Extended Diplomas, are to be available from 2011. They will be designed to extend each of the 17 Diploma lines and are expected to be equivalent to 4.5 A levels at the Advanced level, 9 GCSEs at the Higher level and 7 GCSEs at the Foundation level.
The Extended Diploma will build on the blend of applied learning and theoretical knowledge that the Diploma offers to recognise a greater range of achievement, and to give young people more opportunities to add depth and breadth to their studies.
A strengthened core of English and maths will be a key feature of the new Extended Diploma at all levels.
The Extended Diploma will offer a more in-depth grounding, and more opportunity for research-intensive, independent study in each subject for those Advanced level students who want the stretch and challenge offered by a larger programme of learning. The Extended Diploma responds to calls from business and universities for more students with Advanced level maths and English skills to meet future economic demands. We will be consulting to explore how these skills can be developed.
For young people aged 14 to 16 the Extended Foundation and Higher level Diplomas will incorporate more of the core national curriculum such as GCSE-level English, mathematics and science.
• In October 2007 the secretary of state announced plans for additional Diplomas in Science, Languages and the Humanities in order to increase the options for 14 to 19 year olds. He said: “If Diplomas are successfully introduced and are delivering the mix that employers and universities value, they could become the qualification of choice for young people. But, because GCSEs and A-Levels are long-established and valued qualifications, that should not be decided by any pre-emptive Government decision, but by the demands of young people, schools and colleges.”
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Tony Attwood