An evaluation of the Advanced Diploma from the perspective of staff and learners

Abstract

The article presented evaluates the experiences and aspirations of learners enrolled on the Advanced Diploma (level three 14–19) as well as documenting the thoughts of developers, managers and practitioners who have been responsible for the implementation of the award. In order to gain a clear picture of existing research, analysis of the literature to date has been undertaken. In addition to this, nine interviews and three focus groups have also been performed. These activities were undertaken in order to determine the opinions of those persons involved in the development, management and delivery of the Advanced Diploma. Twenty-six learners enrolled on Advanced Diploma courses have also been questioned in order to discover their views. Several recommendations and conclusions are presented as a result of this research.

This work was completed by the Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Lifelong Learning Network (LLN). This LLN was led by Staffordshire University in partnership with Keele University, University of Wolverhampton, Open University, Harper Adams University College and 13 further education colleges across the network’s area. LLNs were introduced by the Higher Education Funding Council for England during 2004 to create progression routes and progression agreements into and through higher education for vocational learners in identified vocational sectors. This article comprises part of a portfolio of work that has been completed by the LLN.

Keywords:

• Advanced Diploma
• level three
• 14 to 19
• student experience
• learner aspirations
• focus groups
• interviews
• vocational qualifications
• employer engagement