Diplomas
The Diplomas are part of the programme of reforms set out in the 14-19 Education and Skills white paper, and will be available in 17 lines of learning. Diplomas will provide flexibility and choice for all learners through a unique mix of traditional and work-relevant learning. They have been developed in collaboration with employers to ensure their relevance, and are valued by employers and higher education institutions, as their combination of essential skills, relevant experience and applied learning provides an excellent grounding for careers.
Professional development for the workforce
The DCSF has asked a range of national partners to develop the capacity of the workforce who will be teaching, supporting or managing delivery of the Diplomas. The TDA is working with Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK) to produce a framework of professional development for the school and college staff who will deliver the Diplomas. To date, the TDA and LLUK have jointly published the following documents:
Excellence in Supporting Applied Learning – building the evidence base to underpin the development of the new and existing workforce that will deliver Diplomas. This report draws on evidence from the Increased Flexibility and Pathfinder programmes; interviews with senior managers, 14-19 advisers and other key respondents; and literature from the Nuffield Review of 14-19 and other relevant research.
Training and Development Guidance for Teachers of Diplomas. This document details the extent of skills, knowledge and attributes identified as important for teachers of Diplomas, providing a specification against which managers can determine and support the staff development needs of teachers of Diplomas.
These documents are available electronically at the DCSF 14-19 portal: www.dcsf.gov.uk/14-19 and in hard copy by contacting 14-19@tda.gov.uk.
The TDA and LLUK have also developed the following electronic resources:
‘Are You Ready?’ Based on the above documents, an online training needs analysis tool for teachers of Diplomas has been developed and is available via www.teachertna.org.
‘Supporting Learners, Supporting the Diplomas.’ An online training needs analysis tool for support staff who will be involved in Diploma delivery has also been developed, and is available at www.sstna.org.
Involving Business in Diploma Lessons: A Guide for teachers. This CD-ROM resource provides information for teachers to effectively work with representatives from business in delivering the Diplomas. For more information or to order a CD contact 14-19@tda.gov.uk.
14-19 conferences
Five regional events on support for the workforce delivering the forthcoming Diplomas for 14-19 year-olds were held in January and February 2008. The events aimed to make stakeholders aware of the wider support that will be available for teachers and support staff involved in delivering Diplomas. There were demonstrations and discussions on the use of online training needs analysis tools, for example. Presentation materials can be obtained by contacting 14-19@tda.gov.uk or by calling 020 7023 4241.
