Teacher information

The Diploma is a new suite of qualifications, offered at three levels. There will be 17 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 Diplomas will be available in areas across the country.

The Diploma combines elements of academic subjects and practical skills in a way that reflects modern industry practice and the demands of degree courses. They will give students a good understanding of a group of closely related disciplines while enabling them to develop the knowledge, understanding and transferable skills they need to go on to employment, college or university.

The Diploma will appeal to students of all abilities and aspirations who like to learn in a practical way. This includes students currently on Increased Flexibility Programmes as well as those who might not be taking a course of this nature. Most importantly, it will help young people make decisions about what they want to do while keeping their options open.

Students will be based at their school or college, but may have the chance to do some of their learning in other schools, colleges or in the work place. This means that in every Diploma discipline, the best teaching and facilities will be accessible to students in their area. Initially the Diploma will be taught in selected partnerships of schools and colleges, until 2011 when all 17 Diploma subjects will become available in areas across the country.

Training will be given to teachers delivering the Diploma. This will cover the generic skills required to teach the Diploma - and each individual Diploma, so that they can focus on detailed subject matter. There will also be specific training for the teaching of functional skills in English, maths and ICT. A range of supporting materials will be made available online too, as well as local and regional networks to share effective practice.

There are three levels of Diploma:

1. The Foundation Diploma is a level 1 qualification. It is equivalent to five GCSEs grades D-G.
2. The Higher Diploma is a level 2 qualification. It is equivalent to seven GCSEs grades A* to C.
3. The Advanced Diploma, aimed at those over 16 is a level 3 qualification. It is equivalent to three and a half A levels.

A Progression Diploma (also level 3) will be available, and is equivalent to two and a half A levels. This will suit students who may not wish to complete a whole Diploma.

• The Diploma combines theory and classroom learning with practical hands-on experience.
• Although students will be based at their school or college, they may have the chance to do part of their learning in other schools, colleges or the workplace.
• Learning about their chosen sector will help students make decisions about their future career.
• Students acquire transferable skills that any employer, in any sector would recognise.
• Diploma students have the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to go on to college or university.