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Young people in Richmond upon Thames had the opportunity to find out about a new qualification as the national Diploma roadshow visited York House in Twickenham on Wednesday 08 October. The Diploma is a qualification for 14-19 year olds which can be taken alongside or instead of GCSEs and A-levels. Over 140 students attended the roadshow run by the Department for Children, Schools and Families to learn about the new qualification. The roadshow offered an interactive experience for students which allowed them to discover what the Diploma has to offer in a structured but informal environment. They had the chance to explore their options using high tech touch screen kiosks and discussion groups in inflatable ‘pods'. Cllr Eady, Cabinet Member for Education said: "The Diploma is part of a national programme to widen the choices available for young people to encourage them to learn for longer and gain the skills they need to succeed in work and life. "Developed with employers, schools, colleges and universities, it provides a route into further or higher education or straight into the world of work. "The Council wants to ensure all students are being offered courses which are right for them and enable them to get the most out of their education. We are introducing three new Diplomas in 2009 and aim to increase this number in future years to offer students a broad choice of study options." The Diploma combines learning in the classroom with practical experience. Students in the borough will be able to take a Diploma from September 2009 in IT, Creative and Media or Hospitality. There will be five Diplomas available in selected schools and colleges around the country from September 2008 and a total of 17 Diplomas will be available in England by 2011. Courtesy of: http://www.richmond.gov.uk/ |
