What is the Diploma?
This new qualification is being offered in partnership with schools and colleges and is set to become one of the main education options available. It is different from GCSEs and A Levels because:
- You get practical experience
- You learn in the classroom
- You find out about an area of work that you are interested in
Whilst studying, you will also learn life skills like teamwork,
problem-solving and creative thinking, as well as working
on the compulsory subjects of Maths, English and ICT.
Levels
There are three levels of Diploma
Foundation Diploma – equivalent to 5 GCSE’s at grades D-G
Higher Diploma – equivalent to 7 GCSE’s grades A* - C
Starting at Year 12 or above
Advanced Diploma – equivalent to 3.5 A Levels
Progression Diploma – equivalent to 2.5 A levels
You keep all your options open with the Diploma so when you finish, you can stay at school or College and do another course - like the next level Diploma, or an NVQ.
Or you could go on to University, do an Apprenticeship or
go into a job with training.
BCA will be offering Diplomas in:
Society, Health and Development
Environmental and Land-based Studies
Society, Health and Development
You will study the four different sectors related to this Diploma: health, adult social care, the children’s workforce and community justice.
You will look at six topic areas that include, how these services work together, communication and information sharing, personal and professional development in the work environment, and safeguarding and protecting individuals and society.
Environmental and Land-based Studies
The three main areas of study for this diploma are productive and working environments, plants and animals and developing the sustainable environment.
Sport and Active Leisure
You will look at three main areas - the individual in sport, the industry and the community. Study will include looking at how the body works and healthy lifestyles, different organisations and businesses within the sporting industry and the skills you will need to succeed in this customer focused industry.
For further details please visit www.direct.gov.uk. If you are in Year 9 and interested in Diplomas, please talk to your school. If you are in Year 11, please call us free on 0800 0711 666.
