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Information for Students

What are Diplomas?
Good question! Diplomas are a new, Full-Time qualification for 14 to 19 year olds. They combine theory and practical study, giving you the chance to develop skills which are highly valued by employers and universities.

Who are the Diplomas for?
Diplomas are for you - if you are aged between 14 and 19 years old and want to learn about subjects in ways that relate to real life! Students of any age, ability and aspiration can apply.

What types of Diploma are there?
There are three types or levels of Diploma - Foundation, Higher and Advanced:

  • 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

You may study the Foundation or Higher Diploma between 14 and 16, then the appropriate Foundation, Higher or Advanced Diploma between 16 and 18.

What will I study?
Each Diploma is made up of three parts, regardless of subject:

Principal Learning - Knowledge, understanding and practical skills related to your chosen subject.
Generic Learning - Including Functional Skills in English, Maths and IT, personal learning and thinking skills. This learning also includes 10 days' work experience.
Additional/Specialist Learning - Where students study a particular topic in-depth. For example, you may study a related GCSE, A Level or BTEC.

What subjects can I study?
With the Diploma, you'll enjoy hands-on, practical learning, about subjects that interest you. At the moment, you 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.

How much work experience will I do?
The Diploma involves at least 10 days' work experience, helping you learn useful, practical skills in the workplace.

How long does a Diploma take?
It takes two years to study for a Diploma.

Do I have to do a Diploma?
No. Diplomas are just one of the three main education choices, alongside GCSEs/A Levels and Apprenticeships.

Where can I study my Diploma?
Studying for a Diploma means you will experience different styles of learning in different environments. This means you may be based at a school or college in the area, but also attend other schools/colleges in South Somerset for specific lessons.

I've got a Diploma. What now?
It depends which Diploma course you've done! Once you've finished a Foundation Diploma, you may want to go on to do a Higher Diploma. After that, you may want to do an Advanced Diploma. However, you can reconsider your options at the end of each course and switch to GCSEs/A Levels, an Apprenticeship or Employment with training. The Higher Diploma is also accepted by universities.

The Diploma gives you the skills, knowledge and experience you will need for college, university or work, so you can keep your options open.

Where do I get more information?
Speak with your careers advisor at school or contact Julie Young on 07929 778703 or by email julie.young@yeovil.ac.uk.