New Diplomas
Seventeen 14-19 Diplomas are being introduced in stages from September 2008.
These will be offered by partnerships of schools, colleges, work based learning providers and employers. Young people taking Diploma courses will spend part of their week in college or with an employer.
Students will do a minimum of 10 days’ work experience. They will also get the chance to learn with, and be mentored by, professionals working in that employment sector.
4 types of Diploma course will be available at three levels:
- Foundation (level 1) - comparable to 4-5 GCSEs at Grades D-G
- Higher (level 2) - comparable to 5-6 GCSEs at Grades A*-C
- Progression (level 3) - comparable to 2 A levels.
- Advanced (level 3) - comparable to 3 A levels.
Five Diplomas will be available from September 2008 (not all will initially be available in each Local authority Area):
- Construction & the Built Environment NW Leaflet
- Creative & Media Society NW Leaflet
- Health & Development NW Leaflet
- Information Technology NW Leaflet
- Engineering NW Leaflet
Five more will be introduced from September 2009:
- Environmental & Land Based Studies Liverpool Leaflet (useful for Greater Merseyside)
- Manufacturing Liverpool Leaflet (useful for Greater Merseyside)
- Hair & Beauty Liverpool Leaflet (useful for Greater Merseyside)
- Business Administration & Finance Liverpool Leaflet (useful for Greater Merseyside)
- Hospitality & Catering Liverpool Leaflet (useful for Greater Merseyside)
A further four from September 2010:
- Public Service Liverpool Leaflet (useful for Greater Merseyside)
- Sport & Leisure Liverpool Leaflet (useful for Greater Merseyside)
- Retail Liverpool Leaflet (useful for Greater Merseyside)
- Travel & Tourism Liverpool Leaflet (useful for Greater Merseyside)
The final group of Diplomas will be available from September 2011:
- Science
- Humanities
- Languages
From September 2013, all 14-19 year olds will be able to study for any diploma at an appropriate level.
For more information about the new Diplomas, go to:
