Reform of secondary education in Croydon continues with introduction of advanced diplomas

Croydon Council is set to invest some £140,000 to ensure that the diplomas in construction and the built environment will be available for students in September 2008, with diplomas in creative media and engineering to follow in 2009.

Further bids have been submitted to deliver business administration, finance and hospitality and catering diplomas.

The diploma is a new qualification which combines theoretical study with practical experience and the money will be spent on adapting the buildings at both schools so that they can cater for the curriculum changes and expected increase in pupils.

At Westwood Language College, facilities, including the performing arts areas, will be improved to accommodate a range of subjects under the creative and media studies diplomas. St Josephs intends to refurbish workshops and install industry-standard equipment to help deliver the engineering and catering diplomas.

Both schools have been chosen to act as pilots for the scheme as they had been identified as areas where diplomas could be up and running at an early stage. Further consultation and joint-working with schools, colleges and work-based learning providers will be undertaken as the scheme is rolled out across the borough.

Croydon Council's cabinet member for children's services and adult learning, Councillor Maria Gatland, said: "These diplomas will give students an insight into work and will help them make decisions about their future direction without closing down options. The improved facilities at both schools will allow many Croydon pupils to become better equipped for employment and higher education and increase choice for 14 to 19 year-olds within the borough."

Council and democracy