Latest developments in 14-19 diplomas

Latest news on the progress of diplomas is available each fortnight in Diploma Newsflash, obtainable by request from heather.hampson@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk There is a statement about funding on www.dfes.gov.uk/14-19

The DCSF is developing materials to support consortia and partners in their communications about diplomas and final documents are available at www.dfes.gov.uk/14-19/ There is also a full communications toolkit available with core script, generic presentation and PR toolkit. Viewers can also access a 30 minute video, shown recently on Teachers' TV, at www.teachers.tv/video/20558

Materials due out in September and October include a pack for teachers to use at years 9 and 11 options evenings (might be useful to take a look for reference purposes), a leaflet for young people about the lines of learning available from 2008, leaflets for use with employers and HEIs and posters for schools and colleges.

Moving forward

There is a really good offer from Foundation Degree Forward (FDF) at www.fdf.ac.uk to provide support to consortia developing diplomas. The rationale is that FDF wish to ensure that diploma study will provide a pathway to foundation degrees and they are prepared to work and put their money where their mouth is in order to assist this to happen.

Gateway reminder

Just a reminder that applications for Gateway 2 are due in by 3 December 2007 and instructions on how to proceed will soon be issued.

11-19 reforms

In response to feedback from consortia, QCA has produced a directory of information on professional support regarding the 11-19 school and FE reforms. The directory is intended to help schools and colleges within consortia to plan and prioritise the full range of curriculum reform for 11-19 year olds. It includes a checklist for leaders, managers and practitioners to plan for delivery as well as a list of support and training for each reform and how to reach it. It can be accessed at www.dcsf.gov.uk/14-19

The DCSF is hosting a series of 11-19 conferences, on dates as follows:

• 9 October, London (Shoreditch Town Hall)

• 18 October, London (Park Plaza, Victoria)

• 1 November, Manchester (Manchester United Football Club)

• 7 November, Birmingham (Holiday Inn Hotel)

More information on these conferences can be found at www.livegroup.co.uk/11-19conferences

Second edition

The second edition of the diploma structures and standards document The Diploma (ref: QCA/07/3312) is now available from the QCA website. It details the regulatory framework for the diploma, key elements, components and information about grading and assessment. This edition also contains updates to information about Additional and Specialist Learning, the glossary, the diploma project and grading.

You can download a copy from www.qca.org.uk/qca_5405.aspx

Diploma currency

There is an interesting article on higher education and the currency of the diploma in OCR's Diploma Watch, accessible by emailing details to diplomawatch@ocr.org.uk Also a newsletter updating HE on the 14-19 reform programme and encouraging their involvement in the developments is available at www.dfes.gov.uk/14-19/index.cfm?sid=34 You may find this useful to pass on to your HE partners.

Functional skills

Up to date standards for functional skills are now available on the QCA website at www.qca.org.uk/15895.html QCA has also produced a leaflet entitled Functional Skills: essential for life, learning and work available at www.qca.org.uk/qca_12073.aspx