Diplomas - valued but reform needed

26 Oct 2010

Ofsted's report on Diplomas today makes interesting reading. Much of the media coverage will inevitably focus on the low take-up and the genuine problems of complexity -- however the report also shows there is much of value in the Diploma. Above all, the 'principal learning' element appears to motivate many students.

Ofsted found that the 'principal learning' was taught well in about two-thirds of cases and that where this was done well students were 'motivated' by the active and practical learning in a work-based context.

As many teachers have already found, though, the overall structure of the Diploma was said by Ofsted to be too complex.

The requirement to pass in all elements, including Functional Skills, makes this more demanding than other qualifications and, as such, an uneven playing-field.

Ofsted recommend that Functional Skills should in future be incorporated in to the principal learning element.

Ofsted says:

"Some aspects of the Diploma – especially the main subject content known as ‘principal learning’ – are working well, but the qualification as a whole is proving complex and challenging for both learners and providers. Learners are particularly enthusiastic about the opportunities Diplomas offer them to develop their vocational skills using industry standard equipment, but the teaching of related skills in English, mathematics and information and communications technology (ICT) is too variable."

The full Ofsted report can be found here: www.ofsted.gov.uk/Ofsted-home/News/News-Archive/2010/October/Learners-motivated-by-practical-learning-in-Diplomas