Science Diploma - talks begin

By Kathryn Roberts2008-09-01T00:00:00

The Science Diploma Development Partnership (SDDP) invites the educational and scientific communities to say what they want from the Government's proposed Science Diploma

In July the recently formed Science Diploma Development Partnership (SDDP), chaired by Professor Hugh Lawlor, began a consultation process on the purpose of the Science Diploma. It's an opportunity for the educational and scientific communities to say what they want from this qualification.

In 2011, under current Government proposals, the Science Diploma, will be in our secondary schools and colleges. Originally put forward by Sir Mike Tomlinson in his review of 14-19 education in 2004, his vision was a 'unified framework of diplomas', which would detail the level (up to four) and breadth of attainment and progression into further learning, training or employment. The 'main learning' would incorporate the requirements of the National Curriculum for 14-16-year olds, and post-16, the GCE A-levels. Tomlinson's vision was short-lived - the Government didn't act on his recommendations.

Less than a year ago the Secretary of State for Education Ed Balls announced a surprising u-turn with the development of three diplomas - in science, languages and the humanities - to complement the 14 vocational diplomas already available. The three diplomas would be different to the original 14 since they didn't have a direct link to one sector of the economy.

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