The Diploma fact file

The qualification

At key stage 4, you can do a:

• Foundation Diploma - this is a level 1 qualification equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades D to G
• Higher Diploma - this is a level 2 qualification equivalent to 7 GCSEs at grades A* to C

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Subjects

Local partnerships of schools and colleges decide what subjects to offer. They can choose from 14 subjects ranging from Engineering to Travel and Tourism.

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The course

The Diploma has three parts:

• learning about your Diploma subject
• the essential skills you need for everyday life, in learning and at work - including functional skills and personal, learning and thinking skills
• a choice of other subjects that help you understand more about your Diploma subject or that fulfil a personal interest - options can include GCSEs and vocational qualifications like BTEC awards.

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Learning

Mix of classroom learning, practical hands-on experience and project work. Includes at least 10 days working with an employer. May also involve studying at another school or a college.

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Assessment

Mix of written examinations and internal assessment, including practical tasks.

You must pass all parts of the Diploma to gain the qualification.

You'll get a transcript showing your overall grade and your achievements in each part of the Diploma. You'll also get separate certificates for each qualification you gain.

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Where it leads

The Diploma doesn't qualify you to do a specific job. It does give you a fully-rounded education so that you can go on to:

• a higher level Diploma in the same or a different subject
• AS and A Levels
• an Apprenticeship
• an industry training scheme or another job with training
• a vocational course that will qualify you to do a specific job.

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