Engineering Diploma students will complete a series of compulsory and optional courses, all designed to give them knowledge, skills and experience. They will also complete a student project of their own choice such as designing a car powered by electricity or solar energy or a water pump for use in a developing world country.
All Diploma students will be encouraged to develop skills such as teamwork and self-management as part of their course as well as minimum standards in Maths, English and ICT, which can be studied as part of the Diploma or as part of GCSE studies alongside it.
Students will also carry out a minimum of 10 days work experience and will also get the chance to learn and be mentored by professionals working in their chosen field.
The Diploma is part of a national programme developed to provide young people with more options to encourage them to continue learning for longer.
The qualification is open to students from Year 10, 12 and above and is available at three levels. The Foundation Diploma is a level 1 qualification – equivalent to five GCSEs grade D–G; The Higher Diploma – is a level 2 qualification – equivalent to seven GCSEs grade and The Advanced Diploma – is a level 3 qualification – equivalent to 3.5 A levels grade A*–E.
A Progression Diploma (also level 3) will be equivalent to 2.5 A levels. This Diploma will suit students who do not wish to complete a whole Advanced Diploma.
For further information about The Diploma visit: http:yp.direct.gov.uk/diplomas/