Pre-16 Applications

Introduction

We were really excited to be among the first in Norfolk to be able to offer these brand new national qualifications in Spetember 2008 - because we realised that the Diploma could be the right choice for so many young people.

OpenOpportunity has  6 Diploma lines already running:

Diplomas on offer in 2010

• Construction & the Built Environment
• Creative & Media
• Hair & Beauty Studies
• Hospitality (and Catering)
• IT
• Manufacturing & Product Design

Diplomas on offer in 2010

In 2010 our Diploma offer will expand to include 4 new Diploma "lines" (subjects):

• Construction & the Built Environment
• Creative & Media
• Hair & Beauty Studies
• Hospitality (and Catering)
• IT
• Manufacturing & Product Design
• Retail Business (NEW)
• Public Services (NEW)
• Sport and Active Leisure (NEW)
• Travel and Tourism (NEW)

Diplomas come in 2 different levels: Foundation (Level 1 - equivalent to 5 GCSEs at D-G Grades) or Higher (Level 2 - equivalent to 7 GCSEs at A*-C Grades). This is that you will be able to come on a course that meets your interests, talents, needs and abilities.

OpenOpportuntiy offers all Diploma lines (subjects) at the Higehr Level (Level 2) and some Diplomas at both the Foundation Level and Higher Level (these are underlined above). If you are interested in a particular Diploma line at Foundation Level but it is not available on the above list then please get in touch with us: we will be able to advise you of suitable alternatives in the industry area.

Being a Diploma student means having a great mix of education and social life – new friends and a new way of learning.  This website has been designed to tell you all about the Diploma and answer many questions you may have about this fantastic opportunity.

The Diploma….

·         is a new way a learning

It is a qualification based around work rather than traditional subjects and you will have opportunities to experience different styles of learning in different environments, with an emphasis on practical activities. 

·         has been developed by employers

Employers have helped to develop the Diplomas because they want to have young people coming to them who have skills and qualities that they need: creativity, team work, problem solving, reflection, confidence and capability.  There’ll be lots of opportunities to work with employers throughout your time on the Diploma.

·         is valued by universities and sixth forms

Many universities, such as Warwick, Manchester and Leeds, are backing Advanced Diplomas as having the potential to be excellent preparation for the most demanding university courses. Over 80% of University courses now have the Advanced Diploma as a recognised route into them.

We have worked hard both within the OpenOpportunity partnership and the wider Norfolk network of sixth form providers to ensure that the Higher Diploma is full recognised as an entry route into their courses.

·         will help you learn how to apply your knowledge of English, Maths and ICT

You have already done or are just finishing your Key Stage 3 programmes of study and have knowledge of English, maths and ICT. Doing a Diploma means you will learn how to apply these subjects to further study and in a work environment. The skills will be related to work contexts, so that you can see how useful and important they are in these situations. This means you’ll be able to use them confidently in work and study situations, which is something that both employers, sixth forms and colleges are keen to see.

·         will help you to develop personal, learning and thinking skills

You will learn how to think creatively and manage yourself, as well as develop your capacity to be an effective team member and leader, all of which skills are vital in both life and work. Again, opportunities to develop these skills will be provided in work-like contexts related to your chosen employment sectors, so that you can see how useful and important they are.

·         includes work experience

You will spend a minimum of 10 days in the workplace. Ideally this work experience will be directly related to the Diploma being studied and its focus will be on developing employability skills.

Whether you’ve got a career in mind, hope to go to university or just want to see what’s out there, a Diploma is the perfect way to explore your options. It’s a new qualification for 14 to 19 year olds and offers a mix of classroom learning, creative thinking and hands-on experience – all designed for wherever you want to go in life.

Find out more about the Diploma in general by visiting the national website here. (including watching the Kano video which our very own OpenOpportunity students helped make happen!)

Is the Diploma for me?

You’ve been told what an important stage in your life this is. Your parents or carers have told you, your school has told you, your Connexions Adviser has told you….even your friends are being serious about choosing the right pathway after school. 

The thing is you may still be unsure about exactly what to choose to do in years 10 and 11.  Don’t worry: it’s not too late to choose.  You’re lucky to have so many options available – never before have 13 year olds had so much choice. The only problem is that having all these options can be confusing and it’s hard to make the ‘right’ decision for you.

What we do know is that you want to gain a qualification that:

·         is exciting and  inspirational

·         helps you to gain you skills and knowledge that employers, sixth forms and universities value and respect

·         will give you a head start in the competitive employment market

·         will give you a valuable insight into one of the UK’s main employment sectors – without committing yourself

·         is interesting and relevant to your interests and real life

·         helps you learn in a more practical, ‘hands on’ way whilst giving you theoretical knowledge

·         helps you to be a creative thinker and team player

·         recognises your talents and abilities

·         allows you to keep your options open

...The Diploma can do all of this.

If you are a Year 9 student at one of the following consortia schools you can apply for a Diploma: CNS, City Academy Norwich, Framingham Earl High School, Notre Dame High School, The Hewett School, The Clare School and Eaton Hall School.

We will always try and accommodate students that attend schools within commutable distance to City College and to date have accepted applications from: Sewell Park College, Wayland High School, Costessy High School, Taverham High School, North Walsham High School and Cromer. We even have some students who are Home Schooled access Diplomas with us (if you would like to explore this option please call us to discuss).

Levels and entry requirements...   

All Diploma students will have a genuine interest and enthusiasm in the course area.

Two levels of Diploma are available to pre-16 students: Foundation Diploma (Level 1) and Higher Diploma (Level 2). You can apply for the level which is most appropriate to your talents, needs and ability. Don’t worry if you’re not sure what level you are as your school can help guide you to the right course. The suitability requirements for each level are:

Steps to applying...

1.      Find out more about the course 

Come along and talk to us at your school’s Year 9 Options Event; talk to course teachers on the ‘14-16 Learning Pathways evening’ on 24th February 2010 from 7-9pm at the Open Centre [nb: this event has now passed - if you were unable to attend then please follow this link to see the presentation from the evening], read the information available on this website; or contact us to have a personal meeting 01603 773 556.

2.      Talk about your options 

Talk to your parents, school and Connexions Adviser to learn about this and other options available.

3.      Taster session

Let your school know that you are interested. You will then be invited to a taster session after Easter where you can experience life as a Diploma student – you will meet the teaching team, other interested students, and employers. The scheduled taster day is Friday 5th March 2010 from 9am-1.05pm.

4.      Apply for the course 

Your school will give you an application form for you to fill in this is also available here. This should be given back to the school so they can complete their sections before forwarding the application to us.

5.      Interview

You will be invited for an interview with the course teachers. You will have chance to get to know each other more and to ask any questions that you have. Interviews are scheduled to take place on Friday 26th March 2010.

6.    Induction

You and your parents/guardians will be invited to attend our induction evening where they can learn more about the Diploma and offers the chance for them to meet and talk to those members of staff who will be teaching the Diploma.  More importantly it is another occassion to ask questions! PreSummer Parents Induction is scheduled for Wednesday 7th July 2010 from 6-8pm.

7.      Offer of a place

You will be given an offer to come on the course in September.