Information for Parents and Carers
The range of qualifications that can be achieved at school/college as well as through work experience can be quite bewildering. Understanding the difference between qualifications is vital to preparing your child for the next step in life, whether going on to further study or entry into the world of work.
Helping your child choose their options from Year 9 onwards can be bewildering. For advice on how to help them decide which subjects to study, and what work experience and skills for work they might need, visit DirectGov or the Learning section of Connexions Direct, or speak to your child’s tutor or Connexions Personal Adviser in school.
Qualifications Explained
Qualifications can be studied at different levels and it is useful to know how they differ. Visit DirectGov or Connexions Direct to learn more about the different qualifications, including the new Diplomas, or ask a tutor or Connexions Personal Adviser at a parents’ evening at your child’s school.
What is a Diploma?
The Diploma is an exciting new qualification set to become one of the three main education options - alongside GCSEs, A Levels and Apprenticeships. It will provide a recognised and well-respected route to further and higher education or direct to employment.
From September 2009 six Diploma courses will be offered in Portsmouth. For more general information about Diplomas visit the Parents’ section of the Diploma website.
Parents and Open Evenings
Many schools and colleges have parents evenings which give you the opportunity to talk to the teachers and staff about your options. Universities also have open days. For more information on higher education visit Aimhigher or Prospects, the official graduate careers website.
Financial Help
For financial information and advice relevant to parents and carers visit the Money to Learn section of DirectGov.
