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New 'umbrella' diploma
Proposals to incorporate GCSEs and A levels into a new ‘umbrella’ diploma to help demystify the qualifications system have been published by the Association for School and College Leaders
The ‘general diploma’ would be an overarching qualification, bringing into a single system the 17 planned 14-19 diplomas, functional skills and existing qualifications.
ASCL General Secretary, John Dunford, said the association supported the Government’s diploma programme but that the structure had to be simplified.
He said: “There is huge uncertainty among schools as to whether they can deliver 17 diplomas, each at three levels – that is, 51 different courses – plus, at the same time, continue to offer a wide range of GCSEs and A levels.
“The diploma structure must be simplified. We understand that opportunities to move between diploma lines and to move from diplomas to general qualifications and to apprenticeships are being developed and we welcome this. There needs to be some commonality between courses in order to avoid students having to specialise prematurely.”
The diploma has also been criticised by the boss of awarding body Edexcel, Jerry Jarvis, in a newspaper interview. He pointed to a “lack of training” for teachers and said it was still unclear how the functional skills elements of the new qualification would be taught.
He later added that Edexcel continued to support the diploma and was “committed to its success.”
Rejecting the criticism, the Government said the diploma had widespread support from schools, colleges and employers and would provide exciting opportunities for young people.
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