Last updated 15:43, Wednesday, 22 October 2008

FROM September 2009 young people in the West Cumbria area will have the chance to study for a Diploma. So what’s so exciting about Diplomas? Well they’re a brand new type of qualification designed to bring your learning to life.

LEARNING ZONE: Engineers from St Benedict’s in Whitehaven on a visit to Newcastle Aviation Academy as part of their further education studies. The West Cumbria 14-19 Partnership is preparing diplomas linked to a broad employment sector to help students develop skills that match what employers are looking for. n The 14-19 Partnership: See page 7

Diploma development coordinator with the West Cumbria 14-19 Partnership on the 14-19 diplomas which are ‘Bringing Learning to Life.’

They will be delivered by local schools and colleges with an excellent record for new applied learning; they will appeal to all styles of learning; and they will encourage you to build on your talents.

They’ve been designed by teachers and employers together and each Diploma is linked to a broad employment sector.

If you do a Diploma at any of the three levels, you will be developing skills that match what employers are looking for.

Diplomas combine applied and theoretical learning – in other words you’ll be testing out how things you learn about in the classroom apply in the workplace. They’re flexible qualifications – if you start a Diploma course you may want to go on to the next Diploma level, or you can change ‘pathway’ and go on to A-levels, an apprenticeship or a job. It’s your choice where it will lead.

As part of a Diploma course, you will carry out an extended project – a chance to plan and organise your own learning, and do some independent research.

Diplomas will let you learn in a different environment, for example, at a local college or another school or even in the workplace. They are being introduced gradually in selected areas over the next few years. 

The Diploma in creative and media allows you to learn valuable skills in different situations. You’ll learn about the key themes in creativity and how to think and work creatively. This includes seeing a project through from start to finish, identifying an audience and their needs and learning about the business side of the creative and media industries.

With a Diploma you can progress into further or higher education, training or future employment (available at post-16 only in 2009).

The Diploma in engineering opens up the concepts behind engineering and how they impact the modern world. You’ll be introduced to key engineering principles such as design, materials, electronic systems, maintenance and manufacturing. You’ll also get lots of practical experience and study (available 14 plus and 16 plus in 2009).

The Diploma in manufacturing and product design will give you an insight into one of the largest and most diverse sectors in the UK. It will encourage you to find creative technical and business solutions and equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to the commitment to keep the UK at the forefront of global manufacturing (available 14 plus and 16 plus in 2009).

All diplomas include these three parts:  

Principal Learning:  This is the compulsory part – the heart of each Diploma. This provides you with the knowledge, understanding and skills for a particular employment sector.

Generic Learning: This is the learning that all young people need – functional skills in maths, English and ICT and personal, learning and thinking skills – skills for independent enquiry, creative thinking, team working and self-management that are needed in the world of work. An extended project – the chance to investigate a topic or issue of your own choice in-depth.

Additional/Specialist Learning: This part of the Diploma offers you choice, depth and flexibility. You will be able to choose from a wide range of options. Some of these will allow you to specialise in your particular Diploma sector. Others will let you broaden your learning by choosing something different, such as a language or additional science. This part of the Diploma might include GCSEs, A-levels and other existing qualifications, as well as specially designed units.