The history of hairstyles and the importance of personal hygiene will be taught to pupils taking new diplomas, according to guidelines released yesterday.

Students will also learn how to avoid behaving like Basil Fawlty by taking lessons in customer service within the hospitality industry.

The Government has published details of the second tranche of the diplomas, which will be taught to 14 to 19-year-olds from September next year. This month 20,000 pupils will begin studying the first five subjects in the qualification — engineering, society and health, construction, media, and information technology. This is half the number forecast originally by the Government.

Now Ofqual, the qualifications regulator, has outlined the structure of the next five diplomas. They will be available from 2009 in business, administration and finance; environmental and land-based studies; hair and beauty studies; hospitality; and manufacturing and product design.

In the first level of hair and beauty studies — taken instead of or alongside GCSEs — teenagers will practise a “range of basic techniques to straighten, smooth, curl and finger-dry hair”.

The regulator adds: “This unit will allow you to explore hairstyles throughout history, as well as the influences that have driven hair fashions and methods through the years.” The curriculum suggests that students should learn to cultivate their own appearance to fit in with the industry. It says: “Our society is increasingly image-conscious and the hair and beauty sector relies greatly on maintaining a style and image that will increase efficiency and effectiveness, as well as job satisfaction.”

Pupils will learn how substance abuse, personal hygiene and wellbeing can have an impact on “appearance, health and ability to perform effectively at work”. Knowledge and understanding of image and style, the regulator tells students, “will help you to recognise the importance of a professional image”.

Teenagers will learn how to work in pubs, restaurants, hotels and nightclubs by taking the hospitality diploma. This includes lessons on dealing with difficult customers — one unit teaches pupils to “meet and greet customers in a responsible way, and deal with competing customer requirements”.

It adds: “Today’s customers expect high standards every time they buy or use a hospitality product or service. There has been a large growth in the number of people eating out, and taking short breaks. The customer expects not only good food and a range of choice, but also a high-quality eating experience and a well-presented, clean bedroom with a fully working bath or shower room. You will have the opportunity to develop behavioural skills to help you in the workplace.”

Fears about climate change and a growing awareness of green issues are reflected in the environmental and land-based diploma. One course reviews the “current sources of fuels which are not sustainable and also studies the creation of pollution. Learners will review the range of renewable energy supplies and their effect on the environment and society. The development of biofuel production is also reviewed and its advantages and disadvantages assessed.” Another course addresses how human activity affects the environment.

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