1) If my child starts on a Diploma course and finds that it doesn't suit him, will it be possible for him to change to GCSEs?
Firstly, young people will have an interview before starting a Diploma course. During the interview, teachers will make sure she/he understands what a Diploma is, how it might be different to GCSEs etc. Hopefully, this will minimise the number of learners who then want to change courses.
Different schools will have different policies on this. It is likely that, during the first week or two, learners will be able to withdraw from a Diploma and be able to change to GCSEs - in the same way that learners might be able to change their GCSE options in the early stages.
2) Will teachers have adequate training to cope with Diplomas?
All teachers that work on Diplomas will have undergone several training courses. Schools and colleges have to apply to teach a Diploma. The application form asks about specialist teachers, facilities etc. If the teachers don't have the necessary knowledge and skills they will have to do training to update them.
This is why all Diplomas are not available at all schools - teachers in one school might not have the expertise to teach a particular Diploma.
Diploma lessons will be observed, to ensure the quality of teaching is at least as good as within GCSE classes.
3) How are teachers going to have the time to prepare and assess children doing Diplomas, as well as their normal preparation and assessment for children not involved in Diplomas?
This year, a lead teacher for each Diploma subject has been given additional time to plan and prepare for their Diploma. The school has been provided with additional funding to support this. This should mean that once the young people star doing their Diplomas, the teaching is already planned, assessments already written and resources already produced. Schools, colleges and training providers are working together and sharing information of what is working well in one Diploma or in different areas, to avoid the need for teachers to ‘reinvent the wheel’.
Once teaching actually starts, staff will have the same time to work with Diploma young people as they will with GCSE, BTEC or other students. Their teaching and assessment will be monitored and supported to ensure it is of the highest quality.
4) How much school time will the Diploma pre-empt:- how much scope is there for other options?
The Diploma is a large qualification, but it is made up of several components, some of which are the same as the 'lessons' that other young people will be doing.
Generally, the young people will spend a full day (possibly a longer than usual day) doing the 'principal learning' part of the Diploma. This is the part related to Hospitality, Creative & Media etc.
They will also have to choose other qualifications to go alongside their Diploma, and will also do additional maths, English and IT qualifications - usually within their GCSE lessons.
In summary, if a learner chooses a Diploma, they will also still take 5 - 6 GCSEs as well, including English, maths and science. They will continue to do PE, citizenship etc.
5) What advice will my child get about Diplomas?
All schools have their own Options programmes. These might include lessons on choosing your options, careers sessions, distribution of leaflets about different courses, looking at the school prospectus, and the Options Evening, to which parents are also invited.
Young people interested in a Diploma will also have an interview to help them understand exactly what a Diploma is, and whether it would suit them.
Don't forget that your son or daughter can get advice about Diplomas from their Connexions Personal Adviser in school. You can also have a chat to your child's PA at parents' evenings.
6) What if my child does a Diploma that is at a different school, how will she get there?
If your child’s chosen Diploma takes place at a different school, college or training provider, this means that they will have to go to that place one day per week.
It will depend on individual circumstances as to how your child will travel to that other school. Options include walking, cycling, public transport, school minibus, or taxi.
General Diploma FAQs Page 1
Questions about Diplomas and progression routes
Miscellaneous Diploma questions
Questions specific to the Gedling borough
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