Diploma's Move a Step Closer
Date: 29/02/2008
What is the Diploma?
The Diploma is an exciting and innovative new qualification for 14 to 19-year-olds. Diplomas have been created to provide a real alternative to more traditional GCSE and A level courses through a qualification which combines theoretical and applied learning in a work-related context. The Diploma is an all-round package which will give students the right knowledge, experience, insight and attitude to prepare them for the next stage in life - whether university, college or work.
All Diploma students study English, Maths and ICT alongside their chosen discipline. They undertake an extended project, specialist learning in a related subject and at least 10 days work experience.
All Diplomas have been developed by employers, schools, colleges and universities to help young people realise their potential and gain knowledge and skills in a ‘real world' environment. Practical, work related learning is at the heart of the qualification.
What levels of Diploma are available?
Because of their unique design, Diplomas are equally suitable for all abilities. Students will be able to select which level Diploma suits them best:
• Foundation: equivalent in size to 5 GCSEs at grades D to G
• Level 2: equivalent to 7 GCSEs at grades A* to C
• Advanced: equivalent to 3.5 A levels
A Progression Diploma will also be available, which takes similar time as two A levels, for students who decide they are unable to complete a whole Advanced Diploma.
When will Diplomas be introduced?
From September 2008 there will be five diploma lines on offer, with 17 diploma lines available by 2011. Not all schools and colleges will be able to offer the Diplomas from 2008, and it is unlikely that any one school or college will be able to offer all 17 subject areas. From 2013, arrangements will be in place to ensure that young people can take any Diploma they want, even if it's not provided at their school.
Schools and colleges have therefore formed partnerships, known as consortia, in their local area, so that if a young person wants to take a Diploma which is not offered at his or her school, there will be arrangements in place to ensure that a nearby school or college will be able to help.
What Diplomas are available?
From September 2008
• Construction and the Built Environment
• Creative and Media
• Engineering
• Information Technology
• Society, Health and Development
From September 2009
• Business, Administration and Finance
• Environmental and Land-Based Studies
• Hair and Beauty Studies
• Hospitality
• Manufacturing and Product Design
From September 2010
• Public Services
• Retail
• Sport and Leisure
• Travel and Tourism
From September 2011
• Science
• Languages
• Humanities
If you are a young person or a parent and would like to find out more information about the Diploma, visit www.direct.gov.uk/diplomas
What skills are Diploma students going to develop?
There's a strong focus on equipping students with the functional skills needed to do well working in any field, and in life, as well as teaching them practical techniques for employability. The Diploma will also provide students with an understanding of an industry's structure, its role in society and economic importance. They offer an opportunity for students to acquire practical understanding and experience that they can apply in their next stage of development, be that at university, college or work.
Has business been involved?
Employers have been integral to the creation of the Diploma. Content is being developed by Diploma Development Partnerships (DDPs) made up of stakeholders across education, government and business. Business needs in each sector are represented through the appropriate Sector Skills Council. It is important that businesses remain at the heart of the Diploma programme to ensure schools and colleges stay in touch with the latest needs of industry. Employers can get involved in local 14-19 partnerships and consortia and provide training and work-experience placements.
For further information visit: www.businesslink.gov.uk/diplomas
How will Diplomas help my business?
As the Diploma is driven by employers' skills requirements, it will ensure students have an excellent grasp of English, Maths and ITC skills, while also applying these subjects to real business scenarios where possible. Students will learn a range of skills, for example from understanding the importance of applied mathematical skills in engineering to writing business letters. A minimum of 10 days' work experience will also provide students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge, while individual project work will encourage initiative. This will enable more school leavers to make an immediate, positive contribution at work, lessen the need for basic training and induction and allow employers to focus on specialist training suited to making their business more efficient.
The Diploma will stretch the most able students to ensure they are prepared for whatever path they choose: further or higher education or skilled employment. The focus is on transferable skills that will deliver mobility in the labour market and enhance UK competitiveness.
For futher Information contact NLTG's New Initiatives and Statistics Manager, Claire Rodger on 01254 397119.
