IAG
D

Delivering
iplomas
Spreading the word
Do students know enough about Diplomas to determine whether
choosing to study one is the right choice for them? John Kelly discusses
ITH FOCUS on increasing T_h ey also need to understand how they
W
Diploma uptake, the need will apply the Functional Skills of maths,
to make students aware of ICT and English to what they are studying.
what is involved in studying In addition, they need to be made aware of
a Diploma is vital. As is allowing them to options for undertaking additional learning
understand where Diplomas can lead in terms in specialised areas which will help them as
of progression into higher level study and a they develop their career.
future career.
Research conducted by the University of How will I learn?
Reading found that: Students should be aware that Diplomas
• T_h e majority of the students surveyed include a mixture of classroom
knew only that Diplomas were a type of learning and practical work and
qualifi cation with one in 10 thinking that understand how work experience
Diplomas were equivalent to degrees. fi ts with other forms of learning.
• A quarter had no idea what Diplomas were. Students also need to know that the
• Less than a quarter said they would consider Extended Project is an opportunity for them
studying for a Diploma. to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
• Many of the students surveyed thought that
Diplomas were less demanding than What skills can I develop?
A levels. Students need to know about the specifi c
• Students are not choosing to study a subject skills that they will learn and
Diploma because they believe that they are transferable skills that they can develop and the skills and knowledge that they develop in
too narrowly focused on particular jobs. how they can be applied to learning and work. a broader context.
To increase the number of young people T_h ey also need to understand how vital Often, if asked to list the careers which
taking up Diplomas, schools must ensure Personal, Learning and T_h inking Skills each Diploma subject is useful for, students
that students understand what is involved (PLTS) are to their development and how will come up with very limited ideas. In
in a Diploma and where it could lead. It is they will develop these skills through the order to increase Diploma uptake, students
vital that they are provided with impartial Diploma. must be encouraged to understand that the
Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) Diploma is a strong, valid starting point for a
about all of their key stage 4 options including How will my work be assessed? wide range of careers.
the Diploma. Students need to understand that a Every school wants to get each student on
Every pupil, regardless of their own, their proportion of their grade will be made up the right learning pathway which will engage
teachers’ or their parents’ perception of of exams, plus project work and ongoing and motivate them, providing the skills and
whether a Diploma is suitable for them or assessment of practical and classroom knowledge that they need to succeed.
not, should be encouraged to fi nd out about learning. By ensuring that every student is given
Diplomas. T_h is should be done before making the opportunity to explore Diplomas, and
option choices in key stage 3. Where next? is encouraged to do so before they make
Even for those students who do not take Understanding of progression opportunities is choices about key stage 4 study, uptake will be
up a Diploma, the knowledge that they gain critical. Students need to understand where a increased. DD
will help them to understand subjects and Diploma could lead in terms of future study
industries and what their peers are studying. and a career. • John Kelly is from CASCAiD, a Loughborough
Students need to understand the following Students should know how the Diploma University company and a producer of careers
aspects of the Diploma. “fi ts” with other qualifi cations and how they education and IAG resources. CASCAiD
can progress from the Diploma onto these. produces online programs designed for people
What will I study? T_h ey also need to be encouraged to explore aged 11 onwards to help them make decisions
Students need to understand the topics all of the careers which the Diploma could about their learning and career choices. Its key
covered by the Diploma and how Principal lead to. T_h is should include occupations stage 3 resource, Launchpad, enables students to
Learning units fi t together to develop their relating directly to the industry which the explore Diplomas and investigate how their skills
knowledge of the sector/subject. Diploma covers and jobs where they can use match each subject. Visit www.cascaid.co.uk
44 Delivering Diplomas • Volume 2 No 1 Spring 2010
44-45 IAG SSAT.indd 12 5/3/10 13:22:33
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