Textual Codes - Bad Education

Narrative and Genre

This programme is of the sitcom genre. The particular episode is titled 'Drugs' and like the name suggests, it is about educating the school's students about drugs.
The show contains a running gag of Alfie's immaturity contrasting against his workmates and students - in fact, this gag is central to the plot as it results in him getting into all sorts of awkward and difficult situations. In this episode, this running gag is included into the narrative as he mixes up his knowledge of known drugs during his conversation with Rosie, showing he has no basic knowledge of the subject.  Rosie's reaction to the majority of Alfie's dialogue is disbelieve or disagreement, to further highlight the difference between Alfie and the rest of the cast, showing him in a negative way.

The lack of maturity in Alfie's behaviour is one point which reflects his main mediation of representing a 'bad teacher', and that is what's highlighted by the contrast of Alfie's personality versus the behaviour of other characters in the programme. This also is what puts him into different situations, breaking the equilibrium of the plot (with Alfie usually being the catalyst) and amusing the audience as he's shown as an incompetent teacher.

Visual Codes

Alfie is shown wearing mostly grey clothes in this episode: a strange looking parka jacket, a brown satchel, and bright green trousers. His appearance is far from the professional attire a teacher would wear - it shows Alfie doesn't take himself too seriously, or he isn't very fashion orientated. Nonetheless, it adds a lighthearted atmosphere to the programme.

Technical Codes 

Bright lighting is used in Bad Education, as it is the sitcom genre, thus it is aiming at a more friendly atmosphere. The bright lighting makes the audience feel safe and welcome.