A new website and campaign has been launched to promote the Diploma in Environmental and Land-based Studies. The new qualification will be available in some schools and colleges in England from September 2009, and will be available throughout England in 2013.
The new website www.diplomaelbs.co.uk includes information for employers, education professionals, higher education institutions, and young people and parents. A guidance film is also available on the website for the local partnerships (consortia) of schools, colleges and employers making applications to deliver the Diploma in 2009.
Lantra is leading the project to deliver the Environmental and Land-based Diploma in partnership with five other Sector Skills Councils:
ConstructionSkills
Energy & Utility Skills
People1st
Improve
SkillsActive
The content of the Diploma is wide-ranging and calls upon the specialist knowledge and networks of all six organisations.
The Diploma is intended principally for 14-19 year-olds and is designed to prepare learners for employment and for further or higher education by developing a thorough understanding of how the environmental and land-based sector and related sectors, work, including their environmental and economic importance.
Available at foundation, higher and advanced level, the Diploma in Environmental and Land-based Studies includes elements of animal and plant nutrition, growth and breeding, land and aquatic conservation, food production, environmental influences and sustainable development. It has been designed to help learners to progress more effectively into employment, training, and further or higher education.
The Foundation Diploma is equivalent to 4 to 5 GCSEs at grade D-G.
The Higher Diploma is the equivalent of 5 – 6 GCSEs at grades A* - C.
The Advanced Diploma is equivalent to three A levels.
The Diploma has received support from employers who regard the Diploma as an opportunity to increase the quality of new entrants to the sector.
