QCDA
A helping hand
The Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency produces a
wide range of information and guidance to help schools, colleges and
consortia to deliver the Diploma. Margaret Farragher provides an
overview of what is available
he inTroducTion of a The new approach demanded by the
T
new qualification inevitably results diploma not only covers teaching but also
in questions about the thinking a new planning due to consortia working,
behind it, how to introduce it, which has its own unique demands. The
and how students can progress from it. The publication, Design for Success: Consortia
Qualifications and curriculum development Planning, looks in detail at several whole
Agency (QcdA) website features a range of consortia models for diploma delivery.
materials to help answer these questions. Members of consortia responsible for
The guidance ranges from single web pages planning and teaching diplomas can find
explaining what diploma students will get advice through separate PdF guides to
on results day, through to comprehensive delivering the Foundation and higher
PdFs which provide a thorough overview diplomas.
of the qualification. All of these materials Practitioners are not the only audience
are built on in-depth knowledge and helped by the QcdA’s guidance materials.
understanding of the qualification and controlled assessment guidelines for
its component parts, as well as valuable component awarding bodies are available,
feedback from practitioners which help to which take readers through the approach to
ensure that all issues are addressed. internal assessment for diploma Principal
Guidance developed to help practitioners Learning qualifications.
develop their own materials include a package other guidance material available include
of PowerPoint progression illustrations which curriculum guidance for delivering Principal
show how students could progress after Learning in the diploma, Generic Skills
achieving a diploma. developed in close in diploma learning, opportunities for
consultation with diploma development co-learning the Foundation and higher
Partnerships (ddPs), the illustrative examples diploma, guidelines on recording Personal, available will include a refreshed diploma
take readers through why a student chose Learning and Thinking skills, the teacher website which is easier to navigate, together
a particular subject, the extended Project pedagogy, shaping your curriculum, and with information on progression routes and
and Additional and Specialist Learning more. curriculum planning. This guidance is being
(ASL) they opted for, their result, and how A quick resource can be found under developed at the moment, taking on board
they progressed after they completed the QcdA direct, which has been designed to views from an advisory panel comprising
qualification. answer any teaching and learning questions, diploma practitioners in schools and colleges
An explanation of ASL, including its through a “talk direct to QcdA” service. and senior managers in consortia and local
purpose, how to select it, and how ASL can Accessible from the website, it also encourages authorities. Their feedback should help to
support students to progress is available in a information-sharing between diploma ensure the guidance is fit-for-purpose and
leaflet. This leaflet highlights how students practitioners through monthly discussions useful to all. DD
select qualifications to include in their hosted by national experts. QcdA direct
diploma according to their interests or also features monthly surveys which provide • Margaret Farragher is the Diploma curriculum
ambitions. feedback on different aspects of teaching and guidance team manager at the QCDA.
The diploma requires a new approach to learning the diploma. All of the feedback that
teaching, with a particular focus on applied comes through QcdA direct is used to help Further information
learning. Practitioners looking for real improve existing and shape future guidance To view the QcdA’s guidance and support
examples of how to approach the diploma materials. current topics include Foundation materials designed for the diploma, visit
can find advice through video clips and a case diploma, equalities, ASL, and the learner
www.qcda.gov.uk/diploma
study booklet which cover a wide range of experience. QcdA direct: www.diploma-support.
subjects. The video case studies bring applied Work on the next set of guidance materials org/qcdadirect
learning to life, giving practitioners some is already well under way. By the end of For a list of further resources and guidance,
useful support. 2009, additional products set to become see pages 64 and 65.
Delivering Diplomas • Volume 1 No 1 Autumn 2009 35
34-35 qcaa.indd 13 18/9/09 09:25:34
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