Phase 4
Phase 4
update
The Qualif_i cations and Curriculum Development
Agency’s Rachel Davey has been at the heart of
Diploma development. Here she gives a behind
the scenes glimpse of how the newest set of
Diplomas – Phase 4 – have been built
ONG BEFORE awarding bodies For Humanities and Social Sciences, the qualifi cations. T_h is led to another national
L
even begin to develop their vision is that learners will be equipped with consultation in late April and throughout May
specifi cations, the views of Diploma the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary 2009. T_h is consultation included more than
partners are sought, from employers to understand themselves and their world, and 450 people who took part in regional events,
and universities, to colleges, schools and to shape its future. Equally, for Languages and learner focus groups, diversity and inclusion
subject associations. By involving the widest International Communication, part of the focus groups, or an online questionnaire.
range of interested parties, it is possible vision is that learners will develop linguistic, We received some excellent feedback from
to be confi dent that they will not only be cultural and intercultural knowledge and these events. Following the consultations, the
interesting, challenging and innovative for skills that they can use and enjoy at home and LoL criteria were fi ne tuned and submitted
students, but also industry-relevant and abroad in social, professional and academic to Ofqual at the end of June for adoption.
academically rigorous. life, and in lifelong language learning. Ofqual then published the LoL criteria in July
T_h e path towards creating the Phase T_h ere has been a great deal of media and 2009.
4 Diplomas leads back as far as October political interest in these new Diplomas, so All in all it was a big task, but by working
2007, when the introduction of these the DDPs have worked to ensure a very broad closely with partners and seeking the
new qualifi cations was fi rst announced by spectrum of people have been involved in views of such a wide spectrum of experts
government. By early 2008, the Diploma the developments, including consultations, – from teachers and awarding organisation
Development Partnerships (DDPs) were up thereby ensuring a robust business case and representatives, to employers and universities,
and running and had started work on setting rationale was developed for each line. the QCDA is sure that we have created LoL
out their vision and carrying out research for In February 2009, the Qualifi cations and criteria on which relevant, fi t-for-purpose
the content of each Diploma. Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA) qualifi cations can be built.
T_h e Phase 4 lines are Languages and supported national consultation on the Now it is time to eagerly await the new
International Communication, Humanities statements. T_h is included hosting six regional qualifi cations that are developed over the
and Social Sciences, and Science. events across England, while DDPs ran online coming months. DD
For example, in Science, part of the vision surveys concurrently. All of the evidence
is that learners will gain an insight into the generated through research and consultation • Rachel Davey is the QCDA’s Diploma policy
world of work, how science is practised, and is then captured in a Line of Learning (LoL) manager.
its impact on society and the world we live Statement and published by the DDPs.
in. Learners will acquire the tools that real T_h e QCDA’s main role is then to use this LoL Further information
scientists and industries use in taking a multi- statement to create the LoL criteria. T_h e criteria For more about the Diploma and the Phase 4
disciplinary approach to the major challenges is a regulatory tool that will enable Ofqual DDP LoL statements and LoL criteria, visit
and big questions facing humanity. to accredit the Diploma Principal Learning
www.qcda.gov.uk/19767.aspx
66 Delivering Diplomas • Volume 1 No 1 Autumn 2009
66 phase 4.indd 2 18/9/09 14:08:48
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