Pupils to study Space Invaders as traditional subjects are shunted to the sidelines

In place of traditional subjects such as history, 14-year-olds will be able to take a media course in which they examine 'the historical development of computer games'.

Sixth-formers taking the advanced media diploma will be encouraged to 'critically respond to a range of computer games' and discuss why enthusiasts like playing them.

Other suggested activities include printing banners for a party and performing stand-up comedy routines.

The proposed content of new diploma qualifications emerged yesterday as Schools Secretary Ed Balls unveiled the first draft syllabuses. Available at both GCSE and A-level standard, the diplomas will be offered in 14 industry areas including IT, construction, engineering, media, and health and social care.

They are intended to combine work experience with academic study and are central to Gordon Brown's plan to raise the education leaving age to 18.

Pupils will not be able to pass without reaching certain standards in the three Rs. But the qualification, being phased in between 2008 and 2013, has been caught up in wrangling over how much academic content it should contain.

Ministers are keen to promote the diplomas as a possible route to university for all sixth-formers, including academic highfliers. However the qualification was described as 'deeply confused' and opponents questioned whether it should be given equivalence to A-levels as a university entry qualification.

One unit in the creative and media diploma for sixth-formers is titled 'interaction' in a draft syllabus produced by the exam board Edexcel. Students of 16 and above are required to 'develop work in a social context'.

It states the 'main requirement is that you interact with other people - and not just your mates - to produce your work'.

Alan Smithers, a professor of education at Buckingham University, warned: "The purpose of the diplomas is deeply confused.

"The concept is academic learning through applied knowledge but it means diplomas are neither one thing nor the other.

"They have been dreamed up by bureaucrats and are not sufficiently demand-led by employers."

However Mr Balls said: "I want to see the brightest and the best taking diplomas which will give them more choice and allow them to get the careers they really want.

"I'm confident that when people study the draft content now available, they will see how far we've come in developing a credible alternative for all young people."