Half of the core learning will require students to apply knowledge, skills and understanding through tasks that have many of the characteristics of real work, or are set within the workplace. This will have huge advantages for industry and so it is vital that employers are involved in the Diploma’s delivery.
Farmer and Chair of the Diploma Development Partnership, Bob Fiddaman said that the results reflected positively on the future of the industry:
"Its good news. I think we’ve got a good solid representation from industry and it allows us a great opportunity to build for the future.
"The significant advantage is that for the first time in a number of years, the education system will have areas of learning which will interest people in potentially looking at this sector for future employment."
The Diploma in Environmental and Land-based Studies is one of 10 industry-led Diplomas. Around three quarters of secondary schools and 88% of colleges will teach Diplomas with the support of local universities and employers. Some 317 partnerships will run diplomas from 2009 in subjects including Environmental and Land-based Studies, such as Business, Administration and Finance. They will join the schools and colleges already preparing to teach the first five Diplomas from this September.
The successful partnerships will be offered a tailored package of support including £27million of additional funding and a programme of professional development for those teaching the new qualification. Details of the full list of successful consortia can be found at http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/14-19.
