1. Sylvia King – Regional Diploma Co-ordinator South East/South Central

2. Rumours of the demise of the Diploma are greatly exaggerated……..
DfES briefing..
‘Diploma development is on track and we are convinced that they can provide a valuable addition to the choices that young people have, both at age 14 and post 16’

3. Specialised Diplomas At levels 1 (D – G) , 2 (A*-C) and 3 (A Level)
3 areas of learning – generic (functional skills) principal (sector related skills and knowledge )and additional.
Require functional skills at level 1 for level 1 and 2 diploma at level 2 for level 3 diploma
50% of learning in a work environment
At least 10 days in a workplace

4. What is happening when?
2006 First 5 Diploma specifications available to schools
2008–Teaching of Engineering, Society Health and Development, CBE, ICT, creative & media
2009 – LBE, Manufacturing, Hair & Beauty, Bus Admin & Finance. Hosp and Catering
2010 – Public Services, S & L, Retail, T & T

5. The Diploma Gateway- 1,127 proposals
February 2007 – 9 regional panels completed final assessment of submissions
March 2007– Moderation panel and Gateway results announced
April 07– details issued re. how successful consortia can work with Diploma Awarding Bodies for approval to deliver the qualification
June 07– consortia submit applications to Diploma Awarding Bodies for approval

6. Gateway Results
1. Yes! Start 2008: no conditions (small number expected - particularly IT & SHD)
2. Yes! Start 2008: conditions to be met by Dec 2007
3. Yes! Start 2009:conditions met by July 2008
4. Not yet
Next application process will be different, support may be available dependant on funding

7. Key Messages
These are not simply vocational qualifications – mix of genetics – academic & applied
Not to be confused with other qualifications with similar titles
Have to be delivered in context
Can only be delivered effectively in collaboration
Will be an entitlement at all levels
Transferable and functional skills
Aim to fill the skills gap identified in the Leitch Report

8. Functional Skills
All those who start delivery in September2008 have agreed to pilot Functional Skills
3 Models being piloted (Tested, timed assessment, portfolio)
Pilots from September 2007
WILL be included in GCSE grades – must achieve L2 to gain grades A* - C

9. Issues
Most significant transformation in provision
Gateway decisions will influence future planning
Higher Education needs to respond rapidly (L3 starting 2008)
Working with a wide range of partners

10. Contact Details -