This year, for some young people in England aged 14 to 19, there’s a new qualification to consider. It’s the first time that students will be able to choose the Diploma.
The Diploma is different to GCSEs and A-levels because it mixes learning in the classroom with hands-on experience; so you might find yourself doing a work-placement at a local business, or taking part in a training session run by a professional working in a job you’re interested in. It’s a qualification that lets you keep your options open; giving you the knowledge and skills you’ll need for college, university or the world of work. It’ll also help you make choices about your career as you’ll get the chance to find out more about subjects and topics you’re interested in.
There are three levels of Diploma that you can study at different stages in your education. A Foundation Diploma is equivalent to five GCSEs grades D to G, a Higher Diploma is like doing seven GCSEs and getting A* to C grades, and the Advanced Diploma is worth three-and-a-half A-levels. You can even take a Diploma alongside GCSE or A-level subjects.
Five different Diplomas will be taught from September and there’ll be 17 to choose from by 2011 including Business, Admin and Finance; Engineering; Hospitality; Humanities; Information Technology; Languages; Science; and Society, Health and Development.
Log onto www.direct.gov.uk/diplomas to find out more and see what’s available in your area!
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