As part of the 14-19 reform programme, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), the department for Education and Skills (DfES) and the Skills for Business Network (SfBN) are developing a set of new qualifications - the 14-19 Diplomas. The 14-19 Diploma is about learning in a range of widely applicable skills and knowledge, set within a ‘14-19’ context for a specified employment sector. The 14-19 Diploma offers a unique blend of general and applied learning. Applied Learning - acquiring knowledge and skills through tasks or contexts that have many of the characteristics of real work - is at the heart of the 14-19 Diploma.

Level 3 diplomas are available for post 16 learners at Lowestoft College and are broadly comparable, in terms of average length of study, to three GCE A levels.

Components of the Diploma
Principal Learning - students develop knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes relevant to a sector (or sectors) and are given opportunities to apply these to work roles, situations and realistic contexts; Generic Learning - students develop and apply the broad skills and knowledge necessary for learning, employment and personal development.

Generic learning includes:

• Functional skills in English,
  Mathematics and Information and
  Communication Technology (ICT)
• Personal, learning and thinking skills
  (independent enquiry, creative thinking,
  reflective learning, team working,
  self-management, effective participation)
• Work experience
• A project offering the chance to show
  potential, and breadth and independence
  of learning.

Additional and Specialist Learning – students choose from a range of options to complement and broaden, deepen or extend sector-relevant learning.

Lowestoft College currently offers the following Diplomas:

Diploma in Hair and Beauty Studies - Level 3

Diploma in Construction and the
Built Environment - Level 3

Diploma in Catering and Hospitality - Level 3

Diploma in Public Services - Level 3

Diploma in Travel, Tourism and Aviation