Options at 14 Lowestoft partnership

Things are changing All qualifications for year olds are being reviewed and modernised Why? The world is changing….

Pathways All new qualifications fit into one of these pathways: CONSIDER OPTIONS 17 GCSE Foundation Learning Tier Apprenticeship Foundation or Higher Diploma Foundation Learning Tier Foundation, Higher or Advanced Diploma GCSE / A-Level Employment with training CONSIDER OPTIONS 16 CONSIDER OPTIONS 14 Further education Higher education Employment Employment with training Apprenticeship post 18 CONSIDER OPTIONS 18

Key Stage 4 Courses In Year 10/11 all students will study: English Maths Double Award Science RE PE PSHE Work related learning Some or all of these may lead to GCSEs You can also choose to take other GCSE subjects e.g. Art, History or Media Studies You might also want to take a Diploma course

The Diploma In Year 10 you can choose either a Foundation or a Higher Diploma Foundation Diplomas are Level 1 qualifications and are worth 5 GCSEs at grades D - G Higher Diplomas are Level 2 qualifications and are worth 7 GCSEs at grades A*- C

What’s different about Diplomas? Diplomas are a new qualification made up of lots of smaller parts Diplomas are not just about what you learn but about how you learn it – you will combine theory and practical work so that as well as finding out about things from books and people you will apply your knowledge by doing things in a practical environment

What Diplomas can I study? 14 different Diplomas are being rolled out across the country from September 2010 In this area you can study 7 Diplomas at Levels 1 and 2: Business Administration and Finance Construction and the Built Environment Creative and Media Environmental and Land Based Studies Hair and Beauty Hospitality and Catering Society, Health and Development

How long will a Diploma take? In Years 10 and 11 Diplomas are 2 year courses All parts of the Diploma will take around 2 days per week This includes a whole day to study the Principal Learning part of your diploma which may take place away from your home school base and other learning at your home school Remember you will still be taking subjects such as Maths, English and Science as well as your Diploma

Where will I study? Diplomas are provided by groups of schools and colleges working together For Principal Learning (the part of the Diploma related to the title of the Diploma you choose) students from a number of schools will work together to complete their studies at the following schools and colleges:

Where will I study? (Continued) Business, Administration & Finance Ashley, Benjamin Britten, Denes, Kirkley Construction & Built EnvironmentLowestoft College Creative and MediaKirkley Environmental & Land BasedEaston College Hair & BeautyLowestoft College Hospitality and CateringLowestoft College Society, Health & Development

So will I work with people from other schools? If you choose a Diploma you will spend one day a week working with people from lots of schools together in the same Diploma area You will get to make new friends and spend time with people who are as interested in a particular area as you are

Will I have to wear Uniform? Students on Diploma courses will wear their own school uniform as normal for the 4 days a week they are in their home school Whilst on the Diploma day out of school students will not need to wear uniform but might need to wear specialist clothing for the Diploma they choose e.g. overalls for certain elements of Construction and the Built Environment During this common day visits to and from employers will be common and so students should dress as though they were at work for this day

What can I do after a Diploma? Diplomas prepare you for further study, an apprenticeship or employment with training Diplomas are not specific to any one job but will give you a broad understanding of the types of careers in an area and as such are a good way of finding out if you really want to work in any one area

Pathways After your Diploma between all of these pathways are open to you: CONSIDER OPTIONS 17 GCSE Foundation Learning Tier Apprenticeship Foundation or Higher Diploma Foundation Learning Tier Foundation, Higher or Advanced Diploma GCSE / A-Level Employment with training CONSIDER OPTIONS 16 CONSIDER OPTIONS 14 Further education Higher education Employment Employment with training Apprenticeship post 18 CONSIDER OPTIONS 18

How do I find out more? Visit the Diploma website at where you can find lots of information including video diaries of students currently studying a Diploma Ask your Careers Co-ordinator or Connexions PA You will be learning more in a PSHE or careers lesson shortly – ask your tutor when this will be Places will be limited on these courses

Foundation Learning Tier If you are not yet ready for Level 1 study then you will work with your teachers to put together a personalised programme that suits your own individual talents and dreams. These programmes are pulled together under the title of the Foundation Learning Tier. Ask your SEN Coordinator for more details of how this applies to you