Entries tagged with “Diplomas” from Working For Walthamstow

Having been to Waltham Forest College recently to see the quality of the teaching I wanted to update readers of this blog on the new 14-19 Diplomas and what they will offer kids in Walthamstow. My political opposition has dismissed them for being vocational, but the quality of the curriculum means I think they're wrong. The combination of theoretical study with practical experience and skills valued by employers and universities will make these courses highly popular and the students who take them highly employable. Eventually Diplomas will cover 17 disciplines, including engineering, IT, science and humanities. Students with a diploma will be able to progress into employment as well as into college and university.

The Diplomas are being introduced in stages so from September this year students in Waltham Forest will be able to undertake a Creative and Media Diploma and from September 2009 pupils in Waltham Forest will also be able to choose to take diplomas in hospitality and catering, society, health and development and for construction and the built environment.

GCSEs and A-levels are also being updated, a new International Baccalaureate is being introduced and the number of Apprenticeships is increasing. These changes will mean that all our young people can now choose a qualification which suits their interests and learning style and allows them to fulfil their potential. If you want more information on these changes or if you're a young person with ideas about these courses and what else should be provided in the schools please do get in touch.