1) My son has special needs and is on ‘school action plus’. How will this affect him, and what kind of support will he get from school?
Students with and without special needs can apply to do a Diploma course. The student will be placed onto a course that is at the right level. The type of special needs that your son has will also be taken into account, especially when arranging the support he needs. There are several students who have a form of autism at a local college, doing a Creative & Media Diploma, and they are all expected to achieve the qualification.
Some young people with special educational needs are not yet ready to do a Diploma, however - they will be offered a more appropriate course, as nobody wants to start a student on a course that they will not succeed at. Some students might be more ready to do a Diploma at age 16, either at school or at a college. It all depends on the individual, and making sure we maximise their chances of succeeding.
If your son, or any other student with SEN, applied to do a Diploma, details of their support needs and current arrangements will be forwarded to the Diploma school. The normal school will still be responsible for providing the level and type of support.
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) While the Diplomas are in this embryonic stage, is there a risk that they will not be recognised as greatly as the traditional GCSEs?
There is always this possibility in the early days of a new qualification, especially with smaller, local businesses. Work is being done with employers to ensure they understand the new qualification. As large numbers of employers were involved in the development of the qualification, it is hoped that they will recognise the Diploma quickly and appropriately. Some large employers are considering naming the Diploma as an ideal qualification to have to go into that business.
4) Will the Diplomas be recognised abroad eg Australia?
I have to admit I am unsure about this. Many qualifications are less well recognised overseas. A learner who has a Diploma will also have GCSEs as part of their 'package', which will support recognition abroad.
5) How can it be deemed that 1 Higher Diploma is firmly the equivalent of 7 x GCSEs, and 1 Advanced Diploma is the equivalent of 3.5 A Levels, at this early stage, and will this truly be recognised by external bodies?
The DCSF (Government Department for Children, Schools and Families) has decided, after taking expert guidance, that these are the equivalencies. They have considered the course content, learning hours required, and all of the separate components when deciding this. However, the Diploma is currently still being piloted - there is a possibility that this could change. Universities DO state that they accept the UCAS point awarded to Advanced Diploma learners as being equivalent to 3.5 A levels. It is important for learners to carefully consider the GCSEs or A levels they take alongside Diplomas - for example, some progression routes might require Biology A level or language GCSE.
General Diploma FAQs Page 1
General Diplomas FAQs Page 2
Questions about Diplomas and progression routes
Diploma questions specific to Gedling borough
