Hackney’s young people are in the privileged position of being some of the first in the country to study the new Diplomas. Current Year 9 students are being offered Diploma courses in Construction & the Built Environment, Creative & Media and Society Health & Development for study from Year 10.

Hackney is ideally suited to the Diploma. We have the Olympics and major regeneration projects on our doorstep for the Construction and the Built Environment Diploma. A huge number of artists and performers work in Hackney and we are within easy access of West End theatres and museums which will provide placements for the Creative and Media Diploma. The Homerton University Hospital NHS Trust is at the forefront of patient care and one of the borough’s biggest employers. Innovative placements are being developed by them for the Society Health and Development Diploma.

From 2009 students studying the Business, Administration and Finance Diploma will spend time in Docklands and City firms making them well placed for future employment opportunities. Hospitality students will have a range of hotels and restaurants working with them to help develop personal learning and thinking skills and equipping them for future careers. Capel Manor College, renowned for its courses in horticulture will be delivering part of our Environmental & Land Based Studies Diploma, preparing students for opportunities in the Lee Valley and new Olympic parks.

Young people who take a Diploma will gain valuable new skills to help them compete in the modern job market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of qualification is a Diploma?
Diplomas are a completely new way of studying which changes the emphasis onto future employability skills.  Students learn about a wide range of career opportunities within the Diploma sector.

Are Diplomas equivalent to doing GCSEs/A levels?
Diplomas can be studied at 3 levels, Foundation which is equivalent to 5 GCSEs grades D-G, Higher equivalent to 7 GCSEs A*-C and Advanced equivalent to 3.5 A levels grades A*-E.

Will I learn a trade taking a Diploma?
A Diploma will provide you with lots of information about careers in its subject area but not provide you with practical skills. If you are interested in learning a trade you should take a BTEC as part of your Diploma.

Do I need to be good at English & Maths to do a Diploma?
To pass a Diploma you will need to pass tests in Maths, English and ICT. These are called Functional Skills. If you are studying a Higher Diploma (equivalent to 7 GCSEs grades A*-C) you will need to pass Functional Skills at Level 2 which is of a roughly equivalent level to a GCSE in these subjects. Eventually Functional Skills will form part of the GCSE.

Can I go to University if I’ve done a Diploma?
Yes, Diplomas have been awarded UCAS points equivalent to 3.5 A levels (grade A*-E) which makes them a good route into University. However, some courses or Universities may also require an additional AS or A level such as Maths.

How do Diplomas differ from other qualifications?
Diplomas cover a much broader range of topics than other qualifications. Although focused on a particular employment sector they are less practical than vocational qualifications like BTECs. Students also develop knowledge about careers and progression routes within the Diploma sector.

Will taking a Diploma limit my future choices?
Diplomas are designed to develop skills that would be useful to any career not just in the Diploma sector you are studying. After studying a Higher Diploma you could choose to do an Advanced Diploma in a different sector, or take AS and A levels.

What do Employers think of Diplomas?
Employers were fully involved in the creation of these qualifications and continue to be involved in their development. It was the needs of industry both in the UK and worldwide that prompted the introduction of these qualifications.

Where can I study a Diploma in Hackney?
From September 2008 the following schools and colleges are offering Diplomas.  Details for 2009 have yet to be confirmed.

Where can I find out more?
School students at the listed schools should ask their Head of Year or go to http://yp.direct.gov.uk/diplomas/ for more details.