Three City of Westminster College A Level students appeared on national television to give their views on a funding squeeze that may lead to a reduction in university places.
The live-to-air 5.30pm interview with Huw Edwards for BBC News 24 took place at BBC TV Centre in Shepherd’s Bush last Thursday. Although this was their first time on TV, all three did a great job in describing the situation from a student perspective – explaining issues such as Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA), fees and grants, Clearing and the cost of living for students who elect to live away from home.
Garron Stevens, who is studying History, Psychology, Sociology and Theatre Studies and hopes to go on to study History, says: “It was my first time on TV so I found it a bit daunting, but after a few seconds I relaxed!”
Cleo Stewart, whose A Level subjects are Art, English Language & Literature, Media Studies and Theatre Studies adds: “It was an odd feeling as I could see myself on the studio monitor – but a good experience overall.”
Georgia Thompson, who hopes her Art, English Literature & Language and Psychology A Levels will gain her a place at UCL this October says: “I thought the studio would be huge, but it was actually very small. I just tried to stay calm and focus on answering the questions about what these cuts could mean for us.”
City of Westminster College offers a wide range of A Level and vocational courses and its team of Careers and Student Advisors provide extensive guidance and support – both with subject choices and with areas such as fees, funding and selecting where to study. The guidance continues after exam results, and advisors assist students gain places through Clearing if they aren’t successful with their first-choice course.