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New diplomas get thumbs up in Gateshead

A special interactive event was held on Monday to give parents and young people in Gateshead a taste of the government’s new Diploma qualifications.

The diploma is a qualification for young people aged 14 to 19 that combines theoretical study with practical work-based activities. And today a roadshow complete with touch screen information kiosks and DVD presentations inside an inflatable pod attracted around 170 young people to the Dryden Centre to find out more about the new options.

The first of the new diplomas were introduced to schools nationwide in September last year, and two schools; Whickham School and St Thomas More Catholic School, are already offering subjects including Society, Health and Development, and Engineering.

More subjects, such as Business, Administration and Finance, Creative and Media, and IT are due to join the list across Gateshead’s schools from September 2009, and the qualification is set to develop even further in 2010.

The roadshow helped students from all of Gateshead’s schools to find out how their timetables might look if they go on to choose the new diploma, what careers they could aim for, and where the qualification could lead in terms of further education, higher education and employment, all in an enjoyable environment.

David Mitchell, Director of Learning and Schools at Gateshead Council said: “The diploma is part of a bigger set of changes to education that will ensure all young people between 14 and 19 can choose qualifications that suit their interests and learning style.

“Employers and universities have been integral to the creation of the diploma, working with schools, colleges and awarding bodies to set out what students will need to learn, including English, maths and ICT skills.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .