Thirty students from Budehaven Community School and Holsworthy Community College recently joined together for a ­–two-day conference at Bude Golf Club.

The students from Years 10 and 12, along with Health and Social Care staff, employers and trainers spent two days collecting information, sharing ideas and making presentations as part of their Society, Health and Development Diploma pilot.

"The students are the first in the area to take part in the new diplomas and they will be the ones who make sure the way in which we deliver the course is the best possible method for others wishing to take it up in September 2009," said Anne Betts, diploma consultant.

The diploma is the first of 15 diplomas to be offered across North Devon and North Cornwall and is welcomed by employers, colleges and universities. The Society, Health and Development Diploma will be available to current Year 9 students this September with one day course ­delivery and one day work placement every week.

The core GCSE and other curriculum subjects will not be affected as timetables are in place to avoid clashes. It will also be available for Post-16 students and is the equivalent to three A levels.

For further information please contact either your school, the Connexions ­service or visit the QCA Diploma website.