The Diploma - bringing learning to life (part 1)
The new Diploma option for young people from age 14, from the Department for Children, Schools and Families
The Diploma - bringing learning to life (part 2)
The Diploma option will be be available to even more young people from 2009 and by 2013 it will be available to all young people in England.
What is a Diploma?
- It's a new qualification for 14 – 19 year olds
- You can pick from up to 10 Diploma subjects in September 2009
- They teach you about an area of work you're interested in
- It's different to GSCEs and A-levels
- You get a mix of class work and hands on experience
- And choose subject options that you want to do
At the end, you'll have a better idea of what you want to do next. It could be more study at school or college, a job, university, college or an Apprenticeship. And a list of all the individual qualifications that make up your Diploma. These have been designed to prepare you for work or further study – and we've worked with employers and universities to make sure of this.
Why would you do one?
A Diploma is different to what you're used to. You get more choice about what you learn. And you can keep your options open for the future by exploring subject areas without committing to a career in them.
- It's usually a 2 year course, whatever level you study at
- You'll learn in the classroom
- And you might also spend time at another school or college in your area
- You'll do practical stuff like projects and work experience
- And learn life skills that are important for work, study and the future
- You can use what you learn to tackle real life situations
- Like you'd find at work, study or in research
What levels are there?
You can study a Diploma at three levels: Foundation, Higher and Advanced.
- The Foundation Diploma is the same as 5 GCSEs at grades D to G (Level 1)
- The Higher Diploma is the same as 7 GCSEs at grades A* to C (Level 2)
- The Advanced Diploma is the same as 3.5 A levels (Level 3)
Which ones can I do at Chichester College?
In September 2008 students from Bognor Regis Community College started studying for the Higher Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment. In 2009 the College and its partner schools will be offering the following diplomas:
- Business Administration and Finance
- Creative and Media
- Engineering
- Environmental and Land Based Studies
- Hair and Beauty
- Hospitality
- Information Technology
- Society, Health and Development
If you are interested in taking a Diploma, then talk to your teachers at school or to the Admissions team at Chichester College on 01243 786321.