Hollyoaks soap star Chris Fountain is a big hit - and a Town fan

Jan 14 2009 by Katie Campling, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Soap star is a big hit!

From September this year, pupils will also be able to choose diplomas in Construction and the Built Environment; Information Technology; Business, Administration and Finance; Engineering and Hair and Beauty.

By 2011, 17 types of diploma will be on offer to pupils all over England.

At the roadshow, inflatable ‘pods’ were set up. Some contained DVDs pupils could watch about the different diplomas, while some had advisers on hand to answer questions. There were also interactive touch-screens, where pupils could learn more about the qualifications and take a fun quiz.

Chris, who is from Bradford, got on board with the roadshow because Hollyoaks is keen for its young stars to promote education initiatives.

He said he would have liked the option of studying in a more practical way at school.

“Personally, I think doing practical things is more enjoyable. I am rubbish at exams and sitting still in a classroom. A diploma would have worked for me. I need to be doing something for things to sink in.

“I took that approach with Dancing On Ice, we had to learn a lot of new skills for that. But it was practical and really good fun.”