20 January 2010
Learners from Norwich and London have joined forces with rapper Kano to promote the Diploma.
The rapper worked with Diploma learners to produce a song, "More Than One Way", for free download which tells listeners how education can lift them out of any situation.
Learners from across the Diploma lines were able to put their knowledge into practice by helping to make the video. Creative and Media learners helped to work on the video, Hair and Beauty students worked in make-up, and Construction and the Built Environment learners helped build the set.
Manufacturing and Product Design learners liaised with Kano's manager and record label to design a logo for the artist, as well as a T-shirt to be sold as merchandise. Hospitality learners ensured the cast and crew were well fed and watered throughout the day and learnt about how the catering business prepared for work on set.
George Dack, a Manufacturing and Product Design learner from Norwich who helped to make the video, said: "Getting involved in the making of Kano's video was really exciting and I had a brilliant day working on the set.
"Studying the Diploma is fantastic. It has given me the chance to work on lots of really interesting projects, and learning about the world of work has made me excited about my future."
Learners will also feature in a television advertisement showing Kano walking through a crowd, hailing the members of his production team whose Diploma qualifications pop up in text bubbles above them.
Brian Conway, a teacher from Notre Dame High School, said: "It was great that our students were able to get involved in a project like this and I know they learnt a lot from the experience.
"I've been teaching the Diploma over the last year and the positive reception we've had from students has made it very rewarding for all of us.
"We need qualifications that inspire and motivate our young people and that will offer them more than one route through education - the Diploma is helping to achieve this."
Kano said: "It's a really important campaign because there are too many kids who don't think they can make it to the top. They give up before they've even started and that's wrong - everyone can succeed, and it's really important that young people believe in themselves."
Find out more (Norwich Evening News)
Find out more (Daily Telegraph)
