BBC drops into Central Sussex College
23/04/2010
College Principal Dr Russell Strutt was interviewed alongside a group of Media students.
Staff and students from the College's Crawley campus took centre stage this week, taking part in a live broadcast for BBC News Channel (BBC News 24), to highlight the issues faced by those involved in the education sector in the run up to May's election.
Much has been made of Crawley's significance in the 2010 election, and as the second most marginal Parliamentary seat in the country, the three main political parties have all stepped up their campaigns with a view to securing votes. By broadcasting live from the College's Crawley campus, the BBC provided a glimpse of the big issues faced by students, academic and support staff, and employers in the area.
One group of students who were interviewed on the day are currently studying for their Business BTEC National Diploma, all of whom are first time voters from Crawley. Peter Street, 19, and Del Padda, 19, were filmed for a five minute slot after having selected one key word each to encapsulate their main concern in the run up to the election. The words were funding, and trust, which led to a lively discussion with presenter Louisa Baldini. Others interviewed throughout the course of the day included Jeremy Taylor of the Gatwick Diamond Business Association, a group of BTEC Media students who were particularly interested in the broadcasting side of the operation, Peter Wickert, head teacher of Holy Trinity School in Crawley, Matt Turner, local entrepreneur, and College Principal Dr Russell Strutt, whose interview, alongside the media students, was the only one to air live due to the ever-changing volcanic ash situation on the day!
The film crew remained at the College from 8.30am to 5pm, with a total of four group interviews conducted throughout the day. A selection of those interviewed were also videoed for BBC Interactive's 'If I were Prime Minister' feature, where a cross section of the population is asked to explain on video what they would do if they got into Number 10. Suggestions from across the country ranged from scrapping University tuition fees to investing in a UK space programme, to creating a new law which means Politicians have to answer every question they are asked! Visit BBC Interactive's section on the Election 2010, and go to the 'If I were Prime Minister...' section to see more by clicking on the link below.
