Q&A: A new school Diploma

What is the 14-19 Diploma and should I take it?

My school is running a new qualification called the 14-19 Diploma. What is it? Can I use it to get into university? Or, if I do it, can I go straight into work without going to uni?

A 14-19 Diploma allows you to study at school or college but is different to GCSEs and A-levels because it offers the chance to get practical experience as well as learning in the classroom. Doing a Diploma also gives you the chance to find out about a particular area of work you're interested in.

Eventually there will be a total of 17 different subjects in the scheme, they'll be available in every area of the county by 2011. There are three different levels of Diploma:

• The Foundation Diploma is the same as 5 GCSEs at grades D to G
• The Higher Diploma is the same as 7 GCSEs at grades A* to C
• The Advanced Diploma is the same as 3.5 A levels

According to the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) the Advanced Diploma can lead on to university or into a career. Importantly, doing a Diploma can help you make decisions about your future without closing off other options. If you are hoping to go to university after studying a Diploma at school or college, it might be a good idea to contact the universities you might like to attend to gather information directly from them. Different courses at different universities will accept different types of qualification, but more and more universities are accepting the Diploma to get onto courses they run.

Diplomas combine different types of learning in different environments. This includes learning in other schools or colleges and getting practical experience. By doing a Diploma you could get some insight into a particular career without committing yourself, and develop a range of skills like team work, self-management and critical-thinking. You could keep even more options open by doing  GCSEs or A-levels alongside a Diploma. 

If you're not sure whether doing a Diploma is right for you, it might help to find out more about what they're like. Alternatively you could talk to an advisor at Connexions Direct.They'll be able to talk through your options and help you choose the right path.