What is a Diploma?

The Diploma is a new qualification for 14-19 year olds which combines theoretical study with practical
experience and develops skills highly valued by employers and universities.
Diplomas give students an insight into work and will help them make decisions about their future
direction without closing down options. Diplomas will provide the skills and knowledge needed for
progression into employment and into further and higher education.

By 2013 Diplomas in the following subjects will be available to students across the country:

• Construction and the Built Environment
• Creative and Media
• Engineering
• Information Technology
• Society, Health and Development
• Environmental and Land-based Studies
• Business, Administration and Finance
• Manufacturing and Product Design
• Hospitality
• Hair and Beauty Studies
• Travel and Tourism
• Public Services
• Sport and Active Leisure
• Retail Business
• Humanities
• Languages
• Science

Whats happening in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames?

Diplomas in Creative and Media, Hospitality began in September 2009 and a further 3 Diplomas are being offered to students from September 2010 these are IT, Sport and Active Leisure and Society Health and Development .

The borough's 14-19 Partnership which includes schools, REBP, Richmond upon Thames College and the Local Authority are working to plan the delivery of these and future diplomas at a local level.

Richmond Education Business Partnership are working closely with diploma development groups in order to work with employers to support the delivery of the Diploma in the borough.

This includes:
• working collaboratively with Diploma line leads and employers to support applied learning;
• attending diploma development partnership meetings; and
• advising and inputting into diploma bids.

Why are employers so important?

These qualifications have been developed with the help of over 5000 employers so practical, work related learning is at the heart of the qualification. Employers can provide a real life context to the qualifications and help to ensure that students are leaving school with relevant skills and an understanding of work.

Employers can support the delivery of Diplomas in a variety of ways which include:
• providing work related problem solving activities and business materials;
• hosting industry visits;
• providing professional development placements for teachers;
• mentoring Diploma students; and
• offering specialised work experience placement.

Further information for employers and the benefits of the Diploma is available to download here

Who do I contact?

To find out further information or to register your interest in supporting diplomas in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, please contact Clare Huntingford on 020 8487 5392 or email c.huntingford@richmond.gov.uk