‘Scandalous’ move over trade courses

The decision to scrap hairdressing and construction courses has been described as “scandalous” by a Labour councillor, but principal Steve Jewell said the school was following government policy to encourage all 14-year-olds to study only for two-year GCSE courses.

Vocational courses for students aged 16-plus will continue to be provided and those in the GCSE years who have started non-academic courses will also continue.

Town and Arun Labour councillor for Ham ward, Mike Northeast, whose son Joe will begin his GCSE studies at the academy in September, said many of his son’s friends were “deeply upset” they would no longer be able to take vocational courses.

He said: “I find it absolutely scandalous that the academy is opening its new building without offering that level of support to year-10 students wanting to take these courses.

“Business is not just about providing university students, but people who want to go into a trade, too. With a trade, you will always have a job.

“At a time when there are going to be lots of construction projects around Littlehampton, we should be stepping up these courses, not cutting them back.

“It’s another kick in the teeth for students who are facing long dole queues and serious problems finding a job, when the school could be training them to go into jobs.”

The academy’s prospectus says the choice of courses for 14-year-olds, including vocational BTEC and diploma courses, is “quite amazing”.

Mr Jewell told the Gazette: “The government recently announced a tightening-up of vocational courses. The whole thrust of government policy seems to be encouraging 14-year-olds to opt for two-year GCSEs in a broad range of subjects. We have informed year-nine students and their parents that option choices should now be restricted to these courses.

“We are a very large school and offer a wide range of GCSE subjects so that everyone can enjoy and achieve. We will have dedicated spaces in our new building for hair and beauty and construction at 16-plus. Local FE colleges also offer a very wide range of vocational courses at this level.

“We do have a very small number of students who follow vocational courses for the full five days per week from age 14 or 15. However, we believe that this year, in a changing market where employers can take their pick, the best way to ensure future opportunities is to help as many students as possible gain the best GCSE grades they can.”