Diplomas
Diplomas combine theoretical study with practical experience being taught in different contexts, such as the classroom and the workplace. They are delivered through partnerships of education providers, also known as consortia. This will provide flexibility and choice for all learners through a unique mix of traditional and work-related 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.
What might it mean for you?
The new diplomas offer the chance to work in and learn from more than one institution, and to share your pedagogic skills with employers and others working in parallel sectors.
The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) has asked a range of national partners to develop the capacity of the workforce who are teaching, supporting or managing the delivery of the diplomas. The TDA is working with LLUK to produce a framework of professional development for the school and college staff who are delivering the diplomas.
If you are engaged in the 14-19 reforms already, there is a wealth of free training, support and guidance available from the Diploma Support Programme website. Specifically, the TDA and LLUK have jointly commissioned the following resources:
14-19 diploma ITT conference
Date: Wednesday 13 January 2010
Time: 10am to 4pm
Location: Hilton Metropole Birmingham, www.hilton.co.uk/birminghammet
The event will include input from providers and diploma development partnerships, as well as the TDA and the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT). The main aims are to develop providers’ understanding of the diploma initial teacher training provision, to give support and guidance on building the relationships needed for diploma ITT provision, and to provide a forum for networking. Download the invitation letter (PDF 23 KB), conference programme (PDF 22 KB) and workshop sessions form (Word 103 KB).
Excellence in Supporting Applied Learning – building the evidence base to underpin the development of the new and existing workforce that will deliver diplomas
Research was undertaken to look at current good practice in 14-19 partnerships. The 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 the 14-19 workforce and other relevant research. You can download or order a hard copy of the report 'Excellence in supporting applied learning' in our Publications section.
Professional Development Guidance for Diploma Teachers
This revised version of the Training and Development Guidance for Teachers of Diplomas was published in November 2008. It identifies and explains the knowledge, attributes and understanding that will enable teachers to effectively deliver the diplomas. The guide looks to provide a foundation to identify and plan professdional support and development and should be a valuable resource for diploma teachers and continuing professional development leaders and managers. You can download the publication from the LLUK 14-19 portal or order a hard copy by e-mailing 14-19@tda.gov.uk.
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. The CD has a number of different sections offering advice for liaising with industrial contacts in different educational settings such as the classroom. It contains generic guidance which is appropriate for all lines of learning. You can download Involving Business in Diploma Lessions from the LLUK website or request a CD and further information by e-mailing: 14-19@tda.gov.uk.
My Plan
An online training needs analysis tool for teachers delivering the diplomas, My Plan, has been developed to enable teachers to identify areas where additional development is needed. Register online for My Plan
Supporting Learners, Supporting the diplomas
Research was commissioned to examine the training and deployment of staff, supporting applied learning in schools and colleges. This is informing the development of an online training needs analysis tool for support staff which is currently being developed. It will be available from the Diploma Support Programme website in the autumn.
