A SCHOOL is pleading with the Government to extend the deadline for A-level practical exams because teenagers are unable to access vital equipment because of crumbling concrete.

Shoebury High School, in Caulfield Road, was one of many schools impacted by the Raac crisis and its design and technology block has been closed since the start of term.

As a result, A-level and GCSE students have not been able to access the vital machinery, such as laser cutters, to complete practical work with contributes towards their overall grades.

GCSE design and technology pupils have been switched to a different GCSE course instead, 3D design, however A-level 3D design pupils are being severely impacted.

Ben Stickley, chief executive of the Southend East Community Academy Trust, said: “The design and technology block is currently closed, and it has been since September, so that is all our technology classrooms, the ones that have laser cutters, and machinery.

“We don’t have any other alternative at the school for those, so the difficulty we have got is the GCSE students and A-Level students are having to do everything by hand.

“It is impacting on what they can actually do in terms of the courses. We have tried to do everything we can to make it better for them.

“We consulted with children and parents, and decided to change GCSE students on to 3D design as they can transfer the theory, they have learnt but without having to do quite so much on the machines.”

However, Mr Stickley admitted it has been a lot harder to adapt round the issue for A-Level students on 3D design.

Therefore, the school has asked for an extension for its A-Level 3D design students, who have been having to do everything by hand as they are unable to access the machinery.

Mr Stickley added: “It is much harder with A-Level as it is linked to their university courses.

“We have asked for an extension which we hope will be granted as it is very difficult.

“We have known what we needed to do to fit it with the Department for Education since October but didn’t get a decision until December that we can go ahead with it.

“The solution is we are getting the money to replace it, but it won’t be done until Easter. We are very grateful it will be done, but it is very late.

“So, I think there does need to be more leeway for the students.”