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The Diploma is a qualification for 14-19 year olds that combines theoretical study with practical experience. It provides students with an integrated programme of study made up of different courses and awards. This means students will get credit for each part they achieve, as well as a grade for the whole Diploma.
The Diploma combines subject learning with other valuable disciplines including functional skills in English, Maths, and ICT, project work , a minimum of 10 days’ work experience (Society, Health & Development, Level 3 which is 20 days’) and personal skills such as communications and teamwork.
Students are based at Barnwell or attend other schools or
The Diploma gives insight into careers, as well as helping students develop the thinking and learning skills valued both at university and in work.
The Higher Diploma students can go on to study for the next level of Diploma, take a different type of qualification such as A Level or Apprenticeship or go on to a job. An Advanced Diploma can lead on to university or into a career.
The Diploma is available at three different levels. The Foundation (Level 1) is equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades D to G; the Higher (Level 2) is equivalent to 7 GCSEs at grades A* to C; and the Advanced (Level 3) is equivalent to 3.5 A levels.
Each Diploma contains the same parts:
Principal learning developing the knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to the chosen Diploma subject
Generic learning including functional skills in English, Maths and ICT and personal learning and thinking skills. Also within generic learning is a project and a minimum of 10 days’ work experience
Additional/specialist learning which offers students the opportunity to study a particular subject in more depth or broaden their knowledge through complementary learning. ASL consists of a wide range of existing and some new qualifications, including GCSEs, A Levels and BTECs.
Each Diploma shares the same set of personal, learning and thinking skills. These are embedded in the principal learning and assessed through that. They cover:
- Creative thinking
- Reflective learning
- Independent inquiry
- Team working
- Effective participation
- Self management
For each Diploma, principal learning is assessed through a combination of exams and coursework marked by a teacher. Functional Skills are assessed through externally set tests. ASL options will be assessed in line with the arrangements for the specific qualification chosen.
The overall grade for the Diploma will be calculated by aggregating the grades obtained for the principal learning and the project. The functional skills, work experience and additional and specialist learning are required but their grades, where applicable do not count towards the Diploma grade. Achievement of each of the Diploma parts as well as the overall qualification will be recorded on a transcript.
An Advanced Diploma will attract the same number of UCAS points as 3.5 A Levels.
Entry requirements:-
Level 2
You will need to be on target to achieve GCSEs at A* - C
Level 3
You will need a qualification like a Higher Diploma, or 5 GCSEs A* - C or equivalent, including English and Maths
Diplomas offered at Barnwell for Year 11 and 13 Students
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Level 2 |
Level 3 |
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Society, Health & Development |
Society, Health & Development |
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Level 2 |
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Business, Creative & Media Studies Construction & the Built Environment Hair and Beauty IT |
Information on Diplomas offered at Barnwell
Society, Health and Development
The Diploma in Society, Health and Development covers four main areas: children and young people, health, community justice and adult social care. You will
- Find out about the lives and needs of children, young people, adults and the elderly.
- Learn about the different ways in which services are provided to people and families
- Discover the range of jobs within the society, health and development sector
- Learn about the importance of the value of all human beings and protecting individuals and society
- Gain experience of how professional workers work with individuals and families, including problem-solving and communication
- Find out how the Society, Health and Development sector affects all our lives.