Curriculum and Assessment Developments at Key Stages 3 and 4

Diplomas

A final development worth raising with student teachers is the advent of Diplomas. The introduction of Diplomas in 2008 may at first glance appear to have little relevance for the English teacher. However, it's entirely possible that as they begin their careers, student teachers may find themselves engaging with these new qualifications in a variety of ways. The Creative and Media Diploma was launched in 2008, and a Humanities Diploma is scheduled to begin in 2011; English teachers may find themselves involved in teaching in these areas. And given that Functional Skills will be included within all Diplomas, it will be interesting to see how in future English as a broader subject works for the pupils who are pursuing diplomas.