Opinion
Celebrating the Diploma
While this magazine is focusing on case studies of Diploma delivery in action, it is still important to hear the
view from the top. As such, we asked the new 14 to 19 minister, IainWright, to give his view on the Diploma’s
first year and its progress so far
t has been more than 12 months since the the first five lines will be accepted for applications to
I
first schools and colleges started offering the over 80 per cent of university courses across the UK.
new Diploma, and what a year it has been. The We expect this percentage to rise even higher as more
new Diploma is the most exciting education Diploma lines are introduced.
reform in a generation, and it offers young people a Over the last year, we have watched as the
new way of studying with its unique combination of first cohort grow and develop into accomplished
theoretical and practical learning. Diploma students. We have received support for
It is inspiring to hear about Diploma students the qualification from thousands of employers. We
who are going into school or college with genuine have also taken applications from hundreds more
enthusiasm for what they are learning – many for schools and colleges across the country who are keen
the first time. Numerous young people have told for the Diploma to be among the qualifications they
me that learning in the context of real life makes the are offering their pupils, and we have a substantial
qualification feel interesting and relevant to their workforce development programme in place to make
lives. additionally, the contact that Diploma students sure that everyone involved in the teaching of the
have with employers gives them a valuable insight Diploma has the support and guidance they need to
into the world of work, as well as the opportunity play their part.
to develop the crucial skills and self-confidence they so what next for the Diploma? Five new subjects
need to succeed in the workplace. or lines of learning were introduced in september
teachers, too, have spoken about the freedom 2009, and a further four lines will be introduced
the Diploma offers them, allowing them to deliver from 2010 and the final three lines from 2011,
lessons in different ways and the flexibility to building up to the Diploma entitlement to all 17
interpret the curriculum like never before. Many lines in 2013.
teachers and lecturers have praised the Diploma for together with our other qualification routes
the independence it offers students, which keeps – general qualifications, apprenticeships and
them motivated and also helps to develop better Foundation Learning – Diplomas support the raising
relationships between the teacher and the class. I of the participation age to 18 by 2015 by giving all
have even heard teachers saying that the qualification young people the opportunity to learn in a way that
gives them the opportunity to learn from their suits their interests and needs.
students as they develop their own innovative ideas. Because Diplomas have been designed by
We are delighted that a recent report by employers, they are able to respond to the changing
Universities UK, the representative body for the needs of business and industry, which is so important
UK’s universities, has recognised that the Diploma in a world with fewer and fewer unskilled jobs.
and wider 14 to 19 reforms have the potential to We believe that if we can motivate young people
provide students with the skills and attributes that and help them to succeed while they are still at
higher education institutions would like to see. school or college, they are more likely to make the
The report even noted that some teachers in higher most of the opportunities available to them and
education had been surprised to see that some have the drive, self-confidence and skills to continue
Diploma content was similar to that in some related succeeding later on in life.
first year undergraduate courses. Whether you are already offering the Diploma,
Meanwhile, recent statistics from UCas have or are planning for the years ahead, I have every
confirmed that advanced Diploma students studying confidence that the qualification will challenge your
most able students, provide a high quality alternative
10
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Teachers have spoken about the freedom
for youngsters not motivated by traditional
qualifications, and end the disengagement that leads
the Diploma offers them, allowing them
some young people to leave education early. DD
to deliver lessons in different ways
• Iain Wright is the parliamentary undersecretary of
state for 14 to 19 reform and Apprenticeships.
Delivering Diplomas • Volume 1 No 1 Autumn 2009
10-11 opinion.indd 8
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17/9/09 17:30:45
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