More than 100 students from schools in Brighton, Hove, Lewes and Eastbourne had the opportunity to put classroom theory into business practice.

The students were attending a one-day conference about the leisure and tourism industry organised by Sussex Careers and the Brighton and Hove Education Business Partnership (EBP) and supported by Sussex Education Business Alliance.

The event, at Sussex County Cricket Ground, was to support the Applied GCSE in Leisure and Tourism, which was launched in September 2002.

Many schools in East Sussex and Brighton and Hove offer the subject as part of a wider programme of more flexible learning opportunities for 14 to 19-year-olds.

Unlike an ordinary GCSE, applied subjects are more closely linked to working life and have a vocational focus.

Schools have made links with employers in the leisure and tourism industry to provide "real life" case studies, projects based on real companies, work experience, student visits and events such as last Thursday's.

Organisations taking part included Brighton and Hove City Council, the Tourist Board South East, Moshi Moshi, Brighton and Hove Albion FC, The Travel Adventure, Fielden CEGOS, Welcome Excellence, Sussex County Cricket Ground and the Trading Standards Agency.

Students had the chance to take part in a number of activities and workshops.

Hannah Wigham, who will teach leisure and tourism at Cardinal Newman School, Hove, from September, said: "So much has been said about students leaving school with almost meaningless academic GCSEs, especially for those who get jobs at a lower level.

"Leisure and tourism is a big industry in Brighton and Hove and, by signing up for this course, many feel they are setting themselves up for future."

The course is designed to be as close to real life as possible to so students pick up the skills that will be most useful when they start work.

Mark Ellis, who teaches leisure and tourism at Willingdon Community School, Eastbourne, said: "The students are doing very well because they're very motivated.

"It's obviously popular because twice the number have registered for the course that starts in September.

"The only snag is we need more businesses to come forward and participate. If our students can't get access to companies they're stuck.

"One of our students designed a web site for a fishing place and everyone on the course had to come up with practical advertising suggestions, which could be useful for companies.

"The school is an 800-child market, which is something that shouldn't be forgotten."

Xanne Carey, development officer for the EBP, said: "Students need work experience and they need to hear about the world of work.

"We need more visitor attractions, more hotels, more leisure centres and the like to share their knowledge.

"At the very least it's going to help ensure a better-prepared workforce and better-prepared customers, while breaking down old-fashioned distinctions between the academic subjects many parents have pushed their kids towards and vocational learning.

"It's about making sure students do the right thing for themselves."

Interested businesses should contact Jenny Mullett at the EBP on 01273 294923.

Tuesday June 17, 2003