1) Can an academic child do a Diploma? Is it advisable?
An 'academic' child CAN do a Diploma, and they are definitely not aimed at the 'less academic' child. They must be confident of being able to achieve the additional maths, English and IT qualifications, for example. They will still do GCSEs (probably about 5 in total) alongside the Diploma, and will still be able to go on to do A levels or Advanced Diplomas, followed by University.
As to whether or not it is advisable, I would suggest that this depends on the individual child. Those who thrive in traditional 'lessons' and like exam-based forms of assessment, and have little interest in an 'occupational sector' such as Construction & Built Environment would probably prefer to continue with their traditional curriculum.
Those young people who enjoy the challenge of working more independently, like project work, and have a particular interest in an occupational sector that is available to them would probably enjoy and thrive on a Diploma course.
Diplomas are different, rather than better or worse - they suit different styles of learning.
2) Is there any guarantee that the Diploma will continue in the future or is it possible that it will be decided that it is an 'unworkable' system?
The Diplomas are currently written into 'statute', meaning that young people will have a legal entitlement to access them from 2013.
As the Diplomas are still in a 'pilot' phase, the DCSF (Dept for Children, Schools & Families) could make amendments and adaptations to the qualifications, perhaps simplifying the structure and system, which, as you recognise, is very complex.
The Conservative party has said that, should they come into power, they would not 'dump' Diplomas, as had been falsely reported, but that they would seek to simplify the system, while at the same time also promoting Apprenticeships to more young people.
3) Can someone who does not complete a Diploma course in years 10 and 11 go on to do an advanced Diploma in years 12 and 13?
This would be down to each school or college's discretion, in the same way as for learners who do not achieve GCSEs at required grades.
It would depend on reasons for non-completion, availability of resits, results of accompanying qualifications (remember that learners doing a Diploma in Y10 and Y11 would also do about 5 GCSEs, which in their own right would often be enough to allow progression onto an advanced Diploma or A Level course).
4) If the pupil starts out on a Foundation Diploma, but is too advanced for this, is there an option to switch to the Higher Diploma early in the course? (and vice versa)
This will depend on the provider delivering the Diploma, as well as the home school. Some Diplomas allow Foundation and Higher learners to work together in the first week or two, helping to ensure that learners are placed on an appropriate level.
Teachers from the learner's school will also provide information that will help to place a learner on the correct level course. An interview and induction programme for the Diploma will help the learners know more about the course and if it is right for them
Obviously, and as with any course such as a BTEC or GCSE, it becomes difficult - but not impossible - to change course after the first couple of weeks
5) Surely, success in certain Diplomas would preclude A levels to be taken in specialist subjects? If there are prerequisite subjects that would definitely require a GCSE to study these at A level and potentially beyond, will Year 9s be advised of these before making the decision?
You're right in that some A levels/Degree courses require success at GCSE. Single science subjects and languages are examples of these. These will be available to Diploma learners alongside their Diplomas, and guidance in selecting their options will be provided by the school. Of course, if a learner 'switches' career/university plans during a course, and is therefore not doing the GCSEs/A Levels needed, this could cause difficulties - the same whether or not the learner was following a Diploma course
6) If a pupil does not successfully get the diploma at the end of Year 11, is there any recognition of his/her efforts throughout the course, for potential employers/further education establishments? eg 50% pass = 3 x GCSEs
There is recognition of the components that a learner has achieved. At the end of the course, a learner receives a 'transcript' which clarifies each part of the Diploma - whether passed or not and what grade, if any, was awarded. Learners will also have the opportunity to 'top up' by re-sitting/resubmitting work to try and complete the full qualification. There are still some issues to be resolved re how many GCSEs various aspects of partial completion will be worth, and how this will be 'awarded' so that employers, colleges etc can recognise it. This should be resolved this summer, when the first cohort of Diploma learners complete their courses.
General Diploma FAQs Page 1
General Diplomas questions Page 2
Miscellaneous Diploma questions
Diploma questions specific to Gedling borough
