Last updated: 06 Sep 2007

The intrinsic value of human beings throughout life is at the heart of the society, health and development Diploma. It provides a unique opportunity to bring together the work forces of health, adult social care, community justice, and children and young people's services within one qualification.

The principal learning enables young people to gain specialised knowledge, skills and attributes through work-related learning. These attributes are generic and transferable. They can be applied to contexts within any setting within the broad spectrum of health, adult social care, community justice, and children and young people's services.

Learners undertaking the Diploma in society, health and development will develop a basic understanding of how services are organised across this broad sector of employment.

The Diploma will prepare learners to apply critical thinking and enquiry by taking part in challenging tasks related to the key themes. They will be able to practise these skills in realistic settings at school, college or in the workplace.

Learners will develop a good understanding of the range of jobs available to them in this sector. They will be able to make informed decisions about their future career and move towards it through further study.

The Diploma can be linked with the learning in citizenship, for those following the national curriculum at key stage 4. For example, exploring anti-discriminatory practice when considering the needs of individuals links with the key concepts of rights and responsibilities and identities and diversity in citizenship.