SCHOOL pupils fearing that curriculum changes could marginalise arts subjects have recorded a video message protesting against the government's plans.

The 12 youngsters from The Derby High School made the video in response to a consultation on implementing the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), which is made up of a number of compulsory subjects including English, maths, science, a language and either history or geography.

A campaign, entitled Bacc For the Future, has raised serious concerns over the lack of creative subjects - such as art, drama, and music - in the proposals.

Thousands of people have already viewed the video on Youtube and school leaders are hoping the government will take notice.

Lynn Provoost, the school's assistant headteacher and director of arts, said: "We are always talking to the children about what is going on politically and they are aware of the plans.

"The eBacc is really important. We offer it in school and a number of our students do it because it's a good academic qualification.

"But half of the jobs available in 2025 haven't even been invented yet. It seems ridiculous to force all children to learn from a curriculum that was designed decades ago.

"We would never discourage children from taking those subjects, but there has to be a recognition that it isn't right for everyone."

The pupils who took part in the video were William Brockbank, Clay Takawira, Theo Feeney, Michal Napieraj, Laura Pavlickova, Tilly Winter, Ngyl Osei-Berko, Joseph Davies, Keora Masekela, Bernice Higham, Lois Dunwell, and Victoria Stephenson.

Mrs Provoost added: "The pupils were really keen to get involved. We have a core group of performers who are there whenever we ask them to be and love what they do.

"The quality of the performances we run is something we are really proud of and is a direct result of the curriculum time dedicated to the arts.

"Through the arts you also develop academic skills, particularly in literacy, so arts can't be sidelined as something totally non-academic.

"I have sent the video through the official government consultation website and hopefully the people making the decision will take the time to watch it.

"As far as I know, the government have not consulted children on the changes so it's important to put their voices across.

"We aren't against the eBacc at all, but I think children should be allowed to decide what's right for them."