New information materials are being distributed to schools, colleges and partners teaching the first five Diplomas (Construction and the Built Environment; Creative and Media; Society, Health and Development; Engineering; and IT). The Schools & Connexions Pack has been developed to support teachers and Connexions advisers providing information to Years 9 and 11 students choosing their options this year. It includes a range of information leaflets, a poster and a DVD to show at options evenings.
The pack will be distributed widely to over 1,300 schools and colleges in the consortia offering Diplomas, Connexions advisers, professional development coordinators, local authority 14-19 partnerships and Diploma Development Partnerships.
The mailing coincides with a major conference on Diplomas, held on 20th September and attended by the Minister of State for Schools and Learners, Jim Knight. Speaking at the conference, he said:
"We have to ensure that young people themselves, as well as their parents, share in the enthusiasm and excitement, understand the new opportunities on offer, and feel confident that choosing a Diploma will help them fulfil their ambitions."
Information on the Diplomas can be found at http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/14-19/ | 
