Introduction - December 2009 newsletter
After another incredibly busy month for all in Diploma-land we’re fast approaching the end of the first term of teaching. For everyone involved in the development and delivery of the Diploma in Hospitality, take a deep breath and help yourself to a well-earned mince pie before starting next year with even more enthusiasm.
Next term students will start exploring their options and making the big decisions that will decide the course of their education over the next few years. It is extremely important that the students, their parents and carers, are given the best information, advice and guidance so that they are fully equipped to make the right choice.
Information, advice and guidance (IAG) came to the fore last month as the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) publicised its strategy document: “Quality, Choice and Aspirations: A strategy for young people’s information, advice and guidance”.
So what exactly is IAG? And how does providing it in an effective way impact on the work of the Diploma in Hospitality? According to the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), IAG “aims to enable young people to make decisions about their future and to progress successfully through learning and into work”. In schools and colleges, the primary emphasis in these early days of Diploma delivery is on helping students to understand the new qualification, as well as enthusing them about subjects which were not traditionally available at this age.
To find out how schools and colleges are implementing good practice in this area, please turn to our ‘Education’ section, where you will also find our latest list of the top ten things that higher education needs to know about the Diploma in Hospitality.
Already businesses and employers are embracing the concept of IAG and stepping in to help consortia in a variety of different ways. Scroll down to our ‘Business’ section to read about some great examples of how employers are getting involved in Portsmouth.
We have an exciting time ahead of us in 2010 and are already looking forward to hearing your success stories.
Seasons greetings from the Hospitality Diploma Development Partnership!
Heather Taylor
Hospitality Diploma manager