From September 2008, a new Diploma qualification is being introduced in schools in England.
What are Diplomas?
They are a vocational learning programme which schools will run in partnership with other schools, colleges, businesses and local work partnerships. The Diploma will consist of a new formula of blended learning – combining vocational on-the-job training with traditional academic study.
There are four levels of Diploma - Foundation, Higher, Advanced and Progression. A Foundation Diploma is worth five GCSEs grades D to G; a Higher Diploma is worth seven GCSEs grades A* to C; an Advanced Diploma is worth three-and-a-half A levels and an A Level 3 ‘Progression’ Diploma, equivalent in size to 2.5 A-levels,
How do they work?
Each Diploma is structured on six core elements. These include:
1. Generic Learning: takes up 60% of the learner’s time reflecting a familiar but stripped down staturory National curriculum of GCSE English, Maths, Science, ICT, PE, RE, Citizenship and PSHE.
2. Principal Learning: this will take up 40% of the learner’s time and will be specific learning for the diploma subject ie construction.
3. Additional and Specialist Learning: this could include complimentary qualifications such as a BTEC or a GCSE
4. Personal Learning and thinking skills: these are to be embedded throughout all of the other areas and have been broken down into:
§ Independent enquirers
§ Creative thinkers
§ Team workers
§ Self managers
§ Effective participators
§ Reflective learners
5. Functional skills in Maths, English and ICT: these skills are expected to be embedded in the generic and principla learning stages of the Diploma.
Achievement in all five areas identified above will be required to be awarded with a Diploma.
Many schools may not have facilities on site to deliver aspects of Diplomas so they are expected to work in collaboration with other orgnisations, businesses and educational institutes in the local area to facilitate the delivery of the Diploma. Many schools may have to share a timetable with other schools to deliver the Diploma programme.
What subjects will the Diplomas cover?
There will be 14 Diplomas, launching from 2008 to 2011. The first phase of Diplomas running from September 2008 will be in:
- Construction and the Built Environment
- Creative and Media
- Engineering
- Information Communication Technology
- Society Health and Development
In September 2009 additional Diploma subjects will be introduced including:
- Hair and Beauty Studies
- Business Administration and Finance
- Hospitality
- Manufacturing and product design
- Environmental and Land Based Studies
Will they replace GCSEs / BTECs / or A–Levels?
They do not replace any existing qualifications but have been created to provide a vocational and practical alternative for traditional qualifications.
Which schools can offer Diplomas?
To offer a Diploma a school or other education institution must undergo a detailed application process which is known as the Gateway. Schools must apply as a consortium in partnerships with other schools, colleges and/or educational institutions. The first round of successful applicants was announced in April 2007 and 144 consortia were approved to deliver the Diploma from September 2008. 72% of secondary schools and 88% of colleges will offer Diplomas from September 2009.
No independent schools are offering the Diploma qualification as yet.
Is the Diploma the same as the International Baccalaureate?
The Diploma is a different qualification to the International Baccalaureate. The International Baccalaureate is offered as an equivalent to A Levels in colleges and schools.
Funding for Diplomas
All schools received an extra £1000 of funding for every pupil that is undertaking a Diploma.
Training for Teachers and Staff
Staff will be trained on the new Diplomas via INSET training in schools. New teaching graduates will cover the Diploma framework as part of their teaching qualification.
For further details on the new Diploma please visit www.dfes.gov.uk/14-19