Diplomas are a new range of qualifications which have been taught in Sandwell since 2009. Diplomas are designed to help learners develop the skills, knowledge and personal qualities required for success in the world of work.

The facts

• It’s a new qualification for 14-19 year olds
• You can pick from up to 10 Diploma subjects from September 2010
• They teach you about an area of work you’re interested in
• Its different to GCSEs and A levels
• You get a mix of class work and hands on experience
• You can choose subject options that you want to do

Why would you do one ?

• It’s usually a 2 year course, whatever level you study at
• You’ll learn in the classroom
• You might also spend time at another school or college in your area
• You’ll do practical stuff like projects and work experience
• You learn life skills that are important for work, study and the future
• You can use what you learn to tackle real life situations

What levels are there?

You can study a Diploma at three levels: Foundation (Level 1), Higher (Level 2) and Advanced (Level 3).

• The Foundation Diploma is the same as 5 GCSEs at grades D to G
• The Higher Diploma is the same as 7 GCSEs at grades A* to C
• The Advanced Diploma is the same as 3.5 A levels.

The Diploma has been taught in Sandwell from September 2009 in a number of delivery hub and feeder schools.
The Diploma in Sandwell provides a flexible and balanced curriculum which will enable students to gain a real understanding of ten different lines of learning: Creative & Media, IT; Construction & the Built Environment; Hair & Beauty Studies; Business, Administration & Finance; Engineering; Society, Health & Developmentl Retail Business; Travel & Tourism and Public Services.
The emphasis on employer involvement in delivering learning and in quality work experience will ensure that students develop skills which employers are looking for.
Diploma students will also study functional skills in english, maths and ICT alongside their chosen Diploma subject.
The delivery hub and feeder schools for the Diplomas which began in September 2009 are listed below:

Diploma Line	Delivery Hub and Feeder Schools
Business, Administration & Finance	RSA Academy - Alexandra High
Construction	Phoenix Collegiate Academy
Creative and Media	Stuart Bathurst
Engineering	Sandwell College/Phoenix Collegiate Academy- Bristnall Hall
Hair & Beauty	Sandwell College - Alexandra, Bristnall Hall, Phoenix Collegiate Academy
IT	Perryfields
Society, Health & Development	RSA Academy - Holly Lodge
Retail Business	Ormiston Sandwell Community Academy
Public Services	RSA Academy
Travel & Tourism	Oldbury College of Sport

Sandwell College also plans to offer courses in all lines of learning.

University of Wolverhampton Diploma Induction Programme

Over 80 students from seven Sandwell School participated in the two day event, 25-26 June organised by the University of Wolverhampton.
Students were able to develop their Personal, Learning and Thinking skills in a range of activities focussing on Diploma learning, using the latest University cutting-edge resources. Students were also encouraged to explore the different pathways leading to Higher Education and the world of work.
Highlights included learners from Stuart Bathurst working with University students in Music Technology and Perryfield students' work on robotics.
Learners from Manor were engaged in testing materials using high-tech test equipment and went on to produce their own simple radios by soldering components.
Feedback from learners was exceptionally positive. Several students commented that they enjoyed working with learners from other schools.

For more information about Diplomas please visit the Direct.Gov website