A BIRKBY teenager is to feature in a new TV series aimed at getting back to basics in the classroom.

Sixteen-year-old Victoria Julien, who has just taken her GCSEs, is decamping to a 1950s-style state boarding school today.

For the next month she will be tutored in The Three Rs (the title of the Channel 4 series) and sit O-levels in English, maths and history at the end of it.

But the bubbly All Saints RC High School pupil is not at all fazed by the thought of the strict regime ahead.

She is worried at the thought of the ban on make-up. She will also have to use hair products from the 1950s and wear a uniform from then.

"It will be an experience, but I will miss my family and my hair and beauty products," said Victoria.

During the four weeks of filming she can write to her parents, but will only see her family once during an open day.

Her parents, Millicent and Ignatius, sisters Veronica, 24, Berniece, 22, Patricia 12, and brother Lee, 11, will all be eagerly awaiting news.

But Victoria, who hopes to go on to study three A-levels in English, maths and psychology at All Saints, is sure the experience will stand her in good stead for her chosen career as a primary school teacher.

In the series pupils will leave their mobile phones, hair gel and other modern luxuries at the school gates as they are sealed off from 2003 and travel back in time.

As well as the more rigorous approach to learning that was common in the 50s, the students will be introduced to the joys of cross-country runs and the outdoor swimming pool.

Religious instruction and strict discipline will be integral to the regime, while the school dinners will reflect the austerity of the time. Pupils can expect spam fritters, suet pudding and stewed prunes on the menu.

The series is made for Channel 4 by independent production company Twenty Twenty.

Ralph Lee, the commissioning editor for history, at Channel 4 said: "In keeping with previously successful series, like The 1900 House and The Edwardian Country House, this project really brings history to life.

"The series touches on an experience that everyone can relate to and will generate huge debate in homes across the country."

The series comprises five one-hour programmes and will begin on Tuesday, August 5.