Diplomas

These are new courses currently available for students between the ages of 14 and 19. In Years 10 and 11 many schools are offering the Diplomas to their students and they are available to all students at the age of sixteen. By 2013 they will become available to all young people in the area.

A Diploma combines ‘principal learning’ in an employment sector, alongside qualifications in additional or specialist learning such as a GCSE and functional skills in English, Maths and ICT. Students also learn ‘employability’ skills known as Personal Learning and Thinking Skills, such as teamwork and creative thinking, and they have to undertake longer work experience. Overall the Diploma is a combination of practical learning and theoretical learning. It prepares young people for further or higher education and the world of work by offering an opportunity to learn in detail about a major employment sector.

The principal learning in many of the Diplomas is taught away from school, for example in Swindon College or another school. This is because specialist facilities are being shared around for the benefit of all students. For example, there is a brand new partnership Diploma centre built specially at Swindon College for Engineering and Construction and the Built Environment.

In 2009 these are the Diplomas being offered in Swindon:

• Business, Administration and Finance
• Construction and the Built Environment
• Creative and Media
• Engineering
• Hair and Beauty Studies
• Hospitality
• Information Technology

Two more will start in 2010:

• Society, Health and Development
• Sport and Active Leisure

These are exciting new courses which really get young people involved in their learning. We welcome enquiries from students, parents and employers about the Diplomas. If you want to find out more about what the Diploma is, this is a useful website: http://yp.direct.gov.uk/diplomas

The Foundation Learning Tier

This is a programme that is currently being piloted in Swindon.  It aims to improve the skills of learners aged 14 and over working below level 2, through developing high-quality credit-based qualifications at Entry level and level 1 in the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). Through a personalised learning programmes, the FLT aims to support participation, achievement and progression.

Each learner's programme contains a mix of functional skills, personal and social development and subject/vocational skills leading to a planned progression opportunity. The current pilot involves Crowdys Hill School, St. Luke’s School, Uplands, Stratton Education Centre and Churchfields School working closely with New College and Swindon College to ensure progression routes.