Structure and delivery of Diplomas

1. WVLLN 18 June 2009 Structure and delivery of Diplomas Pam Hayes

2. Focus: Diplomas • Getting to Grips with the Diploma

3. 14-19 Pathways • Traditional Academic (GCSE, A Levels) • Diplomas (Broad - Applied Academic) • Apprenticeships • Foundation Learning Tier ? Vocational/Occupational – eg BTEC, OCR, ASDAN, NVQs

4. BTEC from 2010 • Current BTEC Firsts and nationals aligned to new QCF as stand alone qualifications - possible 5th pathway • Existing BTEC qualifications available until 31 August 2010. • New programmes applicable from 1 September 2010 • Smaller BTECs – ASL to support Diplomas, GCSEs, NVQs, Apprenticeships • Need to check on ‘accredited qualifications’ website to confirm what is allowed within the Diploma as ASL

5. Options One size does not fit all!

6. IAG In the SW last year 5,000 young people dropped out of post 16 learning due to inappropriate advice. Huge IAG agenda - all those involved in IAG need to have a clear understanding of the programmes on offer (Teachers, Connexions, Parents)

7. Why are Diplomas different? Diplomas: enable academic learning to be developed within a vocational or applied context are delivered in a partnership between schools, further education colleges, training providers and industry, often involving higher education bring opportunities for new styles of learning 50% must be work related include work experience include other qualifications

8. Three different levels Foundation Equivalent in size to 5 GCSE’s at grades D to G Higher Equivalent in size to 7 GCSE’s at grades A* to C Advanced Equivalent in size to 3.5 A levels Progression Award – equivalent in size to 2 A levels

9. Principal Learning Mainly sector related learning Skills development in context Applied learning Rich and varied learning environments Identified list of short programmes leading to specialist/complementary learning Allows for flexibilityand specialisation Supports progression Additional and/or Specialist Learning

10. Experiential learning Generic Learning Functional skills in English, Mathematics and ICT Personal, learning and thinking skills Project Work experience

11. Grading Overall Diploma grade will come from the Principal Learning and Project Compensation between units will be allowed

12. Guided Learning Hours These include teacher contact hours and self directed learning, research, rehearsals,performances,etc

13. GCE EQUIVALENTS

14. The Diploma Timetable ENTITLEMENT

15. Progression from ….

16. National picture from 2009….. 72% Secondary Schools/Community Colleges and 88% of FE Colleges will be offering Diplomas Over 75% will be taught with the support of local universities and employers 317 partnerships will be delivering one or more Diploma 5 partnerships will be delivering all 10 lines (Plymouth, Barnsley, Wolverhampton, Kingswood and Sunderland)

17. June 2009 – South Gloucestershire Kingswood Partnership: Sept 2008: 420 students engaged in Diplomas Sept 2009: Approx 650 students engaged in Diplomas Concorde Partnership: Sept 2009: Approx 70 students engaged in Diplomas By 2013 this is likely to be 40% of all Post 14 learners across S Glos following 17 subjects …. This could represent 4000 students or more?

18. Diploma Structure Activity Working with the Level 3 Advanced Diploma, arrange the cards to lay out the structure of the Diploma. Principal learning Additional/Specialist learning Generic learning (Functional Skills, Work Experience, PLTS)

19. Diploma Structure • Unit Titles, Rules of Combination • Themes • Overall Disciplines • Sub-Disciplines • Extended Project • Personal, Learning, Thinking Skills • Functional Skills

20. Questions • How well equipped are we to include Diploma qualifications in future offers? • How clear is the message we are giving?