Diplomas
The new Government diplomas for 14 - 19 year old students were introduced in Sheffield in September 2008. Diplomas are work related qualifications that seek to establish a stronger relationship between the needs of employers and the work that goes on in classrooms at Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5. Students will therefore be expected to develop specific sector related skills and will have the opportunity to develop these skills in an appropriate work place setting under the guidance of sector employers.
Diplomas exist at three levels:
- Level One (Foundation) which will be broadly equivalent to five GCSE's at grades D-G
- Level Two (Higher) which will be broadly equivalent to seven GCSE's at A*-C
- Level Three (Advanced) which will be equivalent to 3.5 A levels
Within this framework appropriate progression is possible both in and out of other existing qualification routes. The Diplomas represent an excellent base for entry into apprenticeships at post 16 and the advanced Diploma is recognised as viable entry requirements by most Universities including Oxbridge.
Diplomas will be available in Sheffield as follows:
- September 2008 - Construction and the built environment; Creative and Media; Engineering; Information Technology
- September 2009 - All of the above plus Business Administration and Finance; Manufacturing; Society, Health and Development
- September 2010 - All of the above plus Environmental and Land Based industries; Hair and Beauty; Hospitality; Public Services Organisation; Retail; Sport and Active Leisure; Travel and Tourism
- September 2011 (subject to DCSF agreement) - All of the above plus Humanities; Science; Languages
By 2013 all 17 diplomas will be fully operational across Sheffield and all of Sheffield's 14-19 population will have full entitlement to any of the 17 diplomas listed.
Contact us
If you have any enquiries about diplomas please contact us as follows:
By post or in person: 14 to 19 team, 145 Crookesmoor Road, Sheffield,S6 3FP
By Telephone: 0114 2667503
By Fax: 0114 2667092
Email us at: lifelonglearningandskills@sheffield.gov.uk