Diploma Phase 3 Development and Consultation

I understand the introduction of the new diplomas has been a bit bumpy. Agreement about the need for a high-quality vocational route for study is fairly consistent across professions and political parties. Where the debates have arisen are in relation to the complexity of the programme and the effect of what some regard as its rushed introduction. That may have led to fewer young people signing up for the first year than expected. The programme is going to be evaluated for the Department for Children, Schools and Families by the National Foundation for Educational Research and the University of Exeter, with a final report due in August 2013.

What is the diploma? It's normally a two-year course that can lead to a diploma qualification at one of three levels - foundation, higher and advanced - within the government's 14 to 19 framework. The phase 1 diplomas became available in September 2008 and include media; engineering; IT; and society, health and development. Phase 2 subjects - business; environmental studies; hair and beauty studies; hospitality and manufacturing - are due to start next year. In 2010, phase 3 comes on board.

Phase 3? Qualifications in public services; retail business; sport and active leisure; and travel and tourism. A Qualifications and Curriculum Authority consultation on guidance for each subject is under way.

Talk me through the structure. Each of the diploma subject areas involves different learning components. The principal component provides a mix of guided and applied (either school-based or work-based) learning on the subject area. The generic learning component focuses on functional skills in English, maths and ICT as well as personal, learning and thinking skills. Additional and specialist learning allows students to choose optional areas of study. Diplomas also emphasise the importance of work experience and there is a minimum requirement of a 10-day placement. In addition, all students have to carry out a project that's set within the context of their chosen industry.

What would I learn if I were to study sports and recreation? Obviously, you'd look at the sport and active leisure industry, which covers far more than just sport. You might want to work as a fitness coach or in an outdoor activity centre. In order to do that, you should gain at least a basic understanding of human anatomy, physiology and psychology. You'd explore how taking part in sport and active leisure can help maintain a healthy lifestyle. You would need to know about health and safety issues including risk assessment, as well as disability and other equality requirements.

So how do you motivate the more reluctant among us to become active and healthy? Aside from hypnosis, skills in customer relations can help - and these are part of the learning programme.

FACT FILE

• Only 12,000 young people began a diploma in England in September 2008; the original target was 50,000 learners
• The Diploma Phase 3 Development and Consultation is available on the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority site
• Responses are due by 1 December