- Baby Names
- Books
- Competitions
- Freebies
- Fun Stuff
- Horoscopes
- Kid's Movies
- Knitting
- Sudoku
- Working Parents
- Clothes
- Baby & Kids Clothes
- 100% Cotton
- School Uniform
- Children's Ski Wear
- Sun Protection
- Children's Shoes
- Designer Kids Clothes
- Designer Baby Clothes
- Maternity Clothes
- Designer Maternitywear
- Bridal Maternitywear
- Maternity Underwear
- Baby Equipment
- Baby Monitors
- Baby Changing Bags
- Baby Gifts
- Buggies & Strollers
- Car Seats
- Eco-Friendly
- Washable Nappies
- Kid's Rooms
- Children's Bedding
- Party Supplies
- Dressing Up
- Toys and Games
- Educational Toys
- Wooden Toys
- Outdoor Toys
- Bouncy Castles
- Barbie
- Ben 10
- Charlie & Lola
- Disney Fairies
- Disney Princesses
- Doctor Who
- Fifi & The Flowertots
- Harry Potter
- In The Night Garden
- Lazytown
- Little Charley Bear
- Peppa Pig
- Pocoyo
- Roary The Racing Car
- Scooby Doo
- Shaun The Sheep
- Sledges & Toboggans
- Thomas & Friends
- Toy Story
- Trampolines
- Waybuloo
- Indoor Playhouses
- Outdoor Playhouses
- Swings
- Paddling Pools
- Sheet Music
- Gifts
Tweet
Education Options at 14
If your child is starting to think about their options for year 10 there are a lot of options to be considered. It's no longer just a matter of picking your eight favourite subjects! There is the new Diploma, BTECs, OCR Nationals and Young Apprenticeships as well as GCSEs.
Education and training has changed a lot since 2007/08 - below is an overview of the courses and qualifications available, so you can help advise and support your children in their education and training decisions.
The Diploma
The Diploma is a new qualification that can be studied at 14 and mixes traditional learning in the classroom with hands-on, practical experience. Young people will get at least 10 day’s work experience and lessons will be more work relevant; so for example students might get a lesson in how to develop a business plan from a local employer or get involved in projects like putting together a magazine.
The Diploma was introduced in September 2008 and almost all local authorities will be involved in offering some Diplomas from this September. In some areas there will be 10 Diploma subjects to choose from, which are:
- Information Technology
- Manufacturing and Product Design
- Creative and Media
- Engineering
- Construction and the Built Environment
- Society, Health and Development
- Business, Administration and Finance
- Hair and Beauty Studies
- Hospitality
- Environment and Land-based Studies
The Diploma is available at two levels for 14 year olds - the Foundation Diploma (worth five GCSEs, grades D to G) and the Higher Diploma (worth seven GCSEs, grades A* to C). Most young people taking a Foundation or Higher Diploma will take one or more GCSEs as part of their course. In addition to this – as these Diplomas only take two days per week, most students will take extra GCSEs that aren’t part of their Diploma. So for example if your child decides to study a Diploma in Information Technology, but they are really interested in languages, they could take a GCSE in Spanish too.
As part of the Diploma, students will be assessed on ‘functional skills’ in English, ICT and maths and in most schools young people will take GCSEs in English and maths alongside their Diploma. Students will also learn transferable skills like teamwork and presentation, which will be useful whatever path they choose to follow.
The Diploma has been developed with employers and academics and it can lead onto university or straight into work.
Not all Diploma subjects are available in all areas from September 2009, therefore please look at which subjects are available in your local area.
The Diploma is really flexible and gives your child lots of options. For example, after completing a Higher Diploma at 16 they could go onto do an Advanced Diploma, take A levels or do an Apprenticeship. Or if your child takes GCSEs and then decides they want to do an Advanced Diploma afterwards, they can.
For more information on the Diploma visit www.direct.gov.uk/diplomas
GCSEs
Students can study GCSE qualifications at school. GCSEs focus around studying the theory of a chosen subject, along with an element of practical work and investigation. Students can study GCSEs in a variety of subjects, but will have to check which subjects are offered at their place of learning.
Young Apprenticeships
When taking a Young Apprenticeship, young people study the normal curriculum at school, as well as gaining 50 day’s experience with an employer, training company or college. During this time, the young person will be working towards a work-related qualification such as an NVQ. Young Apprenticeships are not available at all schools; therefore please look into this in your local area. A Young Apprenticeship could lead on to an Apprenticeship qualification post 16.
BTECs (Business and Technology Education Council Qualifications)
BTECs are work-related qualifications, available in a wide range of subjects at secondary school, such as performing arts.
BTECs can be taken by students who are interested in learning more about a particular sector or industry. Many have been designed in collaboration with industry, so they can equip young people with the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for. The qualifications offer a mix of theory and practice, and can also include an element of work experience. A BTEC first certificate is worth 2 GCSEs graded A*-C.
To find out more about BTECs, visit www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning
OCR Nationals
OCR Nationals (level one and level two) are another alternative currently available for young people aged 14-16. They are extremely work related and aimed at young people who have a specific career in mind. They are available in a range of different subjects including ICT, Health and Social Care, Art and Design and Business. They also provide young people with skills they will need in the workplace, including team working, communication and problem solving skills. Please speak to your child’s place of learning to find out if OCR Nationals are offered and suitable for your child. To find out more about OCR National qualifications, visit www.ocrnationals.com
For further information on choosing options aged 14, visit
Top Tips For Helping Your Child Choose Their Options Aged 14
- Speak to your child about the sorts of subjects they enjoy and the kind of career or job they may be interested in for the future
- To find out more about the new Diploma qualification, visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/QualificationsExplained/DG_070676
- Speak to your child’s teacher about the best option for them and the combination of subjects and courses they would suggest
- Discuss your child's options and encourage them to seek the advice of their careers coordinator.
Education Options at 16
Compulsory Learning Age To Be Raised To 18
What Every Parent Should Know...Before their Child goes to University.
Sign Up To Our Newsletter
