A weekly programme which focuses on people and the situations which shape their lives
Reporters Jim Douglas Henry, Jeremy James, Jeanne La Chard, Gillian Strickland, Desmond Wilcox, Harold Williamson

Tonight: 11 Plus 1: The Old Way
At the age of 11 a decision is taken about the future of all children in state schools; sometimes by examination, more frequently these days by assessment. It's a moment which may strike terror in the hearts of parents, and produce nerves for children. Like it or not, secondary education in this country has become a party political issue. Like it or not, the arguments about the old system, and the new system, and the best system rage on while the children continue along educational paths which vary from place to place.
In three programmes Man Alive examines the years beyond 11 for children in the state school system -the alternatives, the advantages, the handicaps. The first programme looks at the separated system of grammar and secondary schools; later at comprehensives; and the final programme at what may lie ahead for the children of this country.