The Diploma has been designed for learners in the 14 - 19 age range to study it alongside GCSEs and A Levels, and is available at three different levels:
Foundation level is the equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades D to G
Higher Level is the equivalent to 7 GCSEs at grades A* to C
Advanced Level is the equivalent to 3.5 A levels (420 UCAS points at the highest grade)
Each of these level will also offer an ‘Extend Diploma' option which is equivalent to more GCSE/A-level grades and will involve additional achievement in core subjects like maths and English.
By choosing the Diploma in Public Services learners will have
- A chance to develop a hands-on understanding of a range of public service careers
- A structured learning experience that provides the opportunity to develop the skills needed for work and university
- An opportunity to combine GCSEs and A levels with a more practical style of learning
You can find more detailed information from the
Department for Children, Schools and Families
The Diploma will give learners first-hand experience of the world of work, providing them with the skills, knowledge and understanding they will need for further or higher education as well as employment in the Public Service sector.
Not only will it help learners make better choices about the type of learning that best suits them, it will also provide them with increased confidence in their personal, learning and thinking skills.
Essentially it will help learners make informed choices for their future, whether they go straight into employment, or opt for further education or university; it will equip them with the skills that employers are looking for, as part of a qualification that is valued by universities, opening doors and enabling them to walk the path that is right for them.
Each level of the Diploma includes principal learning based on developing the skills and knowledge required for employment in public services, generic learning improving English, maths and ICT skills , and additional and specialist learning to focus study on a particular topic within the industry in more depth or the broaden the range of the study beyond the sector.
The Diploma also incorporates a minimum of 10 days' experience of work, where students have the opportunity to gain work-relevant skills, and an individual project to build up the study skills required for university study.
| Principal Learning | | Developing the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes required in public services and applying them to work situations |
| Generic Learning | Personal Learning and Thinking Skills | Acquiring the skills of team work, effective participation, creative thinking, independent enquiry, self management and reflective learning |
| Generic Skills | Improve English, Maths and IT skills by using them in situations taken from the world of work |
| Additional and Specialist Learning | | Broadening areas of study (perhaps with an additional GCSE or A-level) or deepening knowledge of a particular part of the sector, for example by studyng units relating to the uniformed public services, to customer care or to housing |
| Project | | Research into a topic of personal interest related to public services |
| 10 day work placement | | A minimum of 10 days work experience |
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