The Diplomas have had a great deal of support and backing from all sectors of Education and Training including:
- The Government - a strong political backing
- The Sector Skills Council (employers who played a significant role in devising the Diplomas)
- Educationalists - Head Teachers and Teachers leaders as well as Teachers themselves
- Schools, Colleges and Work Based Learning Providers
- Universities and HE Colleges
Each course has only been approved after a rigorous assessment of the ability of a Local Authority area to deliver it - called the ‘Gateway’ process – and this is continuing with proposals for future ‘Lines of Learning’ (Subjects)
There is a very strong political will to introduce a new qualification suited to the 21st Century that is at least as rigorous as A levels and GCSEs. A major reason for the development of the Diploma was the perception that Learners were leaving School and College without the necessary skills to begin work or higher education. The Diplomas are structured to develop the skills Learners will require in a modern world and introduce more choice at age 14. Qualifications will be streamlined so that there will be Diplomas, A Levels, GCSEs and Apprenticeships available
In Kirklees we introduced two diplomas for 2008 and have five others ready to begin in September 2009 (details here). Teachers have successfully completed the first year of delivery of our first two courses with Learners. Others are developing schemes of work and materials to be used on the courses beyond 2009.
We are convinced these courses will help Kirklees Learners to develop skills and achieve success, especially those who are not sure if they should take an academic or vocational route at 14 and have in the past tended to significantly underachieve.
Kirklees Collegiates
14-19 Team
