Construction and the Built Environment
Creative & Media
Engineering
Information Technology
Society, Health and Development

SOUNDS INTERESTING?
These are the five challenging new Diploma courses that will be offered in Newham from September 2008.

WHAT ARE DIPLOMAS?
Diplomas are very different from the courses and subjects you may have taken in the past. Learning will be done in new, practical and creative ways, giving you the chance to broaden your knowledge and get hands on experience. They also provide support to improve your English, maths and ICT skills, preparing you for your chosen career or further study.

ARE DIPLOMAS REPLACING OTHER QUALIFICATIONS?
No – they’re another choice amongst a wide range of courses you can apply to in Year 12 and beyond. Depending on how you did in your GCSEs, you can start a Diploma at Level 1, 2 or 3.

Level 1 Diploma is roughly equal to 4-5 GCSEs (grades D-G)
Level 2 Diploma - 5-6 GCSEs (grades A*-C)
Level 3 Diploma - 3 A levels
Level 3 ‘Progression’ Diploma - 2 A levels

WHO CAN DO DIPLOMAS?
If you are in Year 9 Diplomas are another choice alongside your GCSEs.
If you are in Year 11 you can apply this year and start the course at college or in the 6th form.

WHERE CAN I DO A DIPLOMA?
Different parts of each Diploma will be provided by a range of education and training providers right here in Newham. As well as studying at your chosen college or school 6th form, you could be learning at another local college, at university and in the workplace. You’ll be supported by teachers, lecturers, university ambassadors and industry professionals.

WHAT CAN I DO AFTER COMPLETING A DIPLOMA?
Diplomas give you a fully rounded learning experience, to help you get the skills, knowledge and understanding you need to continue at college, get into university or enter employment with training.

Diploma Level 1 can lead to level 2 qualifications or employment.
Diploma Level 2 can lead to an apprenticeship, employment or level 3 qualifications (level 3 Diploma, A levels, BTEC Nationals, Art/Design Foundation courses).
Diploma Level 3 can lead to continuing, higher education (university courses, levels 4-8) and employment.

WILL A DIPLOMA HELP ME GET A JOB? Each Diploma is linked to key employment sectors in the UK and can lead to a range of career opportunities. A Diploma does NOT provide training for any one specific job. If you are looking for a ‘job-ready’ qualification then an apprenticeship might be a better route for you. For more on Modern Apprenticeship, go to the Links page or click on Newham Youth Employment Scheme(YES) to your left.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE? You can get more information from your school, Connexions, college prospectuses and websites. For more on the five new Diplomas and related careers, download the Sussed pages below.

For education and training opportunities across London, go to our links page and click on Choice.