private school, eh?
00:06:11Yeah
00:06:11That'll be weird
00:06:12Someone like me going into a really posh and formal environment
00:06:17Rocking up with piercings
00:06:18Yeah
00:06:18We cannot do that here
00:06:19Yeah
00:06:19Yeah
00:06:22I can be quite lazy at times
00:06:24Wow
00:06:25I hope going into this experience would make me a bit more disciplined
00:06:30This bit gives, like, museum vibes
00:06:34I don't want to be controlled
00:06:35When I left school, I never thought I would be going back for anything
00:06:40It looks nothing like my school at all
00:06:43I'm a bit nervous now
00:06:45Maybe I might get a different view of what school's like
00:06:50Hi
00:06:50Hi
00:06:51I'm Shadia
00:06:52I'm Danny Jo
00:06:54It kind of is giving Hogwarts
00:06:56Oh, God, this is scary
00:06:58Hi, uh, nice to meet you
00:07:00At least I can understand you got comfortably
00:07:03Shadia, Danny Jo and Molly aren't the only ones putting themselves on the line for the next week
00:07:09There's a degree of nervousness about it
00:07:11Some of the staff, like, are you sure, Head?
00:07:14Are you sure that's a good idea?
00:07:15You know, it could backfire
00:07:16Well, people that go to this school are going to look completely different
00:07:19Yeah
00:07:19To us
00:07:21We don't know how they're going to behave
00:07:22It could be that they are quite disruptive
00:07:25It will be quite vulnerable for us to open the doors
00:07:30So hopefully that risk will be worthwhile
00:07:39Still to come
00:07:40Yeah, first impressions
00:07:42Not looking good
00:07:43The new arrivals quickly discover how things are done
00:07:46We don't have phones at school
00:07:48Wait, so we're not allowed our phones at all
00:07:50And have their first encounter with classmates from a very different world
00:07:55This is so weird
00:07:57This is so weird
00:08:04Three 18-year-olds who thought homework was history
00:08:07Have arrived to spend a week in the sixth form of one of Wales' most traditional schools
00:08:12Hello, everybody
00:08:14How are you?
00:08:14I'm good
00:08:15Mr Pearson has been running the college with military precision since 2017
00:08:21Currently, it's a school of about 400 pupils
00:08:24About half the pupils board
00:08:26So this is literally home for them
00:08:31First, a tour of the school
00:08:33Starting with its 13th century chapel
00:08:35We're a proud Welsh school
00:08:37Singing matters here
00:08:39And they tend to sing with real passion and volume
00:08:42You guys will have chapel in here three times
00:08:45Yeah, I can't lie
00:08:46It's a bit weird to have a chapel at school
00:08:49I've never seen anything like that
00:08:51So the original school was that building and that building
00:08:55This is a fee-paying school
00:08:56And I wish we could make it cheaper
00:08:58But it's expensive running a school like this
00:09:00For a prospective family looking to buy this education
00:09:02That could be a £250,000 over £5 or £60
00:09:06A lot of money
00:09:07It really pisses me off
00:09:09Because you have money
00:09:10And you're going to send your kids to this private school
00:09:13They can get better grades
00:09:15The school's meals are dished out from what was once a medieval friary
00:09:20This is nice
00:09:21This is really nice in here
00:09:22You'll come here for breakfast, lunch and supper
00:09:25Breakfast is quite early, by the way
00:09:277.30
00:09:287.30am?
00:09:29Yeah
00:09:317.30 for breakfast is crazy
00:09:34That's mental
00:09:34Having that long day
00:09:36It's going to be hard for me to get used to
00:09:38It is a bit Harry Potter-y in here, isn't it?
00:09:40Very, very
00:09:41You expect an hour to come down at some point, don't you?
00:09:45Although Quidditch is not currently on the curriculum
00:09:48Competitive sport sits at the heart of school life
00:09:51For boys, rugby is probably the number one game
00:09:54Hockey's a really popular game
00:09:56For boys and girls
00:09:58The thing I would least look forward to is doing any kind of sports
00:10:03Right, so I'm going to leave you now to settle into your accommodation
00:10:06But I've got to give you your school tie
00:10:08You've got to wear the tie properly
00:10:10It represents a sense of pride that we have here in the school that's been here for nearly 500 years
00:10:18You do have to stick by all of our rules
00:10:21It would be interesting to see how I react to authority now
00:10:24Because I know how I acted when I was in school
00:10:26I definitely speak my mind
00:10:28I think even if I don't say it, my face will say it before I do
00:10:31Just so you understand some of the etiquette
00:10:34Teachers tend to be called sir or miss
00:10:36And our pupils tend to say thank you for the lesson
00:10:39I've never thanked no teacher before
00:10:41So I don't know what they're doing differently to say thank you
00:10:44The other rule is that we don't have phones at school
00:10:50I'm going to trade you your tie for your phone
00:10:54Wait, so we're not allowed our phones at all?
00:10:57If they disrespected the school in some way
00:11:00Then we'd need to tackle it
00:11:01I'll see you all tomorrow
00:11:03You alright?
00:11:04I was waiting for someone to tell me this is a prank
00:11:06He's actually leaving on the phones
00:11:07He's actually leaving
00:11:09Me not having my phone in my hand is like weird
00:11:12I don't know what to do with my life
00:11:14I think that is crazy
00:11:15Following all of these regulations and stuff
00:11:18I think that's going to be quite challenging for me
00:11:22Foreboarding for A-level students
00:11:24Costs almost £17,000 a term
00:11:26The annual salary of some teaching assistants
00:11:30Okay, looks alright
00:11:33We can work with this
00:11:34And for Danny Jo, Shadia and Molly
00:11:37This will be home for the week
00:11:39This bed is tiny
00:11:40This is really out of comfort zone
00:11:44Tomorrow we'll have our first taste of a lesson
00:11:47The main thing I'm worried about is the teachers
00:11:50I'm really full
00:11:51I am a little bit nervous
00:11:53But I'm looking forward to seeing how their school day goes
00:11:56Because so far it's been really different
00:11:58I can't believe breakfast at 7.30
00:12:01Which is insane to me
00:12:02So let's just hope I'm up
00:12:11There's a packed A-level schedule for the day ahead of them
00:12:14If you had your blazer done off in my school
00:12:16You was a weirdo
00:12:17And that rule still applies as well
00:12:19And early starts are just the first test
00:12:22For three reluctant students
00:12:23Learning to comply with the Brecon Way
00:12:27We will be expecting them to buy into our culture
00:12:30Buy into our rules
00:12:32The way that we behave
00:12:34I love a pretty sock
00:12:35This is like me incorporating a little bit
00:12:38Of the style back in
00:12:40Expressing myself in some kind of way
00:12:43Is nice
00:12:45When I was at school
00:12:46I would switch up uniforms slightly
00:12:48Like wear accessories
00:12:49Obviously the piercings
00:12:50So having to change that
00:12:53Is going to be weird
00:12:55In my school
00:12:56The ties were always clip-on
00:12:57So I never had to tie a tie
00:12:59So I'm hoping someone can help me with that
00:13:02But he won't be able to ask Shadia
00:13:04As there's no sign of her yet
00:13:16I'm not a morning person
00:13:18So I don't enjoy getting up
00:13:19Late on the first day
00:13:23Disappointed
00:13:24He's going to kick us out already
00:13:25Yeah, first impressions
00:13:28Not looking good
00:13:30And in Shadia's absence
00:13:31And did it go through there?
00:13:33Danny Joe is tying himself in knots
00:13:36Just tuck it in and now one will know
00:13:38That's what I'm saying
00:13:39That'll do
00:13:41Never wore a blazer
00:13:42It feels weird
00:13:44I feel like I saw a bit much
00:13:45It's gone past 7.30
00:13:47We're definitely going to be late
00:13:50I didn't realise that everyone was going to be on time
00:13:52But like everything else at Christ College
00:13:55Mealtimes run to a strict timetable
00:13:58I think I'm more scared about actually seeing the people
00:14:01Oh my God, this is so embarrassing
00:14:03I'm actually going to die
00:14:05I don't think there'll be people that look like me
00:14:07People that act like me
00:14:08People that speak like me
00:14:10This is actually sick to have in a school
00:14:12These things you only see in a hotel
00:14:15I'm not hungry anymore
00:14:16I'm scared
00:14:17What the hell is that?
00:14:19I'm not going near that
00:14:21I don't know what it is
00:14:21But I don't look good
00:14:23This is really awkward
00:14:25And the porridge isn't the only thing
00:14:27That's making them feel out of place
00:14:30Everyone's just staring at me, isn't it?
00:14:32Yeah
00:14:32It does just feel like everyone is looking at us
00:14:36Are you lying at year 13 level in here?
00:14:38I think so
00:14:40I'm going to be dumb, bro
00:14:42At my school, some of the teachers practically just gave up on me
00:14:45I've had teachers say to me
00:14:48You're not going to be anything
00:14:50That's not the type of thing you want to be hearing from a teacher
00:14:53But before the challenge of the classroom
00:14:55It's time to brave the school assembly
00:14:58He's wearing a cape
00:15:00He looks like a batman, bro
00:15:01He actually does
00:15:02He looks like he's going to save the night
00:15:05This is really embarrassing
00:15:07I actually don't know what to do with myself
00:15:09I feel like it's running back
00:15:11I'm Danny Joe
00:15:12Nice to meet you
00:15:12Nice to meet you
00:15:13And the first face-to-face with their new classmates
00:15:16How are you?
00:15:17I'm all right, you know
00:15:18It's different
00:15:19It is different, yeah
00:15:20What's this everybody about, do you know?
00:15:21It's just about, like, what's been happening
00:15:23It's not many questions
00:15:24You're not coming back
00:15:25I'll show you back a girl
00:15:26Thank you
00:15:26That's all right
00:15:27Thank you
00:15:27Why is everyone so polite?
00:15:29We're a bit old-fashioned here
00:15:31We've got to wear a tie
00:15:32We've got to wear it properly
00:15:33We've got to be on time
00:15:34I'm actually going to die
00:15:36I think the discipline might be hard for them
00:15:39Shall I be able to take your coat off?
00:15:41Yeah, thank you
00:15:42It's just the other one
00:15:43You'll be the only one
00:15:44You don't want to stand there
00:15:45It's breaking the rules already
00:15:47My assembly hall was just plastic chairs
00:15:50Yeah, it feels like one of them award ceremonies
00:15:52Yeah
00:15:53Not quite the Oscars
00:15:54But the assemblies are a chance
00:15:56To celebrate the achievements
00:15:57Of the Christ College students
00:15:58And reinforce school values
00:16:02I don't think anybody can thrive at school
00:16:04If they don't feel a really strong sense of belonging
00:16:06And understanding their responsibilities to that community
00:16:10This is so weird
00:16:12Why is it so formal?
00:16:14They all come walking in in a straight line
00:16:15That would not happen at high school
00:16:17Everyone would be screaming
00:16:19Yeah
00:16:20Morning
00:16:20Please stand for the head and staff
00:16:26The teachers were wearing like robes
00:16:28And it kind of made it feel a bit like I was going to court
00:16:34Good morning, Christ College
00:16:36Do sit down
00:16:39Now you may have noticed
00:16:40That we've got three brave young people
00:16:42That are going to join us as pupils for the week
00:16:46So in no particular order
00:16:48We have Shadia
00:16:49Danny and Molly
00:16:51Do come down
00:17:06That was probably like one of my worst nightmares
00:17:10It was just really embarrassing
00:17:11That was the worst thing I've ever done in my life
00:17:16But there's no time to recover
00:17:17It's now back-to-back lessons until 4pm
00:17:22All three are split up
00:17:24And expected to stand on their own two feet
00:17:26It was hard
00:17:27I'm a realist thing
00:17:29While Danny Jo steps back into the classroom
00:17:32For the first time in two years
00:17:34Can we just do a vocal warm up?
00:17:36So we've got to go
00:17:36Ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba
00:17:40You do it
00:17:40Ba, ba, ba, ooh
00:17:43Molly takes to the stage in a performing arts class
00:17:50Just show me anger
00:17:51Three, two, one, show me
00:17:57And the headmaster tests Shadia's focus in a practical lesson
00:18:01Hi Shadia
00:18:02Hello
00:18:02These are two ladies you're going to be working with today
00:18:04I'm Shadia, nice to meet you
00:18:06She's been put in charge of creating the perfect portrait
00:18:10There's three main characteristics that help you get a correctly exposed photograph, alright?
00:18:14You have the shutter speed, the f-stop and the ISO
00:18:17When he was telling me everything I wasn't really listening
00:18:19The information he was putting out was not coming in
00:18:22This is a good camera, I need one of these
00:18:24Yeah
00:18:24For myself
00:18:25Yeah, Instagram pics
00:18:27Yeah, that's what I was thinking
00:18:29How strict would you say your school is?
00:18:32Do you get like detentions and stuff?
00:18:33No, it's very rare
00:18:34I mean, I've been here for four years and I've only had one
00:18:38Really?
00:18:39I had detention every day
00:18:40Really?
00:18:41Oh my gosh
00:18:41I just ran out the back exit, said I'd have to go
00:18:43But I was in detention all the time
00:18:44The fact that people here don't really have detention
00:18:47Like, kind of like, is crazy to me
00:18:49Moved to the side now, I think
00:18:50One of the reasons people are so well behaved here
00:18:54Is because they want to make their parents proud
00:18:56Because their parents pay a lot of money for them to be here
00:19:01Aware that Shardia lacks commitment in the classroom
00:19:04Hiya Shardia, how are you? You alright? Come on in
00:19:06Mr Pearson has called her to his office to find out more
00:19:10So tell me a little bit about your schooling
00:19:13I... I'm not the most academic person
00:19:16Yeah
00:19:16When I went into college, I didn't enjoy that at all
00:19:18I changed my subjects like four different times
00:19:21Because I didn't know what I wanted to do
00:19:22It's not subjects, it's just the whole thing that I don't enjoy
00:19:26So I just stopped going in and then I got kicked out
00:19:27Right
00:19:28When you're at college, there's not really anyone that's, like, holding you accountable
00:19:31So I took advantage of that
00:19:34What do you personally want to get out of this experience?
00:19:37I don't think I'm very disciplined
00:19:39If I don't want to do something, I'm just not going to do it
00:19:41And I need to actually get out of my comfort zone
00:19:44Right now, I work at a gym
00:19:46It's, like, obviously not what I want to do
00:19:48But it's quite a chill job
00:19:50But I definitely want more from my current life
00:19:52I have high hopes, big dreams
00:19:55This week, really try to do things you think, I'm going to hate this
00:19:59But do it anyway and give it a go
00:20:01They are, all of them, in their different ways
00:20:03Going to find certain things hard here
00:20:05Shadi has lived in an adult world
00:20:07And I think coming back into a school environment
00:20:10She might find that quite tricky
00:20:12Thank you for the session
00:20:12I think of the three, she's the most likely to vocalise
00:20:16That's rubbish
00:20:17I'm not doing that
00:20:24Like many private schools, Christ College relies on its centuries-old house system
00:20:29To build loyalty and belonging
00:20:31This week, our three newcomers are split between different houses
00:20:35Are you settling in?
00:20:37It's such a new environment
00:20:38But, like, fully immersing myself in it
00:20:41Mrs Richards is in charge of Donaldson House
00:20:44Now, I'm quite used to having girls who are boarding
00:20:46And it can take them the whole of the half-term to really settle
00:20:49My role as a house parent, really, is that I'm their second mother
00:20:54So they will come to me if they need anything
00:20:57Hi, I'm Mrs Macridge
00:20:59I'm Shadiya
00:20:59Welcome to DeWinton House
00:21:01As you can see, everything is purple
00:21:02We love it
00:21:03Yeah, I can tell
00:21:03We definitely class ourselves as a family
00:21:06Yeah
00:21:06We tend to go hashtag purple family
00:21:08It's actually hashtag blue-purple
00:21:10Joanie's head of house
00:21:12And you'll spend lots of time with her this week
00:21:14And you'll see
00:21:15We do lots of fun things
00:21:17We love a bit of baking
00:21:18We love a fairy light
00:21:19And we just love making it as girly as possible
00:21:21The baking, the ribbons
00:21:23They seem, like, very innocent
00:21:26Danny Jo is welcomed to Orchard
00:21:29By its head of house, Alfie
00:21:31A proud ambassador of the school's motto
00:21:33That to believe is to achieve
00:21:35Do you not, like, ever miss any of your family on your board in here?
00:21:39I think the simple answer is definitely yeah
00:21:41Like, especially when I first came here
00:21:43But I think as you mature, it just becomes your second home
00:21:46I would probably miss, like, everyone
00:21:49Yeah, but it does definitely make you a stronger person, I would say
00:21:55Being at the school may build character
00:21:57So long as you can conform to the Brecon Way
00:22:00I pick up on things when people are doing things wrong
00:22:03Yeah
00:22:03We've got a uniform policy that pupils will need to adhere to
00:22:06Because it's just showing that they take pride in their uniform
00:22:10Therefore they're taking pride in the school
00:22:12We can only use one stud
00:22:14No hoops or, kind of, anything further than that
00:22:18The rules here are so different
00:22:20And everyone follows them
00:22:22It's crazy
00:22:24I'm actually not happy about it
00:22:27It always has been kind of like a way of expressing myself, I guess
00:22:31And now I'm being asked to take it out
00:22:34It's actually quite emotional
00:22:39Like, it's so strange
00:22:40It not being there
00:22:42I feel defeated
00:22:48I'm scared
00:22:49Still to come
00:22:50Why is everyone running?
00:22:51The new students face a tough drilling
00:22:53I was just stood there
00:22:56Like a melon
00:22:57And are expected to step up
00:22:59In the school's biggest inter-house battle
00:23:01At my school
00:23:02They couldn't pay us to sing in assembly
00:23:13It's the evening of day one
00:23:15For the newest pupils at Christ College Brecon
00:23:17But class is far from over
00:23:21I'm scared
00:23:22The guy's like
00:23:22Shouts at you
00:23:23For no reason
00:23:24The Combined Cadet Force
00:23:26Or CCF
00:23:27Is an integral part
00:23:29Of every student's school life
00:23:31Alright, so we're going to give you a set of kit
00:23:34The Combined Cadet Force
00:23:35Teaches leadership
00:23:36Communication skills
00:23:37Problem solving
00:23:38I've got you
00:23:39A belt each
00:23:40But it uses the medium
00:23:41Of being in an army uniform
00:23:43And using elements
00:23:44Of the military syllabus
00:23:45That one for you
00:23:47Thank you
00:23:48You look absolutely thrilled
00:23:50I'm a bit scared
00:23:51I'm not going to lie
00:23:51I did 34 years
00:23:53In the army
00:23:54And I managed to achieve the rank of major
00:23:57Try this kit on
00:23:59Before the CCF parade
00:24:00Parade?
00:24:01What's that?
00:24:02You're going to fall in with
00:24:03Rourke Strip Platoon
00:24:04Now you're just going to involve
00:24:05A little bit of drill
00:24:07Alright?
00:24:08Looking forward to it
00:24:09Good
00:24:10It's a massive part
00:24:11Of how I deliver
00:24:12My message to young people
00:24:14But Shadia has her own take
00:24:16On Mr Kerr's message
00:24:18I feel like I'm about to be
00:24:19In a music video
00:24:22It's like I'm going to start dancing
00:24:24I wasn't excited before
00:24:25But I feel like this outfit's really cute
00:24:27So now I'm excited
00:24:27I think
00:24:29Maybe I could go into the army
00:24:31I mean
00:24:32I'm a pacifist
00:24:33I don't believe in war
00:24:33But I do believe in the outfits
00:24:38I'm a bit scared
00:24:39And we're late
00:24:39So I feel like it's going to show at us
00:24:41But it's fine
00:24:42Because it's cute
00:24:43Are you meant to tuck that in?
00:24:45Tuck this in?
00:24:46Yeah
00:24:47The school expects all its pupils
00:24:49To play their part
00:24:50In upholding the Brecon Way
00:24:53A lot of low-level discipline
00:24:54Is placed within our student body
00:24:56That has to go in there
00:24:57And then that has to go round
00:24:59And if they're seeing people
00:25:00That are upset in the status quo
00:25:03They're going to call that out
00:25:04Call it down as well
00:25:05I would have been shouted at
00:25:08I don't want to get shouted at
00:25:09I'm scared
00:25:10Yeah, I'm not feeling it
00:25:11I feel like this is cool
00:25:13That's not
00:25:14They're starting
00:25:18Why is everyone running?
00:25:19Are we supposed to run?
00:25:21I hope not
00:25:23Oh, whoops
00:25:24When I saw everyone initially
00:25:25I was terrified
00:25:27Like I thought I was going to get screamed at
00:25:31Don't run
00:25:31I'm not running
00:25:32Okay, thank you
00:25:34I feel like we should have turned around
00:25:36The outfit was the moment
00:25:37Am I in trouble?
00:25:39Bit late
00:25:40Oh
00:25:42What's going on with your jacket now?
00:25:45I didn't want to do it
00:25:46Because it was like
00:25:48You'll get in trouble if you don't
00:25:49Yeah
00:25:50Apparently I will
00:25:51So maybe I should
00:25:52Right
00:25:54This looks so done now
00:25:56Great
00:25:57How do you work?
00:25:58Our pupils are our soldiers
00:26:00And they are our focus
00:26:07Everyone was lined up
00:26:09I didn't really know what I was doing
00:26:11And I was just stood there like a melon
00:26:14Mr Kerr assigns the reluctant recruits
00:26:16Into squadrons
00:26:17For their next military manoeuvre
00:26:20This is
00:26:21Lynn had to put up a sheet shelter
00:26:23Thank you
00:26:25The first thing you're going to do is lay a big sheet
00:26:27Out on the ground
00:26:28I've grabbed one side
00:26:30Yeah, I'm struggling slightly
00:26:31So you're going to put this end in there?
00:26:33It's not going in
00:26:34Something's gone wrong in the middle
00:26:35I've got the dodgy ones
00:26:37Why is mine not, like, working?
00:26:39I was wondering why I was just falling in
00:26:40Despite having rolled their eyes at the uniforms and rules
00:26:44I really enjoyed it
00:26:45I think my tent was pretty good
00:26:47They've surprised themselves
00:26:48My dad
00:26:49He'd be so proud of me right now
00:26:50If there was a bit of wind, that would be gone
00:26:52The first time putting up a tent
00:26:55It's good because it's wide
00:26:57If I ever get stuck somewhere
00:26:59I've got the skills to build a shelter
00:27:00So I'll be alright
00:27:03Because they're walking
00:27:05Everyone here is really disciplined
00:27:06They know that if they do something out of line
00:27:08They're going to get screamed at
00:27:09Squad
00:27:12Squad, shoot
00:27:14I was getting the consequences
00:27:15So I've just done exactly what they've done
00:27:20It's just really different to what I'm used to
00:27:22So it's kind of hard to adjust
00:27:24There's a little bit of shock of capture at the moment
00:27:26They've landed in a different universe, I think
00:27:29Their eyes are very open
00:27:37I'm the first one down
00:27:38I'm quite proud of myself, actually
00:27:40Because I thought I was really late
00:27:42It's dawn on day two
00:27:43And the long school hours are already taking their toll
00:27:47I was tired this morning
00:27:48I'm not going to laugh
00:27:53It's been a good time
00:27:55Once again, Shadia is missing in action
00:27:58She's in the bathroom
00:28:04Yeah
00:28:07I think we should leave her
00:28:09That's so mean
00:28:11Because we might have just missed breakfast
00:28:15And then I woke up for nothing
00:28:17That's true
00:28:19She's been late both days
00:28:20Yeah
00:28:21So it's not looking good
00:28:24Though Shadia is late for breakfast
00:28:26She makes it on time for chapel
00:28:28So basically we're quiet today
00:28:30So we'll get our singing voice
00:28:31Is it going to be in a different language?
00:28:34There might be one or two Welsh ones in there
00:28:37We have chapel three times a week in the senior school
00:28:40And it's not about converting people to Christianity
00:28:43Morning
00:28:43It is a chance for us to come together
00:28:48It's new territory for three young people
00:28:51Who never felt part of the school system
00:28:54I did not know these
00:28:56I'm just going to be miming
00:28:57Because I have no clue what I'm doing
00:28:59Good morning, mister
00:29:04Good morning, everybody
00:29:05And all welcome to our three new guests
00:29:09As well for this week
00:29:10Make a start, please
00:29:11With 115
00:29:12I wasn't expecting it to be that good
00:29:25And I just thought
00:29:26There's no point in me trying
00:29:28I'm just going to let them
00:29:28Let them go for it
00:29:37That was so weird, man
00:29:39That was so weird
00:29:42All these men are looking at me sideways
00:29:49That was really intense
00:29:50I actually didn't sing once
00:29:52Which is not like me
00:29:54Go in peace to love and serve the Lord
00:29:56In the name of Christ
00:29:58Amen
00:30:01I was trying to get into it
00:30:03But deep down, I wanted it to end
00:30:12While Molly and Shadia head off for classes
00:30:14The school's chaplain has discovered
00:30:16He shares something in common with Danny Joe
00:30:19Hi, Danny, you all right?
00:30:21All right, I'm good
00:30:21So you've done a bit of boxing in the time?
00:30:23Yeah, from like eight
00:30:25I do kickboxing
00:30:26I mean, there's similarities
00:30:27So we're going to be putting some kicks in
00:30:30Originally, I just went into the gym
00:30:32For self-defence
00:30:34And then I noticed myself really enjoying it
00:30:37The Reverend Rich has planned a sparring session
00:30:40Have you done any competing?
00:30:42I won the London Championship
00:30:44That's not bad
00:30:45To find out why Danny Joe threw the towel in on school
00:30:48It's got that boxing gym smell
00:30:51Yeah, definitely
00:30:51Don't worry, I'm used to that
00:30:53It's clear from his medals
00:30:55That he doesn't lack commitment
00:30:57City London Development Champion 2023
00:31:00It was a great achievement
00:31:01And especially to win it
00:31:03In front of all my family and friends
00:31:04If I really want to achieve something
00:31:08Then I'm definitely someone
00:31:09Who will put in all the work I can
00:31:11And try my hardest to achieve the goal that I've set
00:31:14I'm 52, so I've got to warm up
00:31:16Reverend Rich, a former police constable
00:31:19Is not your average chaplain
00:31:20I've got a black belt in kickboxing
00:31:22And then next month I'll be doing a black belt in taekwondo
00:31:25When I saw him in the chapel
00:31:27I didn't think he'd be into boxing or kickboxing
00:31:29But I'm excited
00:31:30I'm ready to go
00:31:32I'm going to teach you three different kicks today
00:31:34Front kick
00:31:36Turning kick
00:31:37Side kick
00:31:38Okay
00:31:43That's it, perfect
00:31:44So tell us a little bit about your background
00:31:46I'm from Wanderlough
00:31:48South West London
00:31:49I didn't have the best time in school
00:31:51I was in like a pupil referral
00:31:53Yeah, yeah, I know what you mean
00:31:54Two months into year 10
00:31:56Danny Joe was excluded from mainstream school
00:32:01They put me in a room with me and a computer
00:32:03I didn't get actually taught by any teachers
00:32:06Did you finish school?
00:32:08I finished year 11 and then I stopped
00:32:10Okay, so what we're going to do is
00:32:11A couple of jabs
00:32:13How did that feel?
00:32:14When you got excluded from school?
00:32:16It was rubbish
00:32:17Was it?
00:32:17Yeah, we wasn't allowed, yeah
00:32:18No break times, no trips
00:32:20We wasn't allowed to go to prom
00:32:22Feels like you're not even a part of the school
00:32:24Yeah
00:32:24And once you're over there
00:32:25They don't care about you
00:32:26No, no
00:32:26Being able to participate in the rest of
00:32:30Community life in school
00:32:32You know, that's part of the formation for young people
00:32:35Felt a bit Victorian, really
00:32:36The only reason I originally went in
00:32:39Was because of my attendance
00:32:40What had caused your attendance to be so bad?
00:32:43I used to, like, not go to school to go to work
00:32:46Yeah
00:32:47Because I just wanted to earn money, if I'm honest
00:32:50And felt like school was just not for me
00:32:53When I was in year 10, I spent a lot of time out of school
00:32:56I'd be working with my dad
00:32:59Most of the time cleaning windows
00:33:01How did your family react to you being in the unit?
00:33:04There was nothing they could really do
00:33:05Because it was sort of that or not me in school at all
00:33:09Yeah
00:33:10My mum probably always wanted me to do well in school
00:33:13My dad was a bit more lenient
00:33:16Because I was working with him
00:33:18How do you compare the teachers from your school to Christ College?
00:33:22In here, it seems like every teacher actually wants you to do well
00:33:27It's good to sometimes have someone come and say to you, like
00:33:30I believe in you, you can do this
00:33:32Like, even if you believe in yourself
00:33:34Everyone needs just a little booster
00:33:36Should have sparred you before teaching you to kick
00:33:40You think about the cost of keeping a person in prison
00:33:43Is the same cost of sending somebody to a college like that
00:33:47If we were able to give everybody that opportunity
00:33:49Instead of sending them to prison
00:33:50We'd have a much better society
00:33:52Yeah, that is crazy
00:33:59I'm going into my house
00:34:01And they're doing house singing
00:34:03Because they've got, like, a big competition
00:34:06Having joined their houses
00:34:07Shadia, Molly and Danny Jo
00:34:09Must now represent them
00:34:11At the biggest school battle of the year
00:34:13Heart beats fast
00:34:17Colours and promises
00:34:22The house singing competition will take place at the end of this week
00:34:25Louder!
00:34:27The houses perform a song which will be adjudicated
00:34:30You must think that I'm stupid
00:34:33And they'll be super keen to win
00:34:36Come on boys, you'll do it now
00:34:37Like other traditional public schools
00:34:40Christ College thrives on house pride
00:34:43Friendly rivalry that unites and drives success
00:34:46We're just going to go through the song again
00:34:48Of all the house competitions
00:34:49This is number one
00:34:51Because it's quite a public demonstration of house spirit
00:34:55The head of house will conduct it out front
00:34:58And they will want to win that one more than any other this year
00:35:01Girls, quiet, shut up
00:35:03Girls
00:35:04They take so much pride in it
00:35:06And it's, like, so important to them
00:35:08It's quite cool to be fair
00:35:09But you just never expect it
00:35:11At my school they couldn't pay us to sing in assembly
00:35:14So the fact that people, like, actually having this big singing competition is crazy
00:35:18Gonna go from the top
00:35:20All Orchard brothers ready to go
00:35:21Hands to our side boys
00:35:23Chest nice and broad
00:35:32I feel like I'm being treated as if I belong in this school
00:35:35I don't belong here
00:35:40I probably shouldn't be here
00:35:42But it feels like I should be from the way I've been being treated
00:35:45How did you find that?
00:35:46By the end I was learning something worse
00:35:49Honestly, by Saturday you'll be screaming around
00:35:52While this may be a new experience for two of them
00:35:56Molly has been rehearsing for this moment her whole life
00:35:59I have literally been singing since I came out of the womb
00:36:04When I sing I feel like I'm on a different planet
00:36:08I'm in a band and we are writing original music
00:36:15When I am around new people I do come across as shy and nervous
00:36:20But when I'm in front of a microphone it's almost like an alter ego
00:36:29The dream is to be a successful musician
00:36:32But if that's not the case I'd like to be a music teacher or a music therapist
00:36:37But after failing all but three of her GCSEs
00:36:41She lacks the confidence to take the next step
00:36:44Continuing education is quite a scary thing
00:36:48Especially because secondary school was really awful
00:36:51I really want to win this competition now
00:36:54They're really good so definitely got a potential chance there
00:37:01Still to come
00:37:03Wow
00:37:04Molly struggles to be pitch perfect
00:37:07That made music miserable
00:37:08Danny Joe channels his inner Alan Sugar
00:37:11You need to have something that can make you stand out
00:37:13And Shadia decides it's time to play ball
00:37:16Good job
00:37:25Christ College Brecon has opened its hallowed doors to three young adults
00:37:30With more street smarts than book smarts
00:37:32We've got a double lesson now
00:37:35How long is that?
00:37:36An hour and fifteen
00:37:36And discovering that Danny Joe works as a trainee barber
00:37:40Hi Danny, go back into business
00:37:43The head of business studies, Mr Thompson
00:37:45Wants to challenge him in an A-level class
00:37:48Eventually I would love to open up my own shop
00:37:51And have other barbers in there
00:37:52We need a marketing plan
00:37:54So we need an understanding of how a barbershop can make itself known
00:37:58But we've also got Danny who has some insights for us
00:38:01I am someone who wants to learn
00:38:03So I need four teams, marketing and operations over here
00:38:06But most of the teachers were not teaching me in the right way
00:38:09The main thing, obviously social media
00:38:12I started off doing kind of like day in the life type things in the shop
00:38:16All them are smart when it comes to school stuff
00:38:18But none of them have experienced what I have
00:38:21What would we expect if the barber is recommending a product?
00:38:25Are they going to charge us what they paid for it?
00:38:27No
00:38:28Of course not, right?
00:38:30It's a way of increasing your revenue
00:38:32Mr Thompson, he's a good teacher
00:38:34Most of the time it just seemed like he wanted to find out more about what I was thinking
00:38:37A lot of it is about building a personal connection
00:38:40I thought Danny was a key part of the class
00:38:42Even the biggest part because everyone's trying to feed off him
00:38:45There's competitors everywhere
00:38:46You need to have something that can make you stand up
00:38:49Maybe if my school had more practical lessons
00:38:52Then me and probably a lot of other people would enjoy it more
00:38:56This is what we're singing for tomorrow
00:38:58Okay
00:38:59It's like a French piece
00:39:00Because of her musical talents
00:39:03Have you spoken any French before?
00:39:05Not really
00:39:05Molly has been drafted into the formal choir
00:39:09We're doing contique, ready for tomorrow morning
00:39:11Under the exacting eye of choral music director, Mr Cooper
00:39:15Come on chap, hurry up, hurry up, hurry up, hurry up
00:39:17So alto is these notes here
00:39:19I haven't read sheet music for such a long time
00:39:22First thing tomorrow, Molly must perform with the choir in chapel
00:39:26And she's expected to be pitch perfect
00:39:29Three, four
00:39:30Three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten
00:39:36Three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten
00:39:43One, two, one, four, one, two
00:39:45Four, four, one, two, one, two, one, two, one, two
00:40:06I couldn't sing in French
00:40:07And I just felt so awkward the whole time
00:40:12First one comes back down to the same note
00:40:20It's amazing
00:40:22I can't believe that you guys can sing in French
00:40:28Music is like literally the most important thing ever to me
00:40:31And that made music miserable
00:40:33Here we go, straight in
00:40:34Two, three
00:40:39Everyone's really polite
00:40:40Which feels slightly odd
00:40:42I feel like I haven't really seen anyone express themselves properly
00:40:45They've all kind of got the same humour
00:40:48Same kind of mannerisms
00:40:50Same attitude
00:40:51It kind of feels like a cult
00:41:02Every Wednesday at the college starts with formal chapel
00:41:06I mean I don't remember a word
00:41:08I'm just going to have to wing it I think
00:41:09Yesterday I was thinking about just walking out of the choir
00:41:13I was like no
00:41:14I cannot do this
00:41:16As part of the choir
00:41:17Molly must don one of their striking red robes
00:41:20I really don't want to do this guys
00:41:23Being judged is something that really does scare me and concern me
00:41:27So you basically like that goes at the front
00:41:29I got bullied in year seven to eight
00:41:32And that really did like just kind of ruin my time at school
00:41:37Wait what?
00:41:38That's right
00:41:38I just felt really uncomfortable around everyone in a classroom watching me
00:41:42I'm like suffocating myself
00:41:44But despite being self-conscious
00:41:46I'm not feeling great
00:41:49She's determined to push past the nerves
00:41:52Oh my gosh
00:41:53This is really something
00:41:55There'll be little moments of self-doubt
00:41:57And I want them to push through it
00:42:00Because then I think that's where the magic dust might happen
00:42:03The Christ College Choir has been singing in their red robes for almost half a millennium
00:42:25Despite the muted start, by the end of chapel Molly manages to finish with a fanfare
00:42:42Today I had a different approach
00:42:43I was like I just need to judge myself out of my comfort zone more
00:42:47I am quite proud of my efforts because yesterday I didn't sing at all
00:42:51She was definitely brave
00:42:52She had to stand up on their own and like everyone was watching them I would not have done them
00:42:59Midweek the three new pupils squeeze in an extracurricular catch-up
00:43:03It's very formal
00:43:05Chapel kind of feels like a cult
00:43:07I was literally like is Molly about to be sacrificed?
00:43:11What's this happening?
00:43:13What about you?
00:43:14School's definitely weird but it's better than what I expected
00:43:19Especially the people
00:43:20Yeah
00:43:21That's what surprised me the most
00:43:23They're so different to what I expected
00:43:25Yeah, I agree
00:43:26And Danny Jo is making quite the impression
00:43:29I've had so many girls come up to me and ask me about you
00:43:32They found your TikTok as well
00:43:34Girls are weird
00:43:35No, but it's not even just the one
00:43:37There's loads of girls asking us questions about you
00:43:40Because I've literally just been talking to everyone
00:43:42I'm waiting for people to speak to me
00:43:43I feel like you just need to just talk to people and be yourself
00:43:47I'll give it a go
00:43:48Yeah, we'll try
00:43:50I'll report back tomorrow and see how I'm done
00:43:52Yeah
00:43:54With Danny Jo's sage advice ringing in her ears
00:43:58Three, two, one, down
00:44:01Molly enters stage left with a new attitude
00:44:04Well done, put yourselves out there
00:44:08And while Danny Jo has his first encounter with Wales' national sport
00:44:12I don't really know what I'm doing
00:44:14He's all done, take me out, bruv
00:44:22I think I'll help my own
00:44:23I scored two points
00:44:28Go there!
00:44:29Yeah!
00:44:32Shadia must face her least favourite subject
00:44:36PE
00:44:36I was pretty good at netball
00:44:38But I haven't done it in years
00:44:40So I'm not feeling very confident
00:44:41Though she usually avoids anything she doesn't feel like doing
00:44:45I'm not the best at netball
00:44:46It's just for fun, to be honest
00:44:51She finds there's something to be gained from giving it her all
00:44:55I'm doing alright
00:44:56I'm not the best, but I'm getting somewhere
00:44:59Oh, unlucky!
00:45:00It's fun at first, but, like, you've got to have stamina
00:45:03To be running up and down a pit for that long
00:45:05Good job!
00:45:06Thank you!
00:45:06Still got it!
00:45:07Yeah?
00:45:08I actually really enjoyed it
00:45:09Back at home, you don't really see, like, 17, 18-year-olds playing netball
00:45:13But I think it's, like, quite good that they still play it
00:45:22After a non-stop schedule of classes and extracurricular activities
00:45:28The school schedule here is definitely relentless
00:45:30By 11am, I was, like, I was done
00:45:34Pupils also take part in their house socials
00:45:37I'm moved!
00:45:38Danny Jo joins the Orchard lads for a kickabout
00:45:41That's alright, yeah, I'm cool
00:45:43And Shadia visits Mrs. Macridge's house in De Winton for a slice of socialising
00:45:49What's been your highs of this week?
00:45:52Gendos and pizza
00:45:53The hymns
00:45:55Submitted my UCAS yesterday
00:45:57Yay!
00:45:58Shadia, what's been your high, do you think?
00:46:00Just come in here, experience meeting new people
00:46:02Brilliant
00:46:03That's so good
00:46:05And across town, Mrs. Richards has invited the Donnies girls to a local music venue
00:46:10I know you're super keen to, kind of, get out of the house and, kind of, unwind, get together
00:46:15Having seen how she struggled with her confidence this week, she wants to reconnect Molly with her love of singing
00:46:22We're going to be having food shortly and then after that we will start our open mic
00:46:30We've been wanting to do an open mic night so we thought we'd come watch and support her
00:46:34I'm really excited to just, like, get up and sing something different from choir songs
00:46:39People have definitely seen me struggle this week and I think it's going to be, like, quite nice for them
00:46:45to see me in, like, my own kind of element
00:46:47The open mic nights give pupils a chance to show off their talents
00:46:54This is terrifying
00:46:56I'm really scared, but I'm just going to try my best
00:47:01And after a few days in the shadows, it's finally Molly's moment in the spotlight
00:47:08Singing one of her original songs
00:47:36It felt good to actually get up on the stage and do something that I'm comfortable with
00:47:40Honestly, it was really lovely to hear, especially, like, something that you've created
00:47:44Everyone was really supportive on it and it definitely boosted my confidence
00:47:48I didn't realise it was that good
00:47:50Really? Thank you
00:47:52That's a compliment, we didn't know this
00:47:53Thanks guys
00:47:54Normally, she's a little bit held back, but she wasn't held back at all when she was singing
00:47:59100% she's a different person
00:48:01So, are you going to sing tonight?
00:48:05I wouldn't sing
00:48:06What would you do, rap?
00:48:07I'd rap on the mic
00:48:08Do it, I dare you
00:48:10And determined not to let his new fan club down
00:48:13Alright, go on then
00:48:14It doesn't take much encouragement for Danny Joe to take to the stage
00:48:18Is this working?
00:48:20Yeah
00:48:21I actually don't know if I can watch this
00:48:23A little letter came from the mail
00:48:25It said I miss you
00:48:26I ripped it up and flushed with a tissue
00:48:28Trying to forgive me
00:48:28I'm going to slip you for the old page
00:48:30I'm Nick
00:48:30Then I'm Rich
00:48:31Then I'm Nick
00:48:32They remember me from seven
00:48:33For you at my old school
00:48:34I'm going to get no water
00:48:35That was over
00:48:41That was brilliant
00:48:42Well done Danny
00:48:43You alright?
00:48:44That was great
00:48:44It's kind of fun though
00:48:46I might have to come here again
00:48:49My confidence has definitely, like, gone up today
00:48:52Like, I'm feeling a lot more comfortable
00:48:54I actually feel like a changed person
00:49:00Still to come
00:49:01English lesson doesn't really go well with me
00:49:03The new students face their toughest lesson yet
00:49:06Minds drop
00:49:07And up on the Brecon beacons
00:49:09It's time for the week's most extreme challenge
00:49:12I'm not made for walking
00:49:19It's day four at the exclusive boarding school, Christ College
00:49:23And it's new students are getting to grips with lessons
00:49:27We're not expecting a correct or perfect answer here
00:49:30While practicing hard for the inter-house singing competition
00:49:34Boys, I want us to be as loud as we can
00:49:36However, there's a difference between shouting a song
00:49:38And passionately singing
00:49:40After a busy morning
00:49:42Do you like the pasta?
00:49:44I do
00:49:44I get it every day
00:49:46Yeah
00:49:46Shadia has come for lunch with Ira and Jolie
00:49:49So, have you found living here so far?
00:49:52I've enjoyed it and it surprised me
00:49:54And like I've been like out of my comfort zone a lot
00:49:58So, how long have you guys been going here?
00:50:00So, this is like my first school in the UK
00:50:03So, before that
00:50:04Oh, right, you lived in?
00:50:05Yeah, in Ukraine
00:50:06Yeah, so
00:50:06How did you find that?
00:50:08Like moving from Ukraine to here?
00:50:10It took a little bit of time to get used to
00:50:12But now I love it
00:50:14What is like your background?
00:50:16My parents are Somali
00:50:17But I was born in Bristol
00:50:19And I've always lived in Bristol my whole life
00:50:21Both my parents are Somali
00:50:23But I don't speak Somali
00:50:24And then I've got like mixed with like different family
00:50:26I've got like Jamaican in my family
00:50:28I didn't have like a smooth sailing childhood
00:50:30I grew up around my mum and Jamaican grandma
00:50:32My grandma isn't actually my grandma
00:50:34But she kind of like raised my mum
00:50:35So, I call her grandma
00:50:36I went to like a predominantly white primary school
00:50:39And I used to think like
00:50:40Oh my gosh, I want to be a white girl so bad
00:50:42And I wanted to be like them but I wasn't
00:50:44So I think I kind of like overcompensated all my personality
00:50:47I was very cheeky
00:50:49Before I was like absolutely hated school
00:50:52But being here I'm like
00:50:53Oh it's not actually that bad
00:50:54I feel like that made me become a bigger character as well
00:50:59Five days in and the headmaster wants to see
00:51:02If the Brecon Way is rubbing off on his new pupils
00:51:05Coming in
00:51:06So he's asked Dr Evans to give them their toughest challenge to date
00:51:10Should we make a beginning?
00:51:11A level English
00:51:12We're going to continue our study of Thomas Hardy's poems
00:51:16That he wrote in the wake of the death of his wife in 1912
00:51:19And given that Danny Joe didn't even pass his English GCSE
00:51:24The poem that we're going to look at today
00:51:25Is one of the final ones that he wrote
00:51:28Starting with a grief-stricken late Victorian author
00:51:32Might be a tough ask
00:51:33I want you to write on the window
00:51:36Or the board
00:51:37Just what stands out to you
00:51:39Up on your feet off you go
00:51:41A B A B rhyming pattern
00:51:44Look at that
00:51:44You're on it like
00:51:46English lessons at my school were
00:51:47Sat at a desk
00:51:48Writing
00:51:49Which doesn't really go well with me
00:51:51I think he's saying he's gone crazy because she's dead
00:51:53For Shadia
00:51:54This way of learning is a game changer
00:51:57We were writing on like the windows and stuff
00:52:00It was different
00:52:00So he's talking about the first time he saw her in his memory
00:52:03He's saying the first time he saw her in real life
00:52:05But his memory is making it as nice as it can seem
00:52:08Okay
00:52:08That's great
00:52:09Get it down on the windows
00:52:10Prior to this week
00:52:12Neither Shadia nor Danny Joe had set foot in the classroom for over a year
00:52:16Hardy is tired of feeling the grief of losing Emma
00:52:19I always think if I was in school and I tried harder I could have done really well
00:52:23We know this by his use of the word careworn
00:52:26Here you have the teachers to push you to try
00:52:28However this is a paradox of grief as he pairs the word with craze which contradicts himself
00:52:34Yeah
00:52:35Mic drop
00:52:37I think if people knew that I was actually smarter than I let on
00:52:42Then more would be expected of me
00:52:45I actually loved that
00:52:46That was probably one of my favourite lessons
00:52:48I did better than I expected
00:52:50I feel like I could pass English
00:52:51If I like gave it another go and studied properly
00:52:56It made me realise that I'm not an idiot or stupid
00:53:02At the start I wasn't enjoying it that much
00:53:06But now I feel like the time's going really quickly
00:53:08Kind of just want to try and push myself as much as I can to just go for it
00:53:12I definitely think I had the wrong impression
00:53:14Because I thought everyone was like the same
00:53:17But everyone is kind of like shining through a bit more now
00:53:20So I think my opinion has changed on the school being a cult
00:53:24To be honest it will be kind of weird to leave like
00:53:27I don't know I feel like I'm part of the family
00:53:38Okay so it's a short ten minute bus journey to get there
00:53:41The Brecon Beacons National Park is so close to the school that it's considered an extension of its playing fields
00:53:47Okay guys seatbelts on
00:53:49The college's head of adventure is driving there
00:53:52To discover what impact a week at Christ College has had on its three temporary students
00:53:59I've never done any sort of hike
00:54:02The furthest I've walked to is the corner shop
00:54:04The group are expected to navigate a four mile round hike along tricky terrain to summit one of the local
00:54:10peaks
00:54:11We're going to summit at Van Vranach
00:54:14What I'd really like to see is one of the new pupils navigating a leg
00:54:17You happy with that challenge?
00:54:19Maybe
00:54:20I am going to be really scared if I have to lead people
00:54:23I have no clue how to read a map
00:54:25Oh my legs already hurt
00:54:27I don't really like to walk
00:54:28I get Ubers everywhere so this is a lot for me
00:54:32Although she struggled at the start of the week
00:54:34Shadia can see the benefits of pushing herself harder
00:54:38You okay?
00:54:40Yeah, my legs hurt already
00:54:42That's because you're just getting warmed up
00:54:44Mr Kerr wants to make sure she continues to show similar staying power in her normal life
00:54:50I'm like someone who's like I don't want to do it I'm just not doing it
00:54:53Uh huh
00:54:53So maybe this is going to be useful for me
00:54:56Yeah, but if we go through life living in the comfort zone
00:54:58Yeah
00:54:59We're not going to achieve great things which I'm sure you want to achieve great things in life
00:55:02Of course I do
00:55:03Yeah, absolutely
00:55:05They think that they can't achieve difficult things
00:55:08I'm actually tired already
00:55:10I'm not made for walking
00:55:11And we give them the tools to allow them to demonstrate to themselves that they can achieve that
00:55:15Shadia, can you choose us a path up to the top of that feature?
00:55:19I'll try
00:55:20Good, that's what we like to hear
00:55:22Everyone ready?
00:55:23Let's go
00:55:25When we give young people leadership roles, all of a sudden they are not necessarily thinking about themselves
00:55:31I'm just going to walk and hope for the rest
00:55:34Their discomfort, their tiredness, that's forgotten about when they're leading the group
00:55:38I think I could be a natural leader, if I wanted it
00:55:42It's the closest I've ever been to a sheep
00:55:44You wouldn't in a million years get to do this anywhere near where I'm from
00:55:49Awesome, brilliant job, let's keep that going
00:55:52Next up
00:55:53You know what's coming, don't you mate?
00:55:55My turn
00:55:56Danny Joe takes the helm
00:55:58What are we following now?
00:56:00That
00:56:00Right
00:56:01Right, so remember, you're in the lead, make sure the group is ready to go
00:56:04Right
00:56:05Yeah
00:56:07After being excluded from classes for his last two years in school
00:56:11Danny Joe missed out on the chance to work in a group
00:56:14Quite like being the leader
00:56:16Understanding the skills and measuring the distance
00:56:20But here, he's embraced being at the centre of things
00:56:23Come on everyone, we're almost there
00:56:26You okay Charlie?
00:56:28Yeah
00:56:29Come on, you're good, you're good
00:56:30I'm going to try and keep putting one foot in front of the other until it stops
00:56:33That's it?
00:56:34That's it, that's all you can do
00:56:38How do you feel?
00:56:39I feel good
00:56:40New skill learned
00:56:41Well done mate
00:56:42Alright, so we now hand over the reins
00:56:44And Molly, who has struggled with self-doubt
00:56:47Is given the ultimate responsibility of pushing the group to the summit
00:56:51Oh my gosh
00:56:54Oh my god, it's so windy, I'm actually going to get pushed over
00:56:57That's our finish point
00:57:00I feel really rewarded
00:57:02Like it feels great to have actually done it
00:57:04But I am knackered
00:57:06Oh, finally
00:57:08Molly
00:57:09Well done
00:57:10This is it
00:57:10I'm very proud of myself to be honest
00:57:12I never would have thought that I would have done this ever
00:57:14Good position when we get to the top
00:57:16You always give a little touch for that
00:57:18Cause we make sure everybody give that a little touch for that
00:57:20They did better than they thought they were going to do
00:57:23Feels amazing
00:57:24On top of the world right now
00:57:26I've never walked this high
00:57:28No one would be proud of me
00:57:29I guess that kind of reflects in all sorts of aspects of my life
00:57:33You just keep going even though I don't want to
00:57:35Big smiles, well done
00:57:37Good job
00:57:38It's definitely shown me that I'm stronger than I think
00:57:41And if I keep going, I'll get to where I want to go
00:57:48Still to come
00:57:49I haven't come all the way from London to lose
00:57:51The fiercely fought inter-house singing competition reaches its climax
00:57:56This is too much for me
00:58:04It's the visiting students' final night in Brecon
00:58:07I came into this with the intention of trying to put myself out of my comfort zone
00:58:14And I feel like I did that
00:58:18Gradually through the week I've settled in quite well
00:58:21And I've actually had such a great time
00:58:23I feel like it's really kind of made me jealous about how education was for them
00:58:28And how it was for me
00:58:29I am quite sad to be fair, it's been a great week
00:58:31I've made loads of friends and I don't want it to just stop
00:58:37It's going to be really embarrassing if we come last
00:58:40I think I might shed a tear
00:58:43In two hours time, the teachers and many of the students' parents
00:58:47Will gather to listen to the culmination of weeks of singing rehearsals
00:58:56Yeah, just two plats
00:58:57It will be a fiercely fought contest where attention to detail is everything
00:59:02My tie only looks alright up here, but down here, it's messed up
00:59:06An off note, a crooked tie or hair out of place
00:59:09Could be the difference between a trophy and disappointment
00:59:13I need your help
00:59:14My tie under here is all over the place
00:59:16Yeah? Do you want me to pull out?
00:59:17Yes
00:59:18We do have set rules
00:59:20It is important to take pride in yourself
00:59:22And with that, you're representing the school
00:59:24No, I'm scared
00:59:28It's so awkward, oh my gosh
00:59:30I don't know how long I can stay in here for
00:59:32Are you comfortable with having your hair put in a ponytail?
00:59:35Yeah
00:59:35Yeah, is that alright?
00:59:36Then we'll put a purple weave in it as well
00:59:39While a week at Christ College has meant two of its new students
00:59:43Are now happy to fully embrace the school's culture
00:59:46Better?
00:59:47Yeah, thank you
00:59:49Shadia still isn't buying in completely
00:59:51This is too much for me
00:59:53I'm actually not even putting my hair up
00:59:55It's like so done
00:59:57It's a lot, I completely get that
00:59:59You don't have to be on the stage with us at all
01:00:01It's just having you there to support us
01:00:03Yeah, no, I'll come and watch everything and get that
01:00:05It's all good from our perspective
01:00:07Okay
01:00:08Beat us, we'll put purple ribbon in your hair if you want
01:00:10But she does agree to sport the de Winton colours
01:00:14Just in time for each house to present their new students
01:00:17With a memento of their time in Wales
01:00:20So Molly, we've all seen your confidence develop
01:00:22And we were amazed by your vocal ability
01:00:24And once a Donny's girl, always a Donny's girl
01:00:28Wow, this is so sweet
01:00:29Thank you
01:00:32Thank you everyone
01:00:37And well's through and through now
01:00:39Just from all of us to say we've enjoyed having you here
01:00:42We hope you've enjoyed yourself
01:00:44I have
01:00:44You go too
01:00:45Thank you
01:00:45Well flag
01:00:47But the pupils can't afford to lose focus for long
01:00:52If we don't win, I think I might cry
01:00:54There's no time for nerves
01:00:55I haven't come all the way from London to lose
01:00:58Molly!
01:01:03Make sure your tie's all the way up
01:01:07I knew it was the whole school but
01:01:09It's a lot bigger than I expected
01:01:15Welcome to our parents and pupils for this year's house singing competition
01:01:21First into the spotlight, Danny Joe singing with Orchard House
01:01:47I've learned that I'm a lot smarter than I thought
01:01:50In the lessons I was doing really good and I was keeping up with the rest of the class
01:01:54I didn't expect that
01:01:55Followed by De Winton House with Shadia supporting from the sidelines
01:02:00I have died everyday waiting for you
01:02:04Darling don't be afraid
01:02:07I have loved you for a thousand years
01:02:17And last, but by no means least, Molly's house takes to the stage
01:02:22But every time you hurt me the less that I cry
01:02:27And every time you walk out the less I love you
01:02:32Baby we don't stand a chance
01:02:35It's sad but it's true
01:02:37And goodbyes
01:02:46I've had a lot of fun and everything that's happened that has made me feel weird
01:02:50It has now turned into a positive
01:02:54Hours of intensive singing rehearsals have come down to this moment
01:02:59Fourth place, Donaldson
01:03:01And the third place, Cleonson
01:03:05Second place, Gordon
01:03:18We won
01:03:21No week can top this
01:03:22It's probably up there with the best experiences of my life
01:03:25Up the Welsh, I'm moving in
01:03:27What can I say?
01:03:29We don't lose round here
01:03:31All the boys came together and we performed well
01:03:34Last place
01:03:35Yeah Danny, don't let it gas you too much
01:03:37Numbers don't lie
01:03:39And my number was one and yours four
01:03:42He's got the girls, he got the win
01:03:44This is definitely Danny's best week ever
01:03:46I've never seen someone so happy out of school ever
01:03:50Before they leave, there's one final summons from the headmaster
01:03:53To meet him at the chapel gate
01:03:55I've been really struck by how brave the three are
01:03:58This wasn't easy for them at times I'm sure
01:04:00But they just fitted in
01:04:02And it has felt like we've had them with us for months
01:04:06Not days
01:04:07What was the best bit for you?
01:04:09The students, how welcoming they were
01:04:11Everything other than that was a bonus
01:04:12Brilliant, I'm really pleased to hear that
01:04:14How about you Molly?
01:04:15My highlight was definitely the open mic night
01:04:17And the singing competition
01:04:19And just everyone here, it's been amazing
01:04:22Everyone's told me how talented you are
01:04:24How about you Shardy?
01:04:26I thought I hated school before but now I actually think I kind of like it
01:04:29I've realised like I just have to find something that I enjoy
01:04:31Yeah
01:04:32Here there's been so many things that I'm like
01:04:34Oh I'm going to hate that and I've done it and I've loved it
01:04:36Find your thing and you're going to fly
01:04:38Thank you
01:04:39I learnt that I actually can do a lot of things that are like not in my comfort zone
01:04:43The second pupils at Christ College come through the Phillips gate
01:04:47They stop being a pupil of the school
01:04:49You'll get on with your life to whatever fantastic adventure you've got coming next
01:04:53Good luck with everything
01:04:55Thank you very much
01:04:56I never thought that I would actually say, wow, school's good
01:05:00But it has been amazing and it really has changed my outlook
01:05:04Molly, just keep pursuing your dreams and back yourself
01:05:08Thank you so much
01:05:09It just showed me a different side of education being here
01:05:12It's made me realise that there's other ways to do things
01:05:15Danny, you've been absolutely brilliant this week
01:05:17Yeah
01:05:18You've just thrown your lot into everything
01:05:19Yeah
01:05:20If everybody was taught this way then everyone would get on a lot better in school
01:05:25Whatever you do, you're going to be very, very successful
01:05:28Thank you
01:05:28People pay a lot of money to come here so you would expect it to be good
01:05:31And I feel like school should be up to the standards for everyone
01:05:34But it has changed my personal views on education
01:05:37Thank you all
01:05:38You're welcome back
01:05:39You're welcome back
01:05:40Nice to meet you
01:05:41We've definitely benefited from having the three of them with us for the week
01:05:44It's made the place richer for it so I'm really glad that we did take the risk and that they
01:05:49came
01:05:51I'm hoping to go to uni to do something with music
01:05:55This week has made me realise that maybe I actually can do it if I put my mind to it
01:06:06Next time
01:06:08We do tend to drink silly sometimes
01:06:09Three larger than life lads who love to party
01:06:12Yes?
01:06:13It's torture
01:06:14Join an ancient religious brotherhood
01:06:17And the name of the father, son of the holy spirit
01:06:20And the name of the father, son of the holy spirit
01:06:47He said
01:06:47I did make a mess-up
01:06:47The name of the father, son of the holy spirit
01:06:48He said
01:06:50He said
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