By 2013, all learners should have access to one of 17 diplomas as part of a curriculum pathway, alongside the core curriculum of english, maths, science and ICT.
Hailed as the biggest educational reform programme since the war, the government has sought to put employers in the driving seat by involving them from the very beginning in designing these qualifications to equip young people with the skills they need to "achieve economic wellbeing".
The diploma is being rolled out in phases across the County. In Warwickshire, area 14-19 partnerships between schools, colleges and training providers put together bids for the first five diplomas and some of these have been given a conditional go ahead to start delivering courses in 2009.
The new qualifications can be offered alongside, or as alternatives to, the current GCSE and A level programmes. They are designed to appeal to a wide range learners, and will offer the chance to develop a range of skills and knowledge within the broad context of one of 15 areas of economy.
The qualifications have also been developed in partnership with Further and Higher education, to ensure that there are clear pathways for learners to college and university.
Lynne Upton, Senior 14-19 Inspector said: "These qualifications will require fundametal change in planning and preparation. No single school, college or training provider can deliver these qualifications on their own. They will need to work through 14-19 partnerships to collaborate to offer learning in industry standard facilities, with staff who have experience of the sector they are teaching in. Learners will need to spend a large part of their time on learning in real or realistic work contexts and will be expected to develop a range of personal skills - teamwork, communication - as well as functional skills in English, Maths and information technology.
For details of programmes and delivery partners, please view the County overview.
County Overview
Updated 9th April 2008
Phase 2 Diploma Curriculum Guidance |
QCA have now launched the phase two diploma guidnace on their website: QCA Website
The material was launched at the beginning of April and received a positive response when it was demonstrated as part of a launch seminar "14-19 Diplomas: signposting the future!.
The guidance at all three levels, for all five lines of learning, has been added to the site as well as support materials exemplifying how to build PLTs, Functional Skills and Applied Learning into the teaching and learning (these can be found as part of the "Integrated Curriculum section).
DIPLOMA PLANNING EVENT - 22 MAY 2008 - Click here to view and download presentations and information documents
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