The new Diploma in Environmental and Land-based Studies has finally arrived for the 2009/10 school year. The new diploma has been designed in collaboration with employers, sector stakeholders and Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for the environmental and land-based sector and combines knowledge, understanding and skills that are recognisable to industry.
Students investigating their environment © Alys Tomlinson
The diploma is taught by teachers, lecturers and workplace professionals combining to deliver a relevant, required and current qualification. Learners will get regular and detailed tutorial support, participate in group work and have one-to-one meetings with personal tutors. It enables the learner to develop skills in problem solving, team working, research and independent thinking.
These students are learning directly from experienced people who understand what the next generation needs to know, which means they gain a more relevant preparation for a career, an apprenticeship or further study at a higher education level.
How is the E&LBS Diploma delivered and what topics are covered?
The diploma is delivered through a range of applied learning techniques, which gives students a solid and broad general education, coupled with an in-depth look into an area of work they may wish to take up. Due to this variety of learning and experience I feel that the diploma helps to develop a maturity in young people which makes them more employable.
The E&LBS Diploma looks at current issues and challenges that face the sector, and develops skills and knowledge that are found in a range of environmental and land-based industries. It is structured around the following three themes:
- Explore the productive and working environment - how we use the environment in the modern world, covering topics such as managing waste, energy sources and risk
- Examine plants and animals - the role of plants and animals in today’s society, covering subjects including nutrition, care, welfare and breeding
- Developing the sustainable environment - the impact of people and business on the environment and debating current environmental issues.
© Alys Tomlinson
Which schools, colleges and employers are approved to deliver the E&LBS Diploma?
Fifty-three partnerships of schools, colleges and employers across England are already piloting the new qualification, with a complete roll-out across England planned for 2013. Information about where the diploma is being delivered can be found on the official Diploma in Environmental and Land-based Studies website or on the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) website.
What support and resources are out there for E&LBS Diploma tutors?
There is much support available to diploma tutors to help in development and delivery:
The official Diploma website – offers information, guidance and diploma marketing materials.
DCSF website - includes a range of diploma communication materials to help schools, colleges and other partners in their preparations and delivery of the diploma.
14-19 Workforce Support – this site gives tutors easy access to all the support programmes on offer as part of the 14-19 reforms, including the four learning routes: the diploma, general qualifications, foundation learning and apprenticeships. Support includes:
- Face-to-face support and development
- Coaching skills and techniques
- Line of learning networks
- Online communities
- Information, advice and guidance support
- Resources and tools
Any ideas?
If you found this information helpful and have other ideas for supporting the Diploma in Environmental and Land-based Studies that you would like to share, please get in touch by emailing diplomaELBS@lantra.co.uk or engagingplaces@cabe.org.uk.
