Students of Lea Valley High School became interviewers, presenters and camera people for the day for BBC News school report. Students were interested in the government’s view of BTEC courses. Ministers think that some vocational courses are not helping pupils go to university or get a job.

Emma and Taylan interviewed local MP Nick de Bois on his view of the future of BTEC and other vocational courses. He said BTECs can be useful but too many students aren’t getting basic qualifications like English and Maths GCSE.

 

Begum questioned the school’s BTEC co-ordinator Ms Khan about the benefits of the courses. She said 11 out of 12 BTEC National students had made it to university last year and the last one decided not to go to university and was completing an apprenticeship.

 

Our interviewers Kevin and Nicholas asked Ms Cullen, the head teacher of Lea Valley High School her opinion on BTECs being changed.  They asked whether she agrees with the Education Secretary Michael Gove that “millions of children are being misled into pursuing courses that offer little hope”. Ms Cullen completely disagreed with the statements.

 

The report can be accessed below and you can find some pictures taken during filming and production on the right of this page.