Fulfilling your potential, now and in the future.
FAQs and Downloads
When do these Diplomas start?
The first five Diplomas will be available from September 2008. The Hospitality Diploma is scheduled to be available from September 2009.
I want to go to university, should I do a Diploma or A levels?
All Advanced level Diplomas will provide you with UCAS points, so can be used to apply to university. However, some universities stipulate exactly what qualifications they want applicants to their courses to have, so you should check on the courses and the universities you want to apply to before making a decision.
I want my child to have a good rounded education, will Diplomas offer that?
Yes. Diplomas have been structured to give a context to learning – for our Diploma that is the context of the hospitality industry – but they will learn many things about work and study that can help them in their life generally. They will be team players, good communicators, will know how to read accounts, understand what makes a business successful, and how to attract and keep customers, as well as how to do much more specific things like maximize occupancy in a hotel, design and cost a menu and develop their cooking skills.
What are these 'functional skills' I keep hearing about?
There are three sets of functional skills - Maths, English and ICT. This set of qualifications requires that students know the basics in the three subjects, and are able to apply them to everyday situations. These will be a set of qualifications that allow people to progress through more challenging tasks as they work to higher level qualifications. All three functional skills are a common requirement of all the Diplomas.
What exactly are 'personal learning and thinking skills' (PLTs)?
Personal, learning and thinking skills (PLTs) are the interpersonal skills that we all need in life and work. They include problem solving, team work and research skills. This skills framework is a common requirement of all the Diplomas.
Can a pupil doing a Diploma also do Maths or English?
Young people aged 14-16 will be encouraged to do Maths and English GCSEs alongside their Diploma. They will be able to use the skills and knowledge from these subjects to help their Diploma studies and activities.
How many GCSEs can a pupil do alongside a Diploma?
This will vary depending on the student but for 14-16 year-olds, the Diploma at level 2 will be the same size as about 7 GCSEs, so they may choose to do a small selection of GCSEs alongside the Diploma.
Can a pupil move from a level 1 Diploma to a level 2?
Young people should be assessed to see where they should start studying, and may start at level 1, 2 or 3 depending on their age and circumstances. They can start at any level as long as it is appropriate for them, .and then will be able to progress through to the next level.
How will that work with school timetabling?
Schools will have to plan very carefully to allow young people to follow their choice of Diploma, and may wish to specialise in a selection of Diplomas. They will need to work in a consortium arrangement to ensure that pupils get the mix of experiences required. This will mean operating in new ways, and working jointly with local colleges and employers.
Useful Downloads
Draft Hospitality Diploma Companion Document - Pt.1
Draft Hospitality Diploma Companion Document - Pt.2
Hospitality Diploma Gateway Guidance
Line of Learning Statement - Section 1
Line of Learning Statement – Section 2
Specialist Learning for the Diploma in Hospitality and Catering
