Ep 4. School Trip

After a long wait, Abbey Grove's school trip is finally here. Alfie Wickers and his class of misfits are heading off to the Isle of Wight for a history trip. Unsurprisingly, the journey to the ferry doesn't go as smoothly as planned. Instead of a luxury coach, Alfie manages to procure a double-decker bus on the cheap. The only downside being that the vehicle is in a sorry state and has seen better days.

Upon arrival at the ferry, Alfie discovers that he doesn't have the correct paperwork for the school trip. This results in a stand-off with the ferry staff, who refuse to let the bus onboard. Not wishing to disappoint his pupils, Alfie takes matters into his own hands. In a desperate bid to sneak the bus onto the ferry, he orders his students to help push the vehicle onto the ship.

Once they've arrived on the Isle of Wight, things don't improve. The industrial town they visit for their history tour is bereft of history and has little to offer in the way of educational value. But the students have more pressing concerns on their mind - who has managed to steal the stash of vodka that they've brought with them?

As the trip progresses, Alfie finds himself increasingly challenged by the unruly students in his charge. From having to deal with Will's sudden disappearance to discovering that one of his students has been using the school credit card to make expensive purchases, Alfie has got his work cut out for him. But even though his pupils seem to be conspiring against him, Alfie is determined to make the most of the situation and ensure that they get something positive out of the trip.

Despite the chaos and mishaps, there are moments of genuine connection between Alfie and his pupils. When Joe, a quiet student who always seems to be in the background, reveals his hidden talent as a talented artist, Alfie is thrilled. It's moments like this that make all of the hard work and stress worth it.

Overall, episode 4 of season 1 of Bad Education is a riotous and often hilarious romp. It's clear that Alfie is out of his depth dealing with his pupils, but his warmth and enthusiasm make him a lovable character that viewers will root for. The episode manages to balance outrageous comedy with real emotion, making it a satisfying watch for fans of the show.