Diplomas cover 17 subjects and develop the knowledge, skills and experience young people need for work or further study through a combination of theory and practical learning.  No single school or college is expected to offer all 17 Diplomas.  Diplomas will help students explore potential careers in areas that interest them, but it is also possible to study a broad range of subjects which will keep their options open.

Skills are in short supply and this is a serious problem for employers.  Diploma qualifications have been developed in collaboration with both universities and employers, so practical, work-related learning is at the heart of the qualification.  The focus is on improving young people’s employability skills and developing their ability to think creatively, problem-solve, communicate and work both independently and as part of a team.

All Diploma students study functional skills in English, Maths and ICT alongside their chosen Diploma subject.  They complete an extended project, specialist or additional learning options and at least 10 days’ work experience.

There are 3 levels of Diploma

• Foundation: Level 1 qualification equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades D-G
• Higher: Level 2 qualification equivalent to 7 GCSEs at grades A*-C
• Advanced: Level 3 qualification equivalent to 3.5 A'levels grade A*-E

A progression Diploma at Level 3 is also available for those not wishing to complete a full Advanced Diploma.  This is equivalent to 2.5 A'levels.

Each diploma combines:

Principal learning

This develops the knowledge and skills that are needed for the Diploma chosen.  At least half of this part of the programme is concerned with applying knowledge and skills through tasks, problems and situations that are related to work.  This will help students gain a good standard in the functional English, maths and ICT skills needed for success in life, as well as helping them develop the personal, learning and thinking skills valued at university, college and in the workplace.  It includes a separately assessed project.

Additional and Specialist learning

This allows students a choice of qualifications to study as part of their Diploma.  These subjects could be directly related to their main Diploma subject or simply ones that reflect other interests and ambitions.  They can include a GCSE, a BTEC or an A level and a wide range of other qualifications.

NB  There is no separate assessment of the Personal, Learning and Thinking skills; they are embedded in and assessed through the principal learning.

Assessment

As Diplomas are made up of different parts, it’s possible for students to build up towards a complete Diploma at their own pace.  Diplomas are assessed through a mix of exams and moderated internal assessment.  The different parts of the Diploma, which are themselves qualifications, are assessed separately and the results combined to make the whole Diploma.  Students get credit for each part they achieve as well as a grade for the whole diploma.  Students must pass functional skills in order to claim their Diploma.

Diploma Lines in Sandwell - Available from September 2009

• Business, Administration and Finance
• Construction and the Built Environment
• Creative and Media
• Engineering
• Hair and Beauty Studies
• Information Technology