Diplomas

From September 2009, there is an exciting new qualification available at Abingdon and Witney College for 14–19 year-old students: The Diploma.

The Diploma will help you to develop the skills and experience that employers and universities really value. You will learn how to work in a team and how to communicate clearly with colleagues. Problem-solving and self-management skills are also covered. You’ll also develop your skills in English, Maths and ICT.

The benefits:

• Diplomas combine theoretical class work with practical experience.

• Students will be based at their school or college, but may have the chance to do part of their learning in other schools, colleges and the workplace. Work experience forms an integral part of the Diploma.

• Diplomas will help you make decisions about what you want to do next, without restricting your options.

• Students will have the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to go on to employment, college or university.

• You will also gain transferable skills that any employer, in any sector, will recognise.

From 2009, we will be offering two Diplomas:

The Diploma in Creative and Media

This Diploma teaches you how to master skills that are central to all creative roles. You will learn how to think, question, explore, create and communicate. You will be introduced to a huge range of disciplines, including 2D and 3D visual art, graphic design, Product design, Fashion, Textiles, Advertising, Drama, Dance, Music, Film and Television, Radio, Animation, Computer games and Photo imaging, to name but a few! It will also teach you to be aware of your surroundings and how this can affect what you create, as well as becoming a critical thinker, good communicator and creative practitioner.

The Diploma in Information Technology

You will learn how to come up with creative solutions and to plan and deliver successful IT projects. You will learn why technology is so important to business and society and how wide its applications are. You will look at how organisations work and the role technology can play. You will learn what different people in the industry do – design new business solutions, develop websites, manage networks and deliver IT support. You will also explore the use of technology in business, and learn how to create digital media solutions to meet a customer’s business requirements.

going further

These Diplomas will be available at Higher Level in 2009 with the opportunity for you to progress onto the Advanced Level in 2010. The Higher Diploma can be the equivalent of up to 7 GCSEs at grades A* to C and will run over one year full time. The Advanced Diploma is equivalent to 3 and a half A levels and will be studied full time over two years.