Diplomas
Friday 23 May 2008
The Government is looking to widen the range of education choices for 14-19 year olds. In September 2008 they will be introducing a new qualification called the Diploma. Find out how they will work.
What is the Diploma?
The Diploma is a new qualification that combines normal learning in the classroom with practical experience.
Diplomas will cover 17 different subjects areas including Engineering, IT, Science and Humanities.
Why is it different?
The idea is that with the hands on experience, you will gain essential skills that will be highly valued by employers and universities.
Teaching styles will also be different with an emphasis on the practical. You will be based at your school or college, but may have the chance to do some of your learning in other schools, or colleges.
You will complete work experience placements that can give you an insight of what that job is really like before you commit to that career. The Diploma enables you to keep your options open!
How will it work?
There will be three levels of diploma:-
- The Foundation Diploma – with the same value as 5 GCSEs grades D-G
- The Higher Diploma – with the same value as 7 GCSEs grades A*-C
- The Advanced Diploma – with the same value as 3.5 A Levels
- A Progression Diploma – with the same value as 2.5 A levels if you are not in a position to complete a whole Advanced Diploma.
What about other qualifications?
GCSEs and A levels will still exist although they are also being updated.
You will be able to take GCSE or A levels as part of your Diploma and alongside it. You could even choose to do just A levels after completing the Higher Diploma.
There will also be a lot more Apprenticeships available to young people.
Other established qualifications such as BTECs and NVQs will continue to be available in their own right for the time being, but will also be part of the Diplomas.
When will it happen?
Around 850 colleges and schools in England will offer Diplomas from September 2008. This will increase every year.
The first Diploma subjects will be:
- Creative and Media
- Information Technology
- Engineering
- Construction and the Built Environment
- Society, Health and Development.
A further 11 subjects will be introduced every year up to 2011 including:
- Environmental and Land-based Studies
- Hair and Beauty Studies
- Business, Administration and Finance
- Sport and Active Leisure
- Retail
- Languages.
Good for you
Diplomas are designed to be flexible so you can pursue what really interests you. All in all the choices you can make will be greater which means you can pick the option that best suits you and will allow you to prepare to make a success of your life.
You can find out more information on Diplomas on the DirectGov website.
