Last updated: 02 Aug 2007

Two important elements of the new Diploma have been accredited by the QCA, with teaching set to begin in five sectors from September 2008.
 
Principal learning is the key constituent qualification in each Diploma and covers the essential curriculum relating to the sector title. The project is similar to the extended project that is currently being developed at A-level and will develop a high degree of planning, preparation, research and autonomous working. Principal learning and the project are combined with functional skills and additional and/or specialist learning to make the whole Diploma.

The Diploma is an exciting new 14-19 qualification that will enable students to gain knowledge, understanding and hands-on experience of sectors that they are interested in, while putting new skills into practice.

For example, as part of an Diploma in engineering, learners could learn about how physics is applied in the workplace through a project in a local engineering company.

Chief Executive Ken Boston said the QCA was committed to ensuring the Diplomas offer 14 to 19-year-olds "a fully rounded education, equipping them for higher education and employment."

Diplomas in business administration and finance, environmental and land-based studies, hair and beauty, hospitality, and catering and manufacturing will be available from September 2009 - the criteria for these Phase 2 Lines of Learning are also now available.

The operating rules for Component and Diploma awarding bodies, which set out the principles, information and clarification needed for their operation, have also been published.

• Visit our Diploma section for more information
• Read the full press release - QCA accredits two central elements for the Diploma.