Learning Content
All
the Diplomas have the same structure; this consists of six key elements:
1. Principal Learning
Principal learning is the main body of the Diploma that focuses on the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes relevant to your chosen sector.
2. Functional Skills
Functional Skills are the essential skills of English, maths and ICT, these will be delivered and tested alongside the Diploma and other courses you are studying.
3. Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills
Personal Learning and Thinking Skills are invaluable skills for all aspects of life, they include team-working, creative thinking, reflective learning, independent enquiry, effective participation and self-management. All these skills are embedded in the Diplomas. These are vital skills in both life and work, and will be useful to you in the future, no matter which path you take.
4. Work Experience
Your Diploma will give you the opportunity to do at least 10 days’ work experience. This is a great way to use the knowledge, understanding and skills you have learnt in the classroom, and experience what work is like from the inside.
5. The Student Project
During your Diploma, you’ll complete a student project to demonstrate the skills and knowledge that you have learnt. This could be a written piece of work, like a report or an investigation. Or it could be a practical piece of work, like designing something new, or presenting a show.
6. Additional and Specialist Learning
At each level, you can develop your particular interest further by taking specialist courses relating to your chosen subject and career ambitions. You could, for example, take a specialist skills course or special interest or language course or you might choose a GCSE or A level.
