First Diploma in Public Services

The Ministry of Defence has arranged with the examination board EDEXCEL to introduce a new, nationally recognised vocational qualification based on the cadet-training syllabus.  As a vocational qualification (what the candidate can do) rather than an academic one (what the candidate knows and understands), it is at level 2 within the National Framework.  The award is equivalent to 4 GCSE’s at A* to C grades and is entered in both section 7A and 10 of the UCAS form.

Cadets must be in the 5th Form on the 1st September in the year of starting for registration by us with EDEXCEL.  Each candidate will receive an EDEXCEL registration number unique to the scheme.  The MoD will pay all enrolment fees.

All examinations passed and qualifications gained since joining the CCF in the 3rd Form will count towards the scheme as will Duke of Edinburgh Awards.  Although based on the Army section syllabus it is possible for all to take part.  It is necessary to pass six units; we have chosen the following as they are most closely allied to the CCF syllabus:

Unit 1     The Public Services, This consists of a mock job application, CV and 5 minute taped mock interview.  Answer 4 questions from the work book which is supplied to all candidates, along with a booklet supplying all information required to answer the questions. 

Unit 2     Public Service Skills.  Attend a Methods of Instruction/Leadership cadre and answer 2 questions from the work book.

Unit 3     Public Service Fitness.  Complete the Physical Recreation Section of the Bronze Level Duke of Edinburgh Award or carry out a set of exercises listed by EDEXCEL and complete 5 questions from the workbook.

Unit 7     Outdoor Activities.  All will have to partake in two adventurous training activities and give a short  presentation on outdoor pursuits comparing our CCF with any other youth organisation. Complete a further 3 questions from the work book.

Unit 9     Land Navigation with Map and Compass.  This is the map and compass section of the Army Proficiency Certificate syllabus.  Enhanced grades may be achieved by completing the expedition section of Bronze or Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Unit 14   Expedition Skills.  This is the expedition section of the Army Proficiency Certificate syllabus; once again enhanced grades may be achieved by completing the expedition section of the Bronze or Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award. Complete 1 question from the workbook.

With so many candidates applying to University with the same academic qualifications it is felt that more emphasis will be placed on this sort of qualification, to date about eighty public schools have signed up to it with many more showing interest.  One of the great bonuses is that all work carried out during a cadets CCF time can be counted, this means that the marks gained during his Proficiency/Duke of Edinburgh Award training will be recorded for use should he decide to enrol with EDEXCEL in the 5th Form.