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The Diploma is an exciting new qualification for 14-19 year olds that combines theoretical study with practical experience. It will provide students with an integrated programme of study made up of different courses and awards. This means students will get credit for each part they achieve, as well as a grade for the whole Diploma.
The Diploma combines subject learning with other valuable disciplines including functional skills in English, Maths, and ICT, project work , a minimum of 10 days’ work experience (Society, Health & Development is 20 days’) and personal skills such as communications and teamwork.
Students will be based at Barnwell or attend other schools or North Herts College.
The Diploma gives insight into careers, as well as helping students develop the thinking and learning skills valued both at university and in work.
The Higher Diploma students can go on to study for the next level of Diploma, take a different type of qualification such as A Level or Apprenticeship or go on to a job. An Advanced Diploma can lead on to university or into a career.
The Diploma is available at three different levels. The Foundation (Level 1) is equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades D to G; the Higher (Level 2) is equivalent to 7 GCSEs at grades A* to C; and the Advanced (Level 3) is equivalent to 3.5 A levels.
Each Diploma contains the same parts:
Principal learning developing the knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to the chosen Diploma subject
Generic learning including functional skills in English, Maths and ICT and personal learning and thinking skills. Also within generic learning is a project and a minimum of 10 days’ work experience
Additional/specialist learning which offers students the opportunity to study a particular subject in more depth or broaden their knowledge through complementary learning. ASL consists of a wide range of existing and some new qualifications, including GCSEs, A Levels and BTECs.
Each Diploma shares the same set of personal, learning and thinking skills. These are embedded in the principal learning and assessed through that. They cover
- Creative thinking
- Reflective learning
- Independent inquiry
- Team working
- Effective participation
- Self management
For each Diploma, principal learning is assessed through a combination of exams and work marked by a teacher. Functional Skills are assessed through externally set tests. ASL options will be assessed in line with the arrangements for the specific qualification chosen.
The overall grade for the Diploma will be calculated by aggregating the grades obtained for the principal learning and the project. The functional skills, work experience and additional and specialist learning are required but their grades, where applicable do not count towards the Diploma grade. Achievement of each of the Diploma parts as well as the overall qualification will be recorded on a transcript.
An Advanced Diploma will attract the same number of UCAS points as 3.5 A Levels.
Diplomas being offered at Barnwell
Level 2 Level 3
Business, Administration & Finance Society, Health & Development
Construction & the Built Environment
IT
Society, Health & Development
Diplomas offered Off site
Level 2 Level 3
Creative and Media Studies Construction & the Built Environment
Engineering Engineering
Hair and Beauty Studies IT
Hospitality
Information on Diplomas offered at Barnwell
Business, Administration and Finance
- Find out how the business world works, how businesses are set up and financed, and about marketing and finance.
- Learn skills like customer service and team working.
- Discover the range of careers in business, administration and finance.
- Gain experience of methods and technology used in areas like accounts, management, marketing and sales
- Find out how business, administration and finance affects our lives and the world that we live in.
Construction & the Built Environment
Students will cover three main topics that deal with designing, creating and using the built environment. You will
- Find out how the building and construction industry operates and the kind of work that it does and how it affects the lives of individuals and communities.
- Learn about the tools, equipment and materials used in the construction industry.
- Take part in a work-based project and work experience.
- Find out about the range of jobs in the building and construction industry.
- Gain personal, learning and thinking skills to help you in whatever you choose to do in the future.
Information Technology
The Diploma in Information Technology (IT) covers three main areas that are really important to this sector: Technology, Business and People.
- Find out about the IT and Telecoms industry, how it is constantly changing, and its importance for business, technology and people.
- Learn how IT projects are planned, designed and set up.
- Discover the range of jobs and careers within the IT industry.
- Learn about the range of new and developing technology and software used in the IT industry.
- Gain experience of how professionals use creative, design and problem-solving skills in the IT industry.
- Find out how IT is constantly changing society and the way that people live their lives.
Society, Health and Development
The Diploma in Society, Health and Development covers four main areas: children and young people, health, community justice and adult social care. You will
- Find out about the lives and needs of children, young people, adults and the elderly.
- Learn about the different ways in which services are provided to people and families
- Discover the range of jobs within the society, health and development sector
- Learn about the importance of the value of all human beings and protecting individuals and society
- Gain experience of how professional workers work with individuals and families, including problem-solving and communication
- Find out how the Society, Health and Development sector affects all our lives.
Entry requirements:-
Level 2
You will need to be on target to achieve GCSEs at A* - C
Level 3
You will need a qualification like a Higher Diploma, or 5 GCSEs A* - C or equivalent, including English and Maths