Launch of New Diploma Pilot
Bringing Learning to Life!
14 to 19 years olds in West Sussex are to benefit from a pilot of the Government’s new Diploma qualifications. Worthing’s Northbrook College and Steyning Grammar School have been chosen to work in partnership to introduce Diplomas in both IT and Engineering this year.
A launch event was held at Northbrook’s Shoreham Airport campus this week, with guest speakers from Sector Skills Councils and industry. The audience consisted of representatives from education, the local authority and businesses.
The partnership between Northbrook and Steyning will see young people in the area having the opportunity to experience educational opportunities at both sites. This is the first stage of the introduction of a total of 17 Diplomas delivered collaboratively by local schools and colleges, which will be an entitlement for all 14 – 19 year olds throughout the country by 2013.
Diplomas are work-related qualifications at three levels, aiming to meet the needs of the 21 st century work place. They combine academic rigour with applied learning, involving learners in practical activities through an employment sector background that will prepare them more adequately for life at work. The Diplomas have been designed by employers, making the 14 – 19 curriculum relevant to the business community and providing an alternative route into Higher Education. IT and Engineering are recognised as being areas with both local and national skills shortages.
Guest speakers at the launch from the Sector Skills Councils, SEMTA and E-Skills highlighted the close links between the Diplomas and the needs of industry including the value of employability skills, which make Diplomas stand out from existing qualifications. Both presenters from Virgin Atlantic and Ricardos, who have bases locally, emphasised how the Diplomas will result in high calibre young people who will be better prepared for the business environment and its many varied demands, including vital inter-personal skills.
Dr John Peat, Headteacher of Steyning Grammar School noted, “As a vocational college, Steyning is committed to being at the cutting edge of educational developments. We are delighted to be working with our partner Northbrook College in delivering a new learning experience that will be exciting and relevant to our young people”.