Diplomas
What’s a Diploma?
The Diploma is a new qualification you can study alongside GCSEs and A-levels. With a Diploma course you’ll learn in a fun, hands-on style, both in and out of the classroom, and take on challenging projects. After you’ve finished your Diploma you could go on to do an Advanced Diploma in the same subject or different Diploma subject area, A levels, an apprenticeship or another job involving training or a course at college and then on to university or land that dream job.
Just like traditional GCSEs, the Diploma will still get you to where you want to go, and you’ll enjoy hands-on, practical skills studying an area that interests you. If you are mature enough to thrive in learning in different environments (could be a different school, college, Training 2000 off-site visits with employers), with new teachers and input from local business people then this could be for you.
Which Diplomas can I do in Blackburn with Darwen?
It depends on which school you go to in Year 9. They’re not available in every school or college until 2013. Ask your careers/personal advisor, deputy head teacher or call Connexions on 01254 267780.
At the moment apart from the Advanced Diploma in Engineering (equivalent to 3.5 A-levels) only the Higher Diploma is on offer – it’s the equivalent of seven GCSEs A*-C; that means your teacher will only tell you it’s suitable for you if they expect you to get A*, A, B or Cs in your GCSEs.
Diplomas starting in September 2010 here in Blackburn with Darwen
- Construction and the built environment
- Creative and media
- Engineering
- Environmental and land based
- Manufacturing and product design
- Society health and development
What do people in Blackburn with Darwen have to say about diplomas?
- Listen to a current student talk
- Listen to a parent of a Diploma student
- Listen to a teacher
- Listen to two engineering students talking to Radio Lancashire and their hopes and dreams for the future
Our current Creative and Media students have interviewed students and teachers for the four Diplomas that are running this year – browse the Diploma pages to hear more
How do I find out more?
To find out more about Diplomas in general read the “Choosing your options’ leaflet (top right) or go to the national Diploma website for tons of information www.direct.gov.uk/diplomas
To see if it’s right for you, talk to your teacher, careers adviser, deputy head teacher or Connexions personal advisor. You can ring Connexions 9am-5pm Monday-Friday to talk through your options and future plans with a well informed friendly advisor - 01254 267780 or visit the Connexions website.
Also, keep an eye out the Diploma stand at your school’s Year 9 options evening – our Diploma teachers will do their best to get to every options evening to talk to you and your parents.
Next steps
If you chose a Diploma as an option, your deputy head teacher, PHSE teacher or careers/personal advisor will help you fill an application form in. If you get an interview, you’ll meet the Diploma teachers then and have chance to ask any questions you may have. Successful candidates will be offered taster sessions or an induction in summer term to make sure it’s really for you before you start your new course in September 2010.
Thanks and acknowledgements
Our 2009/10 year 10 Creative and Media Diploma students who photographed, interviewed, edited, designed and produced all photos and interviews in these webpages Isabel Eaton, Rhiannon Haine, Thea Halleron-Place, Michael King and Mary Morgan.
