Update: Speak Out

I found 2 episodes on YouTube (recent uploads from The Art of Film on 16mm). Pic from ep "At The Post-Office" (ep 5) Set in Alfriston/Sussex. FWU, Radio Bremen 1971, 25 minutes, showing siblings Jenny and Simon. Actress Sheila Raynor. No more actors credits. Director Nigel Whittaker.  

The other episode (6) is "At a Shoe Shop", with older actors starring Barbara New, Elvi Hale. Maybe he has some more episodes.

This was the 2nd German ELT series on TV and the 1st using VCR. Previously I haven't found any pics nor clips. Produced 1971. I think first aired 1972.

Main post 

https://schulfernsehenenglischhistory.blogspot.com/2021/07/speak-out.html

Chronological list 

https://schulfernsehenenglischhistory.blogspot.com/2021/07/chronological-list.html

 

Update: Issues

 

I was curious and I bought the students book 1 of Issues 1 (1976) and the teacher book (Lehrerhandreichungen) of Issues 2 (1979). As assumed, there are no movies, but at least some audio recordings (by FWU on audio reels and cassettes) which have been recorded and broadcasted on radio (Schulfunk) by Radio Bremen. These kits (Baukästen) were collections of materials to be used at schools. Some stories are based on other books and maybe some turned into movies, or could be.

There were also workbooks for students. The student's book of Issues 1 has 38 pages (A4), the teacher book 64 including 25 pages of concept info and overview and no illustrations beside these boxes. Issues 2 has 5 deeper stories. More about that in a separate post.

The contents of the workbooks (dark grey) are included in the student book as well just smaller.

The cover story in 10 short scenes is about a holiday camp in Denmark. Main character is 14 yo Caroline Redcliffe from Canterbury with at least 2 (younger ?) brothers. She met a Danish boy. Also about 14 yo Roland Schmidt from Frankfurt. Some very short plots, shop, disco etc. Few simple illustrations and multiple choice tasks.

The picture story is a comic of another boy+girl, 6 boxes.

Then there's a short story (Farewell to the Soldiers), set in 1812 about a teen romance, 4 pages, also on audio.

Finally 4 pop songs by teen Darren Burn with lyrics and simple illustrations and then vocabulary.

In total rather poor (nowadays) and just like school books.

https://schulfernsehenenglischhistory.blogspot.com/2021/07/issues-i.html

Update: Speak for Yourself

 

I found a brief footage clip of this rare, very early 1974 series inside "Schulfernsehen und Unterrichtspraxis" (WDR 1976) in episode 4. Very good image quality. Not sure about the episode # of that series. Maybe ep. 1?. The teens are quite old, maybe at their early 20s. But there also should be some kids in other episodes.

In fact the very first German series with the use of video cassettes (VCR) at schools. Story by Terry Moston. Series first aired on Radio Bremen (RB).

Main entry, previously no pics at all

https://schulfernsehenenglischhistory.blogspot.com/2021/08/speak-for-yourself.html

Takes (Radio Bremen series)

During research for Wonderworms (I still haven't found pics or more info), I found the title "Takes".  This includes the 4 series listed below, all from Radio Bremen. Maybe it's the main title for the series (Medienverbund) or the title of a school book or book series (Unterrichtsmaterial/ class resources). I haven't found any offers for sale. Books were published by Schroedel.

All Aboard (~1979) Book 1979

The Stone-Age Kid (1980) Book 1980

The London Outing (1983) Book 1982

Wonderworms (1984) Book 1983, teacher's book 47 pages 7,40 DM, student book 15 pages, 4 DM

There are also additional booklets in series RPZ-Informationen ~49 pages each, and SDZ-Informationen (latter one is Sprachdidaktisches Zentrum, Pädagogische Hochschule, Freiburg im Breisgau) ~91 pages.

Young Encounters

Year published/aired: 1986?

Year produced/filmed:

# of episodes: 4 ?

Grade: 9-

Genres: Teen life

Sub-subject: documentary, USA

Broadcaster: RB

Production company: FWU

Producer:

Story:

Editor:

Director:

Media: VHSx2 ?

Media publisher:

Additional media:

Working material: Terry Moston

Material publisher: Schroedel

Novel available:

Other literature: yes

Plot (short): Teen life documentaries. Olly in the USA is a student from Bremen in Quincy, Illinois. In Radio Lollipop there are Nigel and Naomi in a children's hospital.

Episodes: ~20 minutes each (2 episodes on 1 VHS)

Pets and Vets - Training to nurse animals

Radio Lollipop - For Children in Hospital

"Olly in the USA" - A student exchange

Mixing and mingling - A day in a Holiday Centre

Literature: Exam work: Birgit Schumann (1989)

Wonderworms

Title: Wonderworms - Die Erlebnisse zweier Bücherwürmer

Year published/aired: 1984

Year produced/filmed: 1983

# of episodes: 4

Grade: 5-6

Genres: 

Sub-subject: 

Broadcaster: RB 

Production company: FWU

Story: 

Editor and Producer: 

Director: Nigel Whittaker

Media: VHSx2

Additional media: Material for Students, Teachers, 3 cards

Working material: Wolfgang Thiel, Hans Bergmann, Nigel Whittaker, Ulrich Grewer, Viola Kessling, Colin Oakley

Material Publisher: Schroedel

Novel available: 

Other literature: yes

Books: Schroedel

Plot (short): 2 animated bookworms called Lookie and Bookie playing and commenting in real-life scenes of kids. Song texts are shown. Ep 1 Zoo in Bristol, Ep 2 toy factory in Wales, Ep 3 hot air balloon, ep 4 pottery.

Episodes: 15+10 minutes each

1. Going to the zoo

2. At a toy factory

3. Up in the air

4. At a may fair 

 

Literature:

Exam work: Mären Schauf 1985

Info: No pics found, update: tag kids, Wales of ep . Update 2 (from worldcat): Production: FWU, director, full title. Also aired in 1992.

The Stone-Age Kid

 

Year published/aired: 12/1980

Year produced/filmed: 1980 ?

# of episodes: 4

Grade: 5-6

Genres: Fantasy

Sub-subject: History, nature, music

Broadcaster: RB 

Story: 

Editor and Producer: 

Director: 

Media: VHSx2

Additional media: textbook, student text book 15 pages

Working material: Hans Bergmann

Publisher material : Schroedel

Novel available: 

Other literature: yes, see below

Plot (short): A boy and girl from Wales met a stone-age kid. Ohoo fits in on the farm. He was suspected stealing from a museum. Avoiding the police, he rode away on horse. At the end he watched his friends through a window, so he's not away.

Episodes: ~14 minutes each

1. Meet Ohoo

2. Locked Out!

3. So long at the fair

4. One Single - Two Returns

Submovie: Wales - Land of my Fathers

Didactic goals:

Differences England / Wales, culture, music, nature, druids, kelts, Asterix, costumes. Set in Snowdonia

Literature:

Exam work: Christiane Leusmann

Speak for Yourself

 

Year published/aired: 1974

Year produced/filmed: ~1973

# of episodes: 6 units (2 parts each)

Grade: 9

Genres: Everyday's situations

Sub-subject: grammar

Broadcaster:  RB

Production company: FWU, BBC

Story: Terry Moston

Editor:

Director:

Producer:

Media: 16mm sound film, VCR

Media distribution: Jeffrey Norton Publishers

Additional media: books, audio tapes/reels, foils, sheets

Working material: Terry Moston

Material publisher: Schroedel, Lensing

Novel available:

Other literature: yes

Plot (short): The first ever English series with the help of Video cassettes, 1/2 '' VCR. Concepts 1972. Social problems of teens. Each episode has 2 parts/stories (film A+B) plus 2 audio parts. Films A are mainly from the BBC. School and radio reporters. Sequel of Speak Out.

Episodes: 30 minutes each, (2x15) + 2x15 minutes audio

1. Law-Breakers (plot: shoplifting)

2. Image-Makers (child actors)

3. None of Your Business? (abuse of kids and animals)

4. Trouble-Makers (bullying at school, smoking, vandalism), also younger boy

5. Neighbourhoods (social issues) subjects: living, leisure time

6. Misunderstandings (speech issues) 

 

I now found a brief clip on YouTube

https://schulfernsehenenglischhistory.blogspot.com/2023/06/update-speak-for-yourself.html

Round Britain

Year published/aired: 1988

Year produced/filmed:

# of episodes: 4

Grade: 7-8

Genres: documentary

Sub-subject: geography, culture

Broadcaster: RB

Production company: FWU

Story: Nigel Whittaker

Editor:

Director: Nigel Whittaker

Media: VHSx4

Additional media:

Working material:

Material publisher:

Novel available:

Other literature: 

Plot (short): Documentaries about the lives of teens

Episodes: ~20 minutes each

1. Dulwich College, London (A Day in the Life of Tom Lomax) 16 yo life at an Independent school

2. Cornwall (A Day in the Life of Amanda Jeffrey) Farm, hospital for injured birds

3. Liverpool (A Day in the Life of Geraldine Roberts) 17 yo also Liz, The Beatles

4. Isle of Man (A Day in the Life of Debby Cannon) 18 yo

Transcript (episode 4):

100 sec waking up, introduction of Debby and her family, father bin man, 2nd husband, father died, pottery, books, dogs, manx cats

80 sec show fishing town Peel, Castel, Cathedrals...

50 sec Vikings, history, parliament...

25 sec importance of sea

The London Outing

Year published/aired: 1983

Year produced/filmed: 

# of episodes: 5

Grade: 5-6

Genres: Sightseeing

Sub-subject: London

Broadcaster: RB

Production company: FWU

Story: 

Editor: Lothar Humburg, Hans Bergmann

Director: 

Media: VHSx2

Additional media:

Working material: Teacher's note

Material publisher: Schroedel

Novel available: 

Other literature: yes

Plot (short): 12 yo homesick Emma from Wales moved to a suburb of London. With her pal Stan she made an awarded photo safari for school on foot as they missed the bus. A 2nd group made a Sightseeing tour in London by bus. They all met at Piccadilly Circus. In the final episode a slide-show of them is shown.

Episodes:

Unit 1: The New Girl, 40 minutes (Units 1-2)

2. Making Plans

3. Riding on a Bus, 45 (or less likely 54) minutes (Units 3-5 )

4. Open Day

5. Tape-Slide Show

Literature:

Monograph: Michael Legutke (RPZ): The London Outing: Unterricht-Fernsehkurs im Medienverbund... 

I now found both leaflet covers 

https://schulfernsehenenglischhistory.blogspot.com/2025/03/update-london-outing.html

Issues I

 

Title: Issues I - Baukasten für den Englischunterricht im 8. Schuljahr

Year published/aired: 1976

Year produced/filmed: 

# of episodes: 5 (Issues I)

Grade: 8-10

Genres:

Sub-subject:

Broadcaster: 

Story: 

Editor and Producer: 

Director: 

Media: 

Additional media: Material for Students, Teachers, 5x each

Working material: Ulrich Grewer, Terry Moston, etc

Novel available: yes, 5 

Other literature: yes

Episodes:

1 Caroline, I love you (Romance, english, German and Danish teens)

2 Runaways

3. Ugly Brutes (plot Ufos, based on War of the Worlds by HG Wells)

4. An Accident

5. Top of the Pops

"Issues 2" (1978) 9th grade

1. Horror

2. The Camberwell Case

3. Visions of Freedom

4. Booze

5. The Holiday Industry

"Issues 3 episodes" (1983, 10th grade)

1. Come Live With Me

2. Heroes

3. And Then There Were None

4. Captain Swing

5. Police

Books: Langenscheidt-Longman

The third English concept with VCR video tapes as Baukästen (tool collection kits). Completely published in 1976, first concepts published in 1973 (started in 1971 finished in 1974). Books released in 1976. Main series is called "Baukästen für den Englischunterricht".

Predecessors were Speak for Yourself and Speak Out (concepts 1972/1973). There's also a series Issues Junior I (1984, 7th Grade). 1-3

Other Baukästen are series "Scout" (9 parts ~1984) and "Getting Into Jeans" (1994 by Michael Freyer".  Very few infos especially about the latter one. Maybe most or all are just books but at least with audio tapes. Some contents can be viewed on d-nb.info Audio reels and cassettes were released by FWU, recorded and broadcasted on Radio Bremen.

Updates:

https://schulfernsehenenglischhistory.blogspot.com/2024/04/update-issues.html

https://schulfernsehenenglischhistory.blogspot.com/2024/04/issues-2.html

Speak Out

Year published/aired: 1972

Year produced/filmed: 1971

# of episodes: 16

Grade: 7

Genres: Everydays situations
Sub-subject:

Broadcaster: RB

Production company: FWU

Story: Nigel Whittaker

Editor and Producer: 

Director: Nigel Whittaker

Media: 16mm sound film

Additional media: Material for Students, Teachers, Audio tape, foils, sheets

Working material:

Novel available: 

Other literature: yes

Books: Schroedel

 

Plot (short): Life of Family Tanner, Bill, Wendy and their kids Richard (13 yo), Susan 11 and older au-pair girl Helga (who should be German). Everyday's situations. Every episode has 3 parts: film, repetition, dialogue. Many headshots.

Episodes: (now complete, in right order) 20-30 min each

1. At the Railway Ticket Office, 15 min  (London Victoria Station)

2. At the Breakfast Table, 19 minutes

3. At the Underground Travel Enquiries, 20 min

4. Washing Up (English Family and au-pair girl Helga), 19 min

5. At the Post Office, 24 min. (pictured)

6. At a shoe shop, 21 min 

7. At a Pet Shop, 22 min

8. Making Beds, 22 min

9.  At the Doctor', 27 min (Kids+ au pair at ear nose and throat Dr Collier

10.  At the Snack Bar, 24 min

11. First Aid, 25 min

12. Laying the Table, 24 min

13. At the Travel Agent's, 18 min

14. At the Money Exchange, 22 min.

15. Going Away, 23 min

16. Learning to Drive, 22 min

The first ever English series with the help of Video cassettes, VCR. Concepts 1971. Twin series with Speak for yourself.

There was also a French series called Grundsitutationen des Französischunterrichts. Updated: Plot, full episode list in right order, 1972 instead of 1973. (Filmed/produced 1971).

Update: In 2026 I found 2 episodes (5 and 6) on YouTube. Previously no pics/clips at all. Also director and some actors found. Pic from ep 5.

https://schulfernsehenenglischhistory.blogspot.com/2026/01/update-speak-out.html

Down Under: Australia

Year published/aired: ~1986

Year produced/filmed: 

# of episodes: 6 

Grade: 9-13

Genres: Documentary

Sub-subject: Geography

Broadcaster: NDR/Radio Bremen (or WDR?)

Production company: 

Story: Dieter Buttjes, Friederike Klippel

Editor and Producer: 

Director: 

Media: VHS x2 ?

Additional media:

Working material: Friederike Klippel

Material publisher: Lambert Lensing

Novel available: 

Other literature: yes

Plot (short):

Episodes: ~20 minutes each

1. See You in Melbourne 

2. Of barbecues and kangoos (or kangaroos ?)

3. Into the outback

4. Jumbuck and jilleroos (or jumbucks ?)

5. Visiting the capital 

6. Last stop Sidney

 

Literature: Teacher's book called Panorama - English Cultures around the world. Life Down Under: Australia and New Zealand. Together with series  Exploring A Young Country: New Zealand. Worldcat says NDR, Radio Bremen. Previously I had WDR. Worldcat says 20 min/episode but 55 minute per VHS other entry there says VHS 27 minutes. 

Praxis Schulfernsehen: Susanne Boehler

Down the Old Canal

Year published/aired: 1987

Year produced/filmed: 

# of episodes: 1 

Grade:

Genres: Documentary

Sub-subject: Geography

Broadcaster: RB

Production company: FWU

Story: 

Editor and Producer: 

Director: 

Media: VHSx1

Additional media: Material for Students

Working material: Terry Moston, Otfried Börner, Dietrich Büscher, Ulrich Grewer, Viola Kessling

Material publisher: Schroedel

Novel available: 

Other literature:

Plot (short): Documentary about the Liverpool-Leeds Canal and it's floodgates. History and particularities of the landscape.

Episodes: 21 minutes

Waterways, the Liverpool-Leeds Canal

Bridges

 

Year published/aired: 1978

Year produced/filmed: 1977 ?

# of episodes: 6

Grade: 8-10

Genres: 

Sub-subject: 

Broadcaster: RB

Production company: FWU

Story: 

Editor and Producer: 

Director: 

Media: VHSx6

Additional media: Material for Students, Teachers

Working material: 

Novel available: 

Other literature: yes

Plot (short): Group of Teens Samaritans ("The Force") helping others. Wallpapering, babysitting, finding a lost dog, reading to a blind man.

Episodes: different runtime. Each of the 6 episodes has 2 parts. A film (15 minutes) and review of key parts and grammar (10 minutes)

1. Tracy finds friends, 26 minutes

2. We're no angels, 25 min (renovating)

3. Little lost lady, 20 min (lost dog)

4. Mind the baby, 18 min

5. I don't want charity, 23 min (read to a handicapped couple)

6. Stop that noise, 23 min (loud teens)

Literature:

Monograph: Ute Rampillon RPZ-Informationen 3/83 (also see RPZ-Informationen 1/85)

Exam works: Several:

Christian Enders (1978), Martin Goebel, Bernhard Homann, Wulf-Bernd Ohnsorge,...

Albrecht Schröder (1986)

Movies:

There is even a 1979 documentary by Ulrich Bock GmbH: Man kann nicht einfach einen Film zeigen - 'Bridges' an beruflichen Schulen.

Pic:

I haven't found any pics nor clips on the Web. The pic above from ep 1, I printed in 2006 or 2007. On a backup I must have the original pic, not sure if this was b&w or color.

Other books:

There's a book series including audio media by publisher Klett "Bridges - Englisch für die Erwachsenenbildung". But I think this has nothing to do with this series

Updates: Some minor corrections. Aired 1978 (test airing in 1977) . Based on a real group in 1966 Bristol.

Update 2: I found 5 cover images 

https://schulfernsehenenglischhistory.blogspot.com/2025/01/update-bridges-1978.html

All Aboard

Year published/aired: 1979 ?

Year produced/filmed: 1979

# of episodes: 4

Grade: 5-6

Genres:

Sub-subject: 

Broadcaster: RB

Production company: 

Story: 

Editor and Producer: 

Director: 

Media: VHS

Additional media:

Working material: 

Novel available: 

Other literature: 

Plot (short): Report about a school trip (Mediterranean cruise)

Episodes:  4x15 minutes

Didactic goals: few words are spoken. Students can learn how to write a postcard. They should write to a tourist information office in Wales and later make posters.

Literature:

Exam work: Elke Wilhelm, 1979: Erfahrungen mit dem Fernsehfilm ...

Aired 1979 or 1980.

No more infos/pics found