Key milestone for the Diploma in Languages and International Communication

One of Government’s 17 new Diplomas, the Diploma in Languages and International Communication which was reported on in FE News on 10 May is now one step closer to delivery in school and colleges.

Due to be taught across England from 2011, this new qualification will give students an insight into languages, culture and the wider world. Offering a combination of theoretical and practical learning, the qualification has been designed to motivate students and bring their language learning experience to life.

Following research and consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, a final Line of Learning Statement (a description of the learning content) and final Line of Learning Criteria (which are used by Awarding Bodies to develop qualification specifications) were approved and published on 31 July. 

This Diploma has received much support from employers who understand the importance of being able to speak languages in a global economy and want to show young people just how these skills are used in business.

"Being able to speak a foreign language definitely opens the door to more opportunities professionally," said David Myerscough, senior HR Manager and head of CSR at construction company Bouygues UK.

"I am very much in favour of the Diploma in Languages and International Communication, and think it will undoubtedly boost language learning in this country."

Project manager David Summers added: "We’re delighted with progress to this point, and immensely grateful to all those who have contributed. The Diploma Development Partnership, alongside QCDA, DCSF and others, will now focus on working with Awarding Bodies to develop the qualification, and will prepare the ground for consortia to submit proposals in autumn 2009 to teach this Diploma from 2011.

"We will publish more information for both consortia and Awarding Bodies on the Diploma in Languages and International Communication website in the coming weeks."

Solange Berchemin