1. HLST Network 2008 Conference Employer Engagement – What does it mean for HLST education? 6 November 2008, St Anne's College, Oxford

2. Developed in partnership with: Bringing learning to life

3. Diploma Development Content to be defined by employers. Exit Routes (for progression onto advanced study) to be defined by HE/FE. ‘Sport and Active Leisure Diploma Development Partnership’ to steer the work: – Convening SSC – SkillsActive. – Participating SSCs/SSBs - Construction Skills, LANTRA, Skills for Security, Children’s Workforce Network, National Youth Agency. – Observing SSCs - People 1 st, Children’s Workforce Development Council. – ‘Guides’ – QCA, UKCES, DCSF

4. Scope of the Diploma Sport Fitness Coaching Sports venues/facilities Spectator safety The outdoor industry Youth work Playwork Caravan parks Not all areas may appear in Principal Learning. Some more likely to be specialist pathways found in additional/specialist learning.

5. Myths and truth about the Diploma They are not just vocational qualifications, they are in fact a unique balance of academic and vocational qualifications. They do not produce ‘job ready’, technically qualified staff, but they can develop skills such as independent thinking, team working and the communication skills needed for the workplace. They do not replace Apprenticeships or Young Apprenticeships. Although the skills, knowledge and understanding will be transferable to these progression routes. They are not instead of A levels or GCSEs – they actually sit alongside and can be combined to provide wider options for further study or employment.

6. Myths and truth continued.. They are not only for those who can’t ! The Diploma provides a challenging academic curriculum whilst providing real employability skills. We are starting to develop Additional Specialist Learning - additional learning in either an A level subject or specialised topics. A minimum of 10 working days is an integral part of the Diploma Schools, colleges and employers should ensure there are sound links between the placement and the learning programme.

7. A summary of Diploma equivalencies  Foundation Diploma is equivalent to 5 GCSEs at level 1 (e.g. 5 GCSEs at grades D-G)  Higher Diploma is equivalent to 7 GCSEs at level 2 (e.g. 7 GCSEs at grades A*-C)  Advanced Diploma is equivalent to 3.5 A levels – 420 UCAS points at the highest grade  Progression Diploma is equivalent to 2.5 A levels - 300 points under the UCAS tariff

8. Components of the Diploma “Education through Applied Learning” 1. Principal Learning: develop skills and knowledge from the ‘sport and Active leisure’ industry and 50% must be applied and practical learning. 2. Generic Learning: – three ‘functional’ skills - English, Maths, ICT. – six ‘personal, learning and thinking’ skills - independent enquiry, creative thinking, reflective learning, team working, self-management, effective learning. 3. Additional and/or Specialist Learning : study of a particular topic in more depth for a successful progression pathway.

9. Diploma content themes Sport and Active Leisure and the Individual Sport and Active Leisure and the Economy Sport and Active Leisure and the Community

10. Diploma content FoundationHigherAdvanced 1. Sport and Active Leisure and the Individual 1.1 Importance of an active and healthy lifestyle 2.1 Active and healthy lifestyle choices 3.1 The impact of an active and healthy lifestyle 1.2 Importance of participation in sport and active leisure 2.2 Encouraging participation in sport and active leisure 3.2 Managing and Promoting Participation in Sport/Active Leisure 1.3 How the body works - introducing science in sport and exercise 2.3 Science in sport and active leisure3.3 Applying Science to Sport and Exercise 3.4 Applying scientific principal to enhance performance 2. Sport and Active Leisure and the Economy 1.4 Introducing the sport and active leisure industry l2.4 Working in sport and active leisure in your locality 3.5 The sport and active leisure workforce and the economy 2.5 Businesses in the sport and active leisure industry 3. 6 Globalisation and the sport and active leisure industry 2.6 Media in sport and active leisure 3.7 Politics and policies in sport and active leisure 3. Sport and Active Leisure and the Community 1.5 Working with customers in the sport and active leisure industry 2.7 The customer experience 3. 8 Promoting opportunities for all in the sport and active leisure industry 1.6 Working with specific populations in sport and active leisure 2.8 Access for all in sport and active leisure 3. 9 Developing community cohesion through sport and active leisure

11. Possible additional and/or specialist learning pathways Life Saving (including First Aid) Facility/ Operations Management Sports Therapies (including Injuries/ Physiotherapy/ Massage) Sport/ Leisure Management Officiating Coaching/ Activity Leadership Sports Surfaces/ Grounds Maintenance Play Work Exercise / Fitness/ Physical Activity Sports Development Youth Work Sport/ Leisure Business Skills The Outdoors

12. Key messages The Diploma is a new qualification for students aged 14- 19 and is set to become one of three main education choices – alongside GCSE and A levels, plus Apprenticeships. As part of a national programme, the Diplomas are central part of changes to education for 14-19 year olds. These changes widen choice and encourage more young people to continue learning for longer and gain the qualifications they need to progress into further and higher education or skilled employment. The Diploma bridges the divide between academic or vocational options – it provides the best of both worlds. The Diploma guarantees the personal, learning and thinking skills that universities employers demand of today’s young people. The Diploma will be valued by both employers and universities as they helped design it to ensure that all young people are equipped with the right knowledge and skills for life and work in the 21 st century.

13. Key messages for young people The Diploma offers you choice and flexibility, enabling you to find out more about subjects you are particularly interested in – you can take GCSE or A- levels as part of your diploma or alongside it. The Diploma is a great new way of combining class work with hands on experience. You will be based at your school or college, but will have the chance to do some of your learning in other schools, colleges or the work-place. There will be a range of Diplomas to choose from – helping you make choices about your career, whether your next step is college, university or a job.

14. Key messages for schools/colleges Diplomas combine elements of academic subjects and practical skills in a way that reflects modern industry practice and the demands of degree courses. The Diploma will enable young people to develop the knowledge, understanding and transferable skills they need to go on to employment, college or university. Diplomas will appeal to students of all abilities and aspirations who like to learn in a practical way. Initially the Diploma will be taught in selected partnerships of schools and colleges. All 17 Diplomas will be available in areas across the country by 2011. Training will be given to teachers delivering Diplomas – this will cover the generic skills required to teach Diplomas. There will also be specific training for the teaching of functional skills as well as supporting materials available online.

15. Key messages for higher education The nature of Diploma learning means that students will be self- motivated and have developed strong intellectual and personal skills, which will make the transition from school or college to HE much easier. The Diploma provides a challenging and high-quality programme of learning as robust as three A levels. The flexibility within the Diploma enables you to specify any particular Additional and/or Specialist learning options to be taken as part of the qualification which reflects your entrance requirements for certain courses.

16. Need more information? To find out more about The Diploma in Sport and Active Leisure, including further guidance and support materials, please visit: www.skillsactive.com/saldiploma