As some members will have seen, Schools Minister Jim Knight has announced £81 million of additional funding to prepare teachers to deliver the new Diploma.
The multi-million pound package for 2008-09 follows funding to train those who will be delivering the Diploma this September. The government’s aim is to ensure teachers and leaders in secondary schools and colleges are fully trained to teach the qualification as it continues to be rolled out to more secondary schools and colleges.
Diplomas are being offered for the first time this September in a small group of schools and colleges but will eventually be available across the country. Higher level Diplomas will be worth up to three and a half A Levels.
Jim Knight said, “The success of the changes will be down to how they are delivered and presented to young people. This can only be done by teachers on the ground and we are relying on them to make this work. That is why today I’m announcing £81m to help prepare teachers for the new Diploma.
“It is vital that the workforce is ready for the changes we are making to how children learn and the options they have after the age of 14. We shouldn’t be in any doubt that these changes are huge. Young people will have an unprecedented range of options available to them as they move towards university, college or on the job training. It is a major stepping stone in preparing for the new participation age of 18, which begins in 2015.
“Diplomas are supported by industry and over 100 universities and I believe they are exactly what is needed to enthuse those young people who feel that more traditional qualifications are not for them.”
Tags: College funding, diplomas
