Diploma - Teachers

Diploma facts

It’s a new qualification for 14 -1 9 year olds
There are 3 levels to study a Diploma at: Foundation, Higher and Advanced
There are up to 10 subjects to pick from for September 2009
Diplomas do not replace existing learning options

They sit alongside GCSEs, A levels and Apprenticeships

What’s important is that doing a Diploma won’t limit any future options for any student. With this qualification, they could stay at school, go on to college, do a degree at university, start a career or an Apprenticeship.
Training will be given to teachers delivering the Diploma. This will cover the generic skills required to teach the Diploma, plus each individual Diploma, to be able to 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.

What are Diplomas worth?

A Foundation Diploma is the same as 5 GCSEs at grades D - G
The Higher Diploma is the same as 7 GCSEs at grades A* - C
The Advanced Diploma is the same as 3.5 A levels
A Progression Diploma is also available, equivalent to 2.5 A levels
An Extended Diploma will be available in 2011, containing extra maths, English and Additional and Specialist Learning

When do they start?

The first schools and colleges are teaching 5 Diploma courses now.

Construction and the Built Environment
Creative and Media
Engineering
Information Technology
Society, Health and Development

5 more subjects will be added for September 2009:

Environmental and Land-based Studies
Business, Administration and Finance
Manufacturing and Product Design
Hospitality
Hair and Beauty Studies

Another 4 will start from September 2010:

Travel and Tourism
Public Services
Sport and Active Leisure
Retail Business

And 3 more will start from September 2011:

Humanities
Languages
Science

In 2011, the Extended Diploma will also be on offer. This contains extra maths, English and ICT plus extra Additional and Specialist Learning.

What’s different?

Designed in partnership with colleges, schools, higher education and employers, the Diploma involves practical, hands-on experience as well as classroom learning - a combination aimed at encouraging students to develop work-relevant skills, their abilities in English, maths and ICT and to continue learning for longer.

It will appeal to students who like practical subjects and problem solving, as well as applying what they learn to real situations. It’s flexible, so students can get a deeper knowledge of subjects that they are particularly interested in and broaden their study – perhaps including a language, science or more creative options like music and art.
Students will be based in their own school or college, but may get the opportunity to learn in a different setting like another school, a local college, or in the workplace. They’ll get an insight into what work is really like, helping them make decisions about the future while keeping their career options open.

The Diploma does not replace GCSEs or A levels. It’s flexible, so students can combine it with GCSEs and A levels. Young people studying for Diplomas will do so along with compulsory subjects like English, maths, science and PE in Years 10 and 11. So, at Key Stage 4, students will take GCSEs alongside the Diploma course, and post-16 they could take additional A levels as well.

The benefits

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.

Because it’s based around broad subject areas, the Diploma includes project-based learning - giving students the opportunity to choose Additional and Specialist Learning options that reflect their abilities, interests, career ambitions and learning styles.

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