Diplomas

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IMPORTANT: 14-19 option choices are under review by the Government and therefore the information in this article may be subject to change.

What are Diplomas?

Diplomas are qualifications developed by schools and colleges with employers and universities. They are available in different levels and offer a mix of theoretical and practical learning. It will help you explore potential careers in areas that interest you, but will also let you keep your options open as it includes essential skills such as English, maths and ICT. You'll get an insight into what work is really like, without committing yourself to a career in a particular area. It will also provide a recognised route to further education (FE), higher education (HE) or directly into work.

How does the Diploma work?

Each Diploma is made up of three components:

Principal learning: This focuses on developing the skills, knowledge and understanding required for your chosen Diploma subject. At least half of this part of the Diploma is concerned with applying knowledge and skills through tasks, problem and situations related to work.

Generic learning: This is the same for all Diplomas, and is made up of a number of strands.

Functional skills are the practical English, maths and ICT skills that everyone needs to deal with everyday life, such as writing a letter of application for a job or working out the value of a car.

Personal learning and thinking skills, such as team-working, creative thinking and self-management, are all vital to success in both life and work, and will be useful to you in your chosen education or career path.

You'll have the chance to do at least 10 days work experience, and you'll also have to complete a student project to demonstrate the skills and knowledge you've acquired through the Diploma.

Additional and specialist learning: This gives you the opportunity to study a particular topic in more depth, or to broaden your studies by taking additional qualifications. These could be related to the main subject of your Diploma, required for university entrance, or ones that reflect some other interests and ambitions. They can include GCSE, A level, or a wide range of other qualifications.

Where will I study?

Diplomas are not available in all schools and colleges across the county so check if courses are available before choosing your options at 14 and 16. The Diploma may include classroom learning, time at a college or workplace in addition to work experience with an employer; giving you the skills required for a head-start in business life. To find out what Diplomas are available locally:

talk to your careers teacher
talk to your Connexions Personal Adviser at your local Connexions Centre
visit Step On, the 14-19 online prospectus for Essex

Levels

The Diploma will be available at a number of different levels:

Foundation (Level 1) is equivalent to 5 GCSEs (grades D to G), and can be started in year 10 or above.
Higher (Level 2) is equivalent to 7 GCSEs (grades A* to C), and can be started in year 10 or above.
Advanced (Level 3) is equivalent to 3.5 A levels, and can be started in year 12 or above.
Progression Diploma is equivalent to 2.5 A levels, and will comprise only the principal and generic learning components of the full Advanced Diploma.

What Diplomas are available?

Check with your school or visit Stepon to see if they offer Diploma courses in:

Useful websites

Directgov - The Diploma
Find out the facts about The Diploma. This website explains the benefits and rewards of the qualification.

Stepon
Provides local learning opportunities for 14-19 year olds.

Last updated: 10/10/10

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