Diplomas aren't for dunces as long as they have an academic element.

The authors present a response to the article "Diplomas threaten our independence," by Bernard Trafford in the November 28, 2008 issue of the publication. They focus on the decision of Wellington College to offer a level 3 diploma in engineering beginning in September 2009. The benefits of the diploma as a vocational degree in conjunction with traditional academic studies are explored. The authors argue that diplomas can provide students with strong backgrounds for university study.