Case study
structure – they do two or three A levels and vocational off er to make it more attractive,” and Foundation Learning Tier: “What we
go on to higher education. It is not so clear for Mr Tuplin explained. envisage is a truly inclusive institute off ering
those choosing a vocational route. Even 6th He added that the centre will not just house qualifi cation from pre-entry level to Level 3.
forms are still viewed as somewhere students Diplomas, but is also set for Apprenticeships We think this will off er a true alternative to
go to do A levels. So we have to structure that and vocational qualifi cations such as BTECs what is out there at the moment.” DD
College to college partnerships
ELIVERING DIPLOMAS Mr Ainge fi rst became involved in Diploma Further Diplomas in Sport and Leisure,
D
is all about co-operation delivery two years ago when he met with Hair and Beauty, and Public Services will
and collaboration between the local authority and other stakeholders to follow in 2010, to add to Hospitality.
institutions. But for two discuss the future of vocational qualifi cations. Creative and Media, and Society, Health
colleges, serving diff erent local authorities, “We were told that Diplomas were coming and Development are already being off ered
to work together is more unusual. and asked who wanted to lead on this and put in the area.
Barking College, in the London borough their heads above the parapet,” he said. Despite the reservations of many schools
of Barking and Dagenham, and Redbridge “BTECs have been our bread and butter about delivery of Diplomas, Mr Ainge
College, in the neighbouring borough of courses, but it was clear from government said marketing the new qualifi cations was
Redbridge, have been working closely to policy that they might be replaced by extremely important if they are to succeed.
create Diploma provision locally. Diplomas, so we realised there was a need “We hope that schools will let us in on
Duncan Ainge, Barking College’s head to ensure we were on top of our game and their open day and during meetings about
of sector for hospitality, sports and leisure, it was in our best interests to be prepared to options so we can get the message across to
and public services, explained: “In some implement the changes.” students and parents.
ways, schools have taken a back seat when T_h e two colleges eventually took the lead on “Parents, in particular, are concerned
it comes to Diplomas and some heads have the Hospitality Diploma – an area in which because they don’t want their children to be
been a bit reluctant to get involved. T_h ey it already had a reputation and expertise guinea pigs for new courses.
have been understandably worried about the – and arranged meetings with schools and “In the current climate, they want their
logistics of delivery and the fact that this is a others with a view to implementation from children to gain qualifi cations that will
completely new and untried qualifi cation. September 2009. make them more employable. So, for us,
“T_h ere is also the change of culture to “We discussed what experience each the priority is not necessarily making sure
contend with. For years, schools were institution could bring to delivery and how we have ‘bums on seats’, but ensuring that
expected to compete with each other for we were going to meet the needs of our people know what they have signed up to.”
pupils and in league tables. So it was hard learners,” Mr Ainge said. Mr Ainge said that the success of
to reconcile this to the way that Diplomas Barking has an on-site bistro and Redbridge Diplomas was based on “a consortium of
are supposed to work. Furthermore, there has a restaurant and both were in a position to people who share the vision and want to be
was quite a lot of confusion about how the provide students real experiences of the work involved, rather than bickering and being
funding was to follow students around.” place, until a planned Skills Centre for the territorial over learners”.
As a result, Barking College found itself area is ready for use in 2011 (see page 30). “Only then will you overcome any
taking the lead on much of the Diploma “Redbridge is stronger on food services and diffi culties. I think that, at the moment,
implementation in the area. Mr Ainge we are better on the catering side, so it seemed some schools would rather deliver Diplomas
added: “We have been happy to take the an ideal opportunity to work together. We set on their own than collaborate. But it has
lead because, in the further education sector, ourselves a target of attracting fi ve students to be a shared vision and ultimately their
we are used to change and having to be apiece for the Diploma, who would divide success will come down to a willingness
innovative.” their time between both institutions.” to work together.” DD
Delivering Diplomas • Volume 1 No 1 Autumn 2009 31
30-31 barking.indd 13 17/9/09 19:08:44
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