Courses

Diplomas

Diplomas are an exciting, brand new, qualification which will start in South Worcestershire in September 2009.  They mix vital skills like English, Maths and ICT with experience of what it is like to work in a particular industry sector.  Like the Young Apprenticeship programme, it will take two days a week.  On the other three days you will do your core curriculum in your home school.  Your Diploma course will include:-

1. Principal LearningThis is the part about your chosen Diploma subject.  It teaches you the main things you need to know about it. in your chosen subject.
2. A ProjectThis is about creating something to show what you have learnt.  It can be about anything that interests you. of your choice tied in with your Principal Learning.
3. Functional SkillsThis is the English, Maths and ICT you need for everyday life. in English, Maths and ICT.
4. Personal Learning and Thinking SkillsThis is where you learn about things like team working, being creative, studying and organising yourself. which will help you gain employment or a college or university place.
5. Work ExperienceThis is where you spend time with an employer, learning what it is like to be in the workplace for a minimum of 10 days. 
6. You will also study for a Specialist qualificationThese are the options you pick.  It could be to do with the kind of job or university course you want to get into or even a hobby. in your chosen area. 

A Higher Diploma is worth 7 GCSEs at A* - C grades and a Foundation Diploma is worth 5 GCSEs at D - G grades.

After the Diploma you can continue with a Diploma at the next level, take on a full apprenticeship, study for A levels (if you have passed the Higher Diploma), study for a vocational subject or go into employment with training.  You don't have to stick with the same subject area - the skills you will learn will enable you to move into another area.

The subjects are taught in an applied way so that you will learn by seeing and doing, but the Principal Learning does not contain the hands-on practical skills of the Young Apprenticeship or Foundation Learning Tier programmes.

Diploma's on offer in 2010/2011 include

• Business, Administration and Finance
• Construction and the Built Environment
• Creative & Media
• Engineering
• Information Technology
• Society, Health and Development
• Hair and Beauty
• Hospitality
• Environmental and Land-based Studies
• Sport & Active Leisure

To find out more about these courses, please click here

Moodle

Moodle is an on-line registration and communication tool that we use to track attendance and interact with Diploma students.  Home schools and learning providers use part of the system to mark, report and track your attendance.  Moodle is used by learning providers to communicate messages, course work and assignments to students.  Once you have enrolled onto a Diploma course, you will be issued with a Username and Password.  This will give you access to the Moodle system and the areas you need to see.  Full training will be given on how to use the system at the start of your Diploma course.  To access the Moodle site, please click here.

Foundation Learning

Courses available in 2009/2010 include Childcare, Hairdressing, Beauty, Engineering, Construction, Hospitality, Public Services, Sport, Customer Services, Horse Care, Horticulture, Animal Care and Motor Vehicle.

To find out more about these courses, please click here