What is the Tynedale Virtual College (TVC)?
What are Diplomas?
For whom are Diplomas designed?
Why has the Government introduced these Diplomas?
Are Diplomas valued by universities, colleges and employers?
Which Diplomas are available to Haydon Bridge High School students?
Will the Diploma replace traditional vocational courses?
Where can I find out more about Diplomas?

Q What is the Tynedale Virtual College (TVC)?

A TVC is a partnership between four schools (Ponteland High, Prudhoe Community High School, Queen Elizabeth High School, Haydon Bridge High School), local FE colleges (Northumberland College; Mencap National College, Dilston) and the Northumberland Adult Learning Service.  It is a means of pooling our resources so that we can offer a wider range of courses to our students than we could as individual establishments.  Higher Diploma (also known as Level 2) courses will be delivered on Wednesdays at all of the participating schools and colleges.  Students will spend time in their own classrooms, as well as visiting specialist facilities and workplaces.  Information about transport arrangements will be provided to interested students and their families.

Q What are Diplomas?

A  Diplomas have been developed by employers, schools, colleges and universities to help young people realise their potential and gain knowledge and skills in a real world environment.  A Diploma is an all-round package that gives students the right knowledge, experience, insight and attitude to prepare them for the next stage of life, whether that is university, college or work.  
 
Diplomas are being introduced in phases from 2008 to 2011. In total there will be 17 available Lines of Learning at three levels, Foundation (or Level 1), Higher (or Level 2) and Advanced (or Level 3).  
 
In 2013 a national entitlement will be introduced meaning all learners aged 14-19 will have the choice of working towards a Diploma.

Q For whom are Diplomas designed?

A Diplomas are suitable for a wide range of students, including the most able youngsters preparing for demanding university courses, for young people who find the existing education system does not suit them and for those who want to go straight into work after leaving school. The wide scope of these qualifications is due to their unique, flexible design. Students will be able to select which level Diploma suits them best.

Q Why has the Government introduced these Diplomas?

A Diplomas are innovative new qualifications for 14-to 19-year-olds. They have been created to provide a real alternative to more traditional education and qualifications, and are the most important change to the country's' education system since the introduction of GCSEs.

Diplomas are part of the Government’s educational reforms designed to offer young people exciting choices and opportunities, equipping them properly for adult life and helping them enjoy a brighter future in the fast changing world in which they are growing up.

The Diploma is aimed at offering young people a real alternative to traditional qualifications by combining general education and work related learning in an exciting, creative and enjoyable way.    
 
By providing exciting and challenging opportunities to experience different styles of learning in different settings, often outside of the classroom in a more adult environment, the Diploma will help young people make better informed choices about the type of learning that best suits them and about what kind of work or further study they may want to do.  In addition, the Diploma will create new opportunities for progression - from one level of achievement to the next, across pathways (e.g. from GCSE to Higher level Diploma), from school or college to further or higher education, and ultimately to adult and working life.

Q Are Diplomas valued by universities, colleges and employers?

A The Diploma will give young people the essential knowledge and personal skills that they will need for college, university or work.  
 
The Diploma will be widely recognised and valued by employers and further and higher education institutions as a highly valuable combination of skills, knowledge and attitudes.

Q Which Diplomas are available to Haydon Bridge High School students?

A In 2009 there will be Foundation and Higher Diplomas in: Environmental and Land Based Studies. Higher Diplomas are also available in: Engineering; Hospitality and Catering; Construction and the Built Environment, each of which is hosted by one of our TVC partners. 

Q Will the Diploma replace traditional vocational courses?

A No.  BTEC vocational courses, such as BTEC Sport and Business, will continue to be offered to Y9 students and, if there is sufficient demand, will go ahead.

Q Where can I find out more about Diplomas?

A QCA has published detailed information on its Diploma webpages at