What's true, what's false?
1) SHD won't really stretch the most able learners.
False. Level 1 will equate to 4 or 5 GCSEs, Level 2 is equivalent to 5 or 6 good GCSEs and Level 3 to 3 A levels.
You can even opt to combine Level 3 with additional learning in another A level subject instead of specialised topics. For example, you could choose A level Maths or Science to support entry into certain health or other professions.
2) There are only a few days' work experience.
False. In fact at Level 3 you'll complete 20 days' learning in two work-related settings, as part of your personal and professional development topic. This is unique to the SHD Diploma, not offered elsewhere.
You could even take part in virtual learning using computer simulations, or have more hands-on experience in a real workplace setting. You could meet healthcare scientists, adult social care workers or even a prosthetic limb designer along the way. Employers may be involved throughout, or as e-tutors for the project work.
3) I could study for SHD in more than one place.
True. Schools, colleges and employers are working together to provide the most suitable environment for each stage and topic of learning. So your learning will take place with a local employer as well as in a school and college setting.
Think of it as being a bit like a university student. They get to move around a campus for their lectures. SHD students will move around from one place to another to follow their topics too.
4) The topics might be a bit soft. I won't have to work that hard really.
False. You'll have to prove yourself on SHD, not only in English, maths and ICT, but many other areas too. You could be covering topics like:
- Antisocial and offending behaviour
- Patient-centred health
- Ethical dilemmas
- Supporting children and young people's development
- Leadership and management
Trust us - SHD is designed to stretch you!
5) I don't know what I want to do when I'm older. SHD will help me keep my options open.
True. Yes, it definitely will. You'll benefit from an excellent grounding in independent thinking and learning skills. And you'll eventually be able to tailor your learning around what interests you most when you reach Level 3. The skills developed here are transferable and highly valued by employers.
SHD will help you get first hand experience of the world of work, with a taster of four occupations and the range of sectors they are found in. You'll have the right foundation to help you progress to a wide range of higher and occupational learning, and it will open doors for a career in adult social care, community justice, health professions and the children's workforce.
6) The SHD Diploma will give me a chance to show my strengths.
True. Yes, there's plenty of scope for showing your individual learning skills and how good you are at thinking for yourself. The extended project will give you a chance to get stuck into a topic that really catches your attention. You'll be able to show off your research skills, creativity and how organised you can be.
7) There isn't much chance of picking what I want to do on the SHD Diploma.
False. You can pick from 15 options at Level 3 where you might want to follow routes that will open doors for you in a chosen career or further study.
For example, if you wanted to pursue a career in community justice you could focus on topics around the causes of offending behaviour and how this behaviour affects communities. Or if you wanted to progress on to a social work degree you could take the specialist study area in adult social care.
8) SHD might be a bit rigid and commit me to a single qualification.
False. You'll be able to step off SHD at any level and progress to other forms of learning, whether it's via an occupation, vocation or in higher education. So you could come off after Level 2 and progress to A levels or an apprenticeship. Or you might decide to combine Level 3 with an additional A level for a particular occupation.
Plan your route to work. (Link to progression graphic)
9) I'm a bit worried about ‘going to work' as part of SHD. That'll mean early mornings won't it?
True, it might! But the work-related activities will usually take place during normal working hours. The idea is to give you an insight into what it's like to work. You won't be responsible for anything or anyone. In fact, it will be a safe environment where you can ask as many questions as you need. After all, you're there to learn!
10) I'll have to wear a suit.
Not necessarily. What you wear will depend on the setting you're in. This could vary from wearing a uniform or a lab coat to just dressing in clean and casual clothes for some roles. For some places you may even need to wear an identity badge.
