Academic question

I was horrified to read Jennifer Brown's letter ('Degrees of ability', 8 February). I am a second-year student at the Norland College studying for the Diploma of Higher Education in Early Childhood Studies (Dip HE), which incorporates the Level 3 NVQ in Early Years Care and Education (NVQ 3). The Dip HE is at degree level, for which 240 CATS points are awarded, and the NVQ 3 supplies 60 of these within this course. This gives the choice of continuing for a further period of study at a university to gain a degree in Early Childhood Studies, which is possible to do at such universities as Roehampton. The NVQ 3 is a professional qualification, and is what allows us to practise. It is not an easy option, especially when coupled with either full-time work, or with the remainder of our course. As a student at Norland I am required to spend over half of the two-year course in practical placements, looking after children. This provides a greater learning experience than any academic programme could do on its own, and is where the NVQ 3 is a valuable qualification to earn. Norland students also undertake a year of practical experience after they are qualified before they can gain the Norland Diploma and become Norland nurses.