Diploma
Are you interested in developing high quality work-related skills and knowledge, together with a fully rounded education and wider horizons leading eventually to university or work?
Would you like to give the best of both worlds – a high quality academic and work-relevant qualification rolled into one?
What are Diplomas?
Sussex Downs College, with partner school throughout East Sussex, has been authorised to offer a number of the new Diplomas to students, which started with five sectors of industry in 2008. Diplomas are offered in Eastbourne, Newhaven, Wealden Skills Centre and Lewes.
Diplomas give students an exciting opportunity to study at the cutting edge of the new curriculum: achieving enormously flexible qualifications which have been designed to provide for the needs of future economy and the personal development of each student.
The delivery will involve study at college and at partnerships schools, depending upon qualifications. Students will attend college for one day per week over the two years, and will also undertake at least 10 days of subject-related work experience. Students participating in the Diploma Programme will continue to pursue the statutory curriculum and qualifications whilst at school.
What qualifications can I get?
Diplomas are split into three levels: Level 1 (Foundation) Level 2, Level 3 (advanced). Levels 1 and 2 are available for students in Year 10.
Diplomas give progression to Further and Higher Education or to the work place.
How do these compare to a GCSE?
• The Foundation Diploma is a Level 1 qualification and is the equivalent to four or five GCSE’s at grades D to G (depending on the actual subject chosen)
• The Higher Diploma is a Level 2 qualification and is qualification and is the equivalent to five or six GCSE’s at grades A* to C (depending on the actual subject chosen). This is a substantial qualification and students should expect to work hard and to a high standard.
Diploma Prospectus
