You are here: Home » Full-time » 14-16 Qualifications » Information for Parents/Guardians
Information for Parents/Guardians
What is a Diploma?
A Diploma is a new qualification designed to help students develop work-relevant skills, including functional skills in English, Maths and ICT. Diplomas are taught in a creative and enjoyable way, involving hands-on learning as well as academic study.
What is so special about the Diploma?
Unlike other qualifications, the Diploma’s strength lies in the fact employers and universities were involved in its design and creation. As such, the Diploma allows students to gain the skills, knowledge and experience they need for college, university or work.
Who can study for a Diploma?
Diplomas are currently for young people aged from 14 to 19 who want to learn about subjects in ways that relate to real life. Students of any age, ability or aspiration can apply to do a Diploma course.
What types of Diploma are there?
There are three types or levels of Diploma – Foundation, Higher and Advanced. Students may study the Foundation or Higher Diploma between 14 and 16, then the appropriate Foundation, Higher or Advanced Diploma between 16 and 18.
What is the Diploma equivalent to?
The Foundation (Level 1) Diploma is the equivalent of 5 GCSEs grade D to G
The Higher (Level 2) Diploma equates to 7 GCSEs at A* to C
The Advanced (Level 3) Diploma is equivalent to 3.5 A Levels
What does the Diploma involve?
Students study three parts to earn a Diploma, regardless of subject or level.
Principal Learning – Knowledge, understanding and practical skills related to your chosen subject. This is assessed through practical assessment and an exam(s).
Generic Learning – Including Functional Skills in English, Maths and IT, personal learning and thinking skills. This learning also includes 10 days’ work experience and a personal project.
Additional/Specialist Learning – Where students study a particular topic in-depth. For example, you child can choose to study GCSEs and A Levels as well as the Diploma.
Because of the way it is structured, the Diploma helps your child plan for future careers whilst keeping their options open.
What subjects can my child study?
With the Diploma, students enjoy hands-on, practical learning, about subjects that interest them. At the moment, they can study the following subjects in South Somerset:
Business, Administration and Finance (Available from September 2009)
Engineering (Available from September 2009)
Creative Media (Available from September 2010)
These are available as Foundation, Higher and Advanced diplomas.
Where will my child study the Diploma?
Students may be based at a school or college in the area, but also attend other schools/colleges in South Somerset for specific lessons.
Does my child have to do a Diploma?
No. Diplomas are just one of the three main education choices, alongside GCSEs/A Levels and Apprenticeships. After completing a Diploma a student may choose to select another choice of learning at the next level – Diplomas are designed to allow this movement between types of courses.
What is the difference between Diplomas and Apprenticeships?
An Apprentice is normally employed and spends much of their time at work. But they will continue training too and get qualifications they need for the future.
Diploma students spend the majority of their time at school or college. The Diploma gives an introduction to a broad range of careers within a particular industry and prepares them for a wide range of jobs and university courses.
What about the cost of a Diploma?
You may be able to get financial help through the Education Maintenance Allowance for your child to stay in education after 16. To find out more, contact Yeovil College on 01935 845527 or visit www.ema.direct.gov.uk.
What can my child do after a Diploma?
After completing a Diploma, your child could go on to study for the next level of Diploma, take a different type of qualification, such as GCSEs, A Levels or an Apprenticeship, or go on to a degree-level course or training programme.
Just like GCSEs and A Levels, the Diploma can take students on to college, university or the career or their choice.
Do universities and colleges recognise Diplomas?
Yes. Universities and colleges have been involved in creating Diplomas and will recognise them alongside A Level and GCSE results when they are assessing your child’s application for a place. For example, an Advanced Diploma gets the same number of UCAS points as 3.5 A Levels.
Diplomas also encourage analytical and research skills which will help students at university or college, as well as a good grasp of study approaches, such as problem-solving and team working. Diplomas also help students become self-motivated and forward-thinking.
Will the Diploma help my Child get a good job?
Yes. Because Diplomas are designed to help students gain the skills they will need in the workplace, they aim to create self-aware, confident, work-oriented recruits whom employers value.
Where do I get more information on Diplomas?
Speak with your careers advisor at school or contact Julie Young on 07929 778703 or by email julie.young@yeovil.ac.uk
