New Diplomas Explained
You may be aware that in the future new Diplomas will form a core element of Secondary School education. Ian Hollingsworth, Longcroft Diploma Partnership Coordinator, explains what this means and how the organisation is involved with this exciting initiative:
The new Diplomas are innovative qualifications that eventually all 14 to 19 year olds will be able to access. Developed to provide a real alternative to more traditional education and qualifications, they bring with them what is quite probably the most important changes to the country's education system since the introduction of GCSEs in 1986. Diplomas will give young people a fully rounded qualification, which combines theoretical and practical learning, including core subjects such as English, Maths and ICT, to equip them with the skills, knowledge and understanding they need for further or higher education and long-term employability.
The Diplomas have been developed to address concerns made by employers that when young people leave education, although highly talented and qualified, they still require additional work-based skills and knowledge. To address this, the Diplomas will include a strong emphasis on work experience. In the past this has been condensed into a one or two week placement, but a key element of this new scheme could see students working on a longer-term basis with businesses and external organisations.
In addition, the new scheme will see various schools and educational establishments working together in partnership, thereby ensuring that students have access to a wide range of skills, knowledge, technologies and facilities.
However, it is important to note that the Diplomas will not abolish traditional subjects, such as English and Maths. It is also important to note that the qualifications achieved as part of the Diploma will be classed as being equivalent of GCSEs and A-levels and will be accepted by colleges and universities.
When available, the first wave of Diplomas to be brought in across East Yorkshire will include:
- Creative and Media
- Construction and the Built Environment
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Society, Health and Development
Longcroft School and Performing Arts College is leading on the local Creative and Media Diploma, with an envisaged start date of September 2009. Other partners in this particular Diploma include East Riding College, Hull University, Hull College, Bishop Burton College, Market Weighton School and Hornsea School. The group also includes the award-winning TAS Communications, which is based in Beverley and is our key business partner. Possible subject areas within Creative and Media include Graphic Design, Drama, Dance, Music, Interactive Media, Photography, Art, Textiles, Fashion, etc. It is very wide ranging and more work still has to be done to finalise the scheme together and more information will be available in the near future.
Overall, this is a very exciting time for education. The new Diplomas will provide academic, practical and creative opportunities that have not otherwise been available to students. Individual skills and talents will be strengthened and enhanced, whilst at the same time students who chose not to follow this path can continue with more traditional GCSE and A-level courses. By providing this range choice, every student will be able to reach their individual potential and experience opportunities that will help their future academic and professional careers in the years to come.
For more information on Diplomas you can visit the Department of Children Schools and Families (www.dfes.gov.uk), from which information for this article was sourced. Additionally, the Partnership will be organising an information evening for students and parents in the coming months, so please look out for further details on this website in the near future.
