THINK of an innovative computer course and about the last thing that springs to mind are tasty lobsters, delicious sea bass and succulent scallops.But for students at a Gorleston high school, learning how to promote seafood was firmly on the menu as they discovered the virtues of a new diploma designed to help them get ready to join the world of business.

THINK of an innovative computer course and about the last thing that springs to mind are tasty lobsters, delicious sea bass and succulent scallops.

But for students at a Gorleston high school, learning how to promote seafood was firmly on the menu as they discovered the virtues of a new diploma designed to help them get ready to join the world of business.

The 15 Lynn Grove High School pupils spent a day coming up with ideas to revamp the website of Yarmouth's upmarket Seafood Restaurant.

By telling the restaurant's owner, Miriam Kikis, how her internet site may be improved to overcome the credit crunch, the year nine students were given an insight into a new IT diploma course which will run in the school from September.

Lynn Grove is one of seven schools in the region which will be offering the Diploma in Information Technology as part of government plans to set up more business orientated and problem solving courses.

From September businesses will be asked to help provide hands on lessons and take pupils on work experience to assist youngsters in getting their first foot on the employment ladder.

The two year diploma will be worth 7 GCSEs.

Mrs Kikis was asked to take part in the taster session by the school's head of IT Weddas Fanous as she knows only too well what businesses are looking for when they take on school leavers.

As an added bonus, the students were able to show examples of how her 30-year-old restaurant's website could be improved, including having a podcast, a catchy slogan and better photographs.

Mrs Kikis said: “I think this new course is an excellent idea as some students enjoy doing practical things rather than reading books.”

During the website idea session she told the students: “You are the youngsters who will be out there looking for business and creating business.”

After leaving school the students can also go on to Yarmouth College and East Norfolk Sixth Form College to study an advanced Diploma in Information Technology.