"It will embed fundamental study and thinking skills in young people"
"Diplomas contain the knowledge and skills needed for a head start in business life"
Diplomas are a new suite of qualifications, offered at three levels. There will be 17 Diplomas to choose from, with the first five lines being taught in selected schools and colleges in September 2008. These are Construction and the Built Environment, Creative and Media, Engineering, Information Technology, and Society, Health and Development. By 2011 all 17 Diploma subjects will be available in areas across the country.
Diploma students will be taught elements of academic subjects and practical skills in a way that reflects modern industry practice and the demands of degree courses. They will get a good understanding of a group of closely related disciplines, demonstrate competence in English, maths and ICT, and develop the knowledge, understanding and transferable skills they need to go on to employment, college or university.
Foundation and Higher Diploma students can go on to study for the next level of Diploma, take a different type of qualification such as GCSE, A level or Apprenticeship, or go on to a job with training. An Advanced Diploma can lead on to university or into a career.
2. Why are they being introduced?
Diplomas are part of the wider national 14-19 reform programme to encourage young people to continue learning for longer, by widening their choices and helping them get the qualifications they need to succeed in work and life. All 17 Diplomas will be available in areas across the country by 2011. As well as the Diplomas, GCSEs and A levels are being updated, the International Baccalaureate is being introduced in every Local Authority and the number of Apprenticeships is being increased. Taken together, these changes will mean that all young people can choose a qualification which suits their interests and learning style and allows them to prepare to make a success of their life.
Diplomas have been developed by Diploma Development Partnerships (DDPs), which are led by Sector Skills Councils (SSCs). These have brought together employers, universities, awarding bodies, schools and colleges. Awarding bodies have developed the specifications, and the qualifications are accredited and regulated by the Qualification and Curriculum Authority (QCA).
By helping to design Diplomas, employers and the education sector are ensuring that all young people are equipped with the right knowledge and skills for life and work in the 21st Century.
3. What are the components of a Diploma?
The curricula for Diploma teaching and learning combines theoretical study with practical experience. Diplomas will cover 17 disciplines, including Engineering, IT, Science and Humanities. All Diplomas will require a student to achieve a minimum standard in English, maths and ICT, complete a project and do a minimum of 10 days’ work experience. Diploma students will also acquire the skills and knowledge which are essential for success in employment and higher education, both related to the discipline and those which are common, like teamwork, self-management and critical thinking skills.
Students will have the chance to apply their learning to realistic scenarios. They will learn in different settings, including the workplace, the classroom and local colleges. This will help them to make more informed career decisions, and give them valuable work experience.
There are three levels of Diploma:
A Progression Diploma (also level 3) will be available, and is equivalent to two and a half A levels. This will suit students who do not wish to complete a whole Diploma.
Diploma courses comprise:
4. How do Diplomas fit into the existing curriculum?
At Key Stage 4, Foundation and Higher Diplomas will run alongside the statutory National Curriculum, and the entitlement subjects and areas of learning.
On the assumption that the functional and other skills are also taught within other subjects and across the curriculum – the Foundation Diploma Principal Learning, project and ASL total 30% of curriculum time. At level 2 (Higher Diploma) the Principal Learning, project and ASL total 40% of curriculum time.
Some GCSEs can be counted towards the Diploma (as additional or specialist learning). This means there is flexibility to build in Diploma learning across the curriculum.
The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority has published curriculum guidance on the Diploma for schools and colleges.
5. How will they be graded?
Diplomas will be graded as follows:
6. What will it mean for schools/FE establishments?
A young person with a Diploma may go on to further education, higher education or employment. This may be in a directly relevant area or in a different subject or sector.
The Diploma student will develop their skills in English, maths and ICT and acquire knowledge and skills about an employment sector, including structured work experience. The Diploma will give young people the skills they need for success in the modern workplace and in life.
Diplomas will not narrow options. Year 9 students who choose a Diploma could take an Advanced Diploma at 16, or take A levels or an Advanced Apprenticeship. Similarly, a Year 12 student could take an Advanced Diploma without having studied a Diploma at a lower level, and then progress to university, or to employment – the qualifications will be respected by employers and universities.
7. How to find out more information
To find out more about the new 14–19 curriculum, visit:
www.dcsf.gov.uk/14-19
