What do you know about diplomas?

[roisin]

Would you say an engineering 14-16 diploma is suitable for a very academic child?

Not very good at links but see here news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/8035498.stm

Thanks LDBL. I did see that link, but it's talking more about the Advanced diplomas (aged 16-18) and whether they will be accepted as equivalent to A levels.

I'm more concerned with the idea as to whether they will be adequate preparation for studying 'rigorous academic subjects' at A Level, and also whether doing a diploma is going to be narrowing your options for rigorous academic subjects at A Level.

No it isn't. Stick to Maths, triple science and a technology GCSE, thus giving the child maximum flexibility for A Levels.

What level course is it? How much of the timetable does it take up? What would they miss out by doing it?

No I would be especially aware of new diplomas as I would not want my child being a guinea pig for a new course.

My school is staying away from diplomas as they do not seem rigourous. I agree with Lilymaid.

If engineering (proper engineering) is his thing then he needs good maths and physics A levels. An engineering diploma wouldn't be an advantage I wouldn't have thought. Dh is an engineer...

I am an engineer, and I would say to stick to mathematics (+further), physics and chemistry.

roisin, our secondary school is guiding the more academic children away from Diplomas.

Avoid.

*They will take up big chunks of timetable, causing him to miss out on a balanced curriculum of 'vocational' stuff & 'enrichment' stuff.

• They will be a poor substitute for Maths & (double or triple to include Physics) Sciences.

• & he'll be sharing classes with considerably less academic peers (slow pace & disruptive behaviour).

Some schools as well are woring together to provide these which means students trapsing all over the place.

I'd advise avoiding it unless it's something your child absolutely desperately to the exclusion of all other things really wants to do. It's a new thing, so nobody knows excatly how they'll pan out, how they'llbe perceived by unis etc. Plus it's likely to eat into a LOT of his time to the detriment of other subjects I would think.

Maths and triple Science plus one GCSE in DT would be fine to go towards an engineering course later, if that's the oath he/she chooses.

Oath? I meant path! Curses!

That's what I thought. It's not mine, it's an exceptionally bright student at my school. She couldn't do her choice of option subjects (because of our stupid option blocks), and has somehow been talked into this instead. Seems completely barmy to me!