1. THE DIPLOMA HELEN GEORGE LEAD PRACTITIONER BUSINESS AND FINANCE CURRICULUM MANAGER OF BUSINESS AND TOURISM

2. What is a Diploma? • A new qualification for 14-19 year olds • Bridging the gap between academic and vocational qualifications • Main difference – the way students learn ‘applied learning’ • Practical work, problem solving, projects, work experience, developing life skills for the future etc

3. 3 Different Levels • Foundation Diploma = 5 GCSE’s D-G (1 Year) • Higher Diploma = 7 GCSE’s A*-C • (1 Year) • Advanced Diploma = 3 ½ A Levels • (2 Years)

4. Key Components of a Diploma • Principal Learning – Main part related to the subject • Generic Learning – functional skills, work experience, extended project • Additional or Specialist learning • Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS) • Each individual area attracts SCAAT/UCAS points

5. Why Study a Diploma • The Diploma has been designed to prepare students for work and further study • Life skills such as teamwork, problem solving, creative thinking, as well as Maths, English and ICT skills • Work placement – experience the world of work • Project (research and analytical skills)

6. How is it graded? • Final grade calculated by combining the Principal Learning and the Project • To achieve the Diploma students will need to pass all the required components • Students will receive a transcript showing all the qualifications which make up the Diploma

7. Doing a Diploma is Different because students will… • Learn in new ways and other places • Develop life skills which will prepare them for the work and future careers • Have the opportunity to apply learning to real life situations • Experience the work of work in a particular area of interest • Work with employers

8. The Diploma has been designed by employers, schools, colleges and universities • Therefore the qualification is valued by all of them • Accepted at universities as an acceptable entry qualification

9. Activity