The Diploma
The Diploma – Bringing learning to life in St Helens
Overview
The Diploma is a new qualification for 14 – 19 year olds, it’s different from GCSEs and A levels because it offers students
a mix of theory, hands on learning and work-related experience.
The Diploma will take students 2 years to complete.
Frequently asked question from students: ·
Which Diplomas can I take from September 2009?
At present, St Helens will be offering the Diploma in the following areas:
- Construction and the Built Environment
- Creative and Media
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Society, Health and Development
- Business, Administration and Finance
* These are not yet available to post-16 students.
You can check with your teachers to see which subjects are available to you.
Where will I study the Diploma?
You will study and work in a range of places including school, college and the workplace. You will get the chance to
experience at least 10 days in the workplace.
How many GCSEs is The Diploma worth?
You can study The Diploma at Three levels; your school will advise you which is the best level to take:
- Foundation level is the same as 5 GCSEs at grade D-G
- The Higher level is the same as 7 GCSEs at grade A* - C
- The Advanced level is the same as 3.5 A Levels
How much of my study time will The Diploma take?
If you start a Diploma in Year 10, it will take two years to complete and it will be time-tabled into your learning plan for
two days per week. There will, like all learning choices, be some home study.
Will I have to do GCSEs alongside The Diploma?
If you are in year 10, you will also study other subjects alongside the Diploma, including English, Maths and Science.
Do I have to take The Diploma?
In the spring term in year 9 you will start to make choices about your options for learning in years 10 and 11.
This will include your learning choice routes such as GCSEs, The Diploma and other qualifications.
These are all recognised routes into further education or direct employment.
How will my parents find out about The Diploma?
Information leaflets will be sent out to parents and carers about The Diploma in the Spring Term,
they will also have opportunity to attend an information session.
They can also find out information on the internet:
How can I find out more about The Diploma?
During the Spring term you will be given information about the Choices you can make for your learning in years 10 and 11,
this will contain information on a range of learning choices including The Diploma. You will also have the opportunity
to speak to your Connexions Personal Advisor in school. Your PA will be able to give you
impartial Information Advice and Guidance about your future.
You can see your PA in school or you can make an appointment to see them at
The Beacon Building, College Street St Helens.
Opening times can be found at:
or you can contact them to make an appointment on 01744 673057
If you would like to print or download the above information please click here
Questionnaire for Young People regarding The Diploma
Please tell us what you think about the quality of education and training advice provided by schools and colleges.
Your answers will be used to tell the government and the people responsible for these services how happy you
are with what they are doing. Here is the link to the online survey:
http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB228KKHLNZ4C
The results of the survey will be reported in the 8 January 2009 issue of Children & Young People Now,
a publication read by professionals who work with children and young people. It should only take a few minutes
to complete the survey and your answers will be completely anonymous.
If you have any questions please contact:
Lauren Higgs at Children & Young People Now by emailing lauren.higgs@haymarket.com or calling 020 8267 4918.
Diploma Case Study
Click image below to read Jack's Case study
