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Swiss rolls out new diploma's

Education is changing in South West Ipswich and South Suffolk (SWISS) and the SWISS partnership of schools and colleges is leading this transformation.

From September 2010, there will be far greater choice and many more educational options available to young people from 14 years onwards. This will include the new specialised diplomas, which can be studied as part of the options offered alongside GCSE's.

To champion these developments and ensure young people are aware of these new and exciting opportunities, a host of diploma taster days have just been held giving students in the SWISS partnership a hands on experience of specialised diplomas and what they will involve.

Workshops were held at a variety of educational and commercial locations including Ipswich Town Football Club, the New Wolsey Theatre, Claydon Country House Hotel, Suffolk New College and Otley College. The events were well supported by staff from the SWISS schools and colleges, and local businesses

The taster events enabled learners to participate in workshops where they became involved in real experiences and researched career opportunities in sectors that ranged from hair and beauty to the media, and travel and tourism to construction.

Trudy Stannard organised the taster events for SWISS. She said: "There has been tremendous interest in these events. They were all over-subscribed and we are planning follow up induction sessions."

She added, "I received a huge amount of positive feedback from youngsters who attended these sessions and the overall impression was that the diplomas will provide an exciting new option and an excellent addition to the current options and qualifications available. The schools, colleges and businesses who supported these events really showed how they can come together to give learners the best possible chance of success if they chose these new and exciting learning options."

Marilyn Watsham, Deputy Principal at Suffolk New College said, "There has been a lot of discussion about diplomas nationally and we were delighted to support an event that gave young people the chance to find out exactly what these qualifications are all about."

Jenny Milsom, Vice Principal at Suffolk One commented, "We have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback from young people. There is a perception that diplomas are for those who are struggling with GCSE's but this is clearly not the case. They are all about widening opportunities for everyone and helping them to succeed."

At Otley College the young people had some great practical experiences.  Angela Carter Vice Principal at the College said "What made the event so successful was the students' ability to work so effectively with each other, along with their positive attitude and clear enthusiasm for the programmes on offer."

These diplomas will be available at Otley College, Suffolk New College and Suffolk One from September 2010. Many young people from 14 years onwards will be able to combine these new opportunities with their studies at their home school.

The SWISS partnership include the following, schools and colleges - Beacon Hill, Belstead School, Claydon High School, Chantry High School, East Bergholt High School, Hadleigh High School, Holbrook High School, Otley College, Stoke High School, Suffolk One, Suffolk New College, Thomas Wolsey School, Thurleston High School, Westbourne Sports College and Westbridge Pupil Referral Unit. m/f
The SWISS partnership vision is to develop a collaborative learning environment in which children, young people, staff and the wider community are able to access high quality, enjoyable and exciting opportunities which enables them to develop, flourish and achieve their aspirations.
The photo shows learners experiencing taster sessions in animal, equine and painting and decorating.
More information on diplomas is available at www.direct.gov.uk