Well, for me, it goes both ways, I'm in high school and it is a tech. school. For me, the studies come first because of the reason that I also have tech. courses. I myself is a computer enthusist and my interest being in school deepens my understanding of what priorities comes first. My school sends good students to IV league univ. here in the US and they have many programs that help you get there. It depends on the student because the courses are also strict in many schools, but if the person wants to major in the tech. area, then it is their choice. There was this one kid at my school who was a sophomore and he made more money than my CS teacher (just working weekends)*programming.
It really depends, but I would suggest studies first before any other things, it would help anyone get a lot out of life.