Case study


course which has suited him down to the ground and has been a much more rewarding experience for him than the traditional A level courses we offered in the past.” Meanwhile, Broadoak Maths and


Computing College in North Somerset has been celebrating two runners-up among its Diploma students. Both have been studying for a Diploma in ICT at Level 2. Te nature of the qualification has


particularly suited Callum Grayson, who is dyslexic. “He has surpassed all expectations in terms of the quality of work produced, the improvement in his presenting skills, his deeper way of thinking and his confidence,” said Corinne Mithcell, director of ICT and lead practitioner for North Somerset. In the past, Callum’s dyslexia has caused


him difficulties with accessing a keyboard. “Te Diploma has changed the way he thinks and learns in such a way that it seems like he has done more than just grow up,” Ms Mitchell added. “He has transformed into a young man who


thinks widely rather than narrowly and is no longer unsure about giving his opinion.” Trough his work experience working with


the elderly, he realised that technology and ICT do not come easily to everyone. His communication skills, particularly verbal, have improved to the point where his presentations are among the best and most professional of all his peers and his marks the highest. His parents, meanwhile, reported an


improvement in his confidence, changes in the way he thinks about everything and in his self-belief and attitude to study.


Delivering Diplomas • Volume 2 No 2 Autumn 2010


Star students: Parag Bhatt picked up the top student prize at the Awards from Alan Clamp of the QCDA (above), while Daryl Tebug (below right) was a runner-up


Callum said: “Te Diploma course has


changed the way that I learn completely and made me a much more confident person. Te way that the lessons are set out is fantastic as they give us the opportunity to work to the best of our ability. “I am able to transfer my confidence into


other subjects now such as English as I have learnt how to speak confidently and how to write in detail. I am extremely competitive and like to come first in everything and that is how I learn and get the grades; we work as a class and push each other forward in our work. Tis is very unlike other lessons where we are left to do individual work.” His classmate, Daryl Tebug, arrived in the


UK from Cameroon in September 2008 with very few ICT skills. Teachers report that his work now is “of the highest standard” and he has a determination to succeed. Ms Mitchell said: “His positive attitude


to work, his determination and courteous manner are key qualities that he possesses and I believe the different approach to work he has experienced whilst on the Diploma course has contributed to these qualities.” Daryl remembers his early lack of IT skills


well. He said: “When I think about when I came to England and started the IT Diploma course, I couldn’t even copy and paste. I could type about ten words a minute. “But I had the feeling that this course was


suitable for me. I can’t believe that I have learned this in this short amount of time. I am now able to use complex software like Access, Excel, and Photoshop. I am also able to design websites and also create animations. At home, my parents are really surprised at how my ICT skills have risen.” Te fourth runner-up in this category was


Jessica Welsh, from South Kent College. An excellent student, Jessica completed the


Diploma in Society, Health and Development in a year. Her teachers said that though Jessica is


naturally shy, this has not fazed her when on work placement. She is now enrolled on the Advanced Diploma. Angela Hall, Diploma lecturer and course


leader at South Kent College, said: “During her studies, Jess suffered from ill-health which necessitated time away from college. “Troughout this difficult period


she remained focussed while working independently from home. Her grades – four As in her principal learning units – bare testament to her tenacity to succeed.”


DD 21


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