What is the Diploma?

The Diploma is a qualification for 14-19 year olds.

The Diploma is a composite qualification designed for 14-19 year olds.  The Diploma is available from September 2008 for the first five lines of Principal Learning and by September 2011 will be available across 17 lines.  The Diploma is constructed of Principal Learning, Additional and Specialist learning,  Functional Skills,  Projects/ Extended Projects and Work Experience.   

What’s available from Edexcel?

The entirely new Principal Learning component of the Diploma is available from Edexcel for the Phase 1 first five lines of learning from September 2008.  Phase 2 and 3 will become available for September 2009 and 2010 respectively.

In addition, Edexcel can offer your learners a full range of options to enable them to achieve:

• Generic Learning which includes Functional Skills, a Project and Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills.  10 days work experience is also required.
• Additional/Specialist Learning chosen from a wide range of existing units or qualifications, at the appropriate level.

The Diploma will "provide flexibility and choice for all learners, through a unique mix of traditional and work-relevant learning.  They [Diplomas] have been developed in collaboration with employers to ensure their relevance, and are valued by employers and higher education institutions, as their combination of essential skills, relevant experience and applied learning provides an excellent grounding for careers." (DfES)

The Diploma is an exciting qualifications that will challenge and stretch your learners, whether they are preparing for university or employment.  It offers a mix of theoretical and applied learning, including functional English, maths and ICT, and the opportunity to develop a specialism or take on complementary study.

The Diploma will give your learners first-hand experience and insight into the world of work by providing opportunities for them to take part in a practical 'real world' environment.

From 2011, your learners will be able to take one of 17 Diplomas at Foundation, Higher and Advanced Levels covering all the sectors of the economy.  They will sit alongside, and sometimes incorporate, GCEs and GCSEs.