Why T Levels? • Stanmore College

T Levels at Stanmore College

T Levels are an excellent way for young learners to combine studying with work experience. They are a combination of academic and practical learning, exposing the student to the working world within their chosen T Level area. These courses have been offered at the Stanmore College for three years in: Accounting, ICT, Business Management & Admin, Science, and Early Years. The college will also offer T Levels in Engineering and Health & Social Care from 2024.

Let's hear from our teachers and support staff, what is their take on T Levels?

PAULINE who teaches T Levels in Early Years has shared interesting information about the course. She has worked in Early Years settings for 30 years. Her experience is wide, she started as a practitioner, worked her way up to management. Pauline was a consultant helping people develop their practices, and she also mentored for ‘the Mayor of London Mentoring Aspiring Leaders’ scheme. She pursued her degree in education and leadership later in her career as she became increasingly passionate about working with children. This embarked her onto teaching so she could also help others find their passion for it. She has been teaching T Levels since they commenced at the college, and here is what she has to say about it.

What is different about the T Levels curriculum compared to other Early Years qualifications?

The curriculum was originally prepared by working industry managers. Therefore, the course content is based directly on what employers' regard as important to learn about the workplace. Designed by employers, and what they want to see from their employees.

The theory is useful, but it can be daunting or fascinating, depends on the student. The key thing is to be interested in working with children, and then each student will have their own growth during the course over time.

The content is interesting because with each layer of learning they also understand ‘why’ the methods and practices are good for children. They learn about the benefits and impact on young people. It is not only about ‘what and when’, but also ‘how and why’ each activity is beneficial for children. This way they can be their best as practitioners.

A key aspect of the course is because it is very reflective. There is a lot of emphasis on journaling, sharing of experiences, and analysing the learnings. 'They learn, and then they learn from their learning. This deepens their understanding of the practice, of working, and of being open to learn from others as well'.

The best thing about doing a course like this, combining work and study, is that the student will know if it is what they want to pursue as their career. If they do A levels, then go to university to be a class teacher, they will not have had any hands-on experience. With T Levels you get the information and hybrid experience to decide if it is what you truly want. That is why it is names ‘T’ Level, it is technical learning.

What is the work placement experience like?

Students will work 2 days a week over the 2 years course period in a nursery (Requirements vary depending on course area). 'We know it is not easy for them to start working, they are straight from school, so we support them throughout. We give them handbooks and help them understand each task. They will also have a dedicated mentor at work who they can shadow and talk to whenever they need support'.

What is required to pass the course successfully?

There is a project set by the employer, students need to pass that for sure. Anyone enrolling on the course should also be prepared for challenging work. It is important to also know that while there are exams, not all of them are written. Some of them are discussion based to assess interaction and approach. These are the practical exams, they count for 60% of the assessment. While the practical insight is valuable, the academic part is also vigorous, but the examination process is a combination of academic and practice.

Anyone who is interested in Early Years, is curious, and willing to research, and be open to learning in diverse ways should consider the course. To date we have had a 100% pass rate. All students have gone to primary school teaching at university, or they have a job. Each one has been able to take themselves forward.

What opportunities do students have after the course?

T Levels are as good a qualification as A levels. They are the equivalent of 3 ALevels, and students can apply to university should they choose that path.

Students have had tremendous growth and transformation, they flourish. Majority of them have gone to university. Pathways at university can be to study private school teaching, Early Years degree, or aim for Nursery Early Educators qualification. Health and Social Care T Levels can lead to nursing and medicine.

Some choose to be practitioners and go straight to work. As T Levels are a Level 3 course, they meet the requirements to be able to work straight away, and it is sought after by Early Years employers.

T Levels are a great segway into work as well as further study. A student can even decide to work for a period before they continue to university. The advantage is they do not have to decide right away. Whereas with A levels, they still may not know what they want to study after.

Early Years is a lifelong learning area. There will always be more to learn, more to know, and plenty of opportunity.

What would you say to employers?

More employers need to be informed about T Levels. Employers should know they can grow a student, and then give them a job at end of it. Both parties benefit, and the employer is also giving back to the community at large by helping to educate a workforce generation.

RUHINA our Work Experience and Industry Team Leader/Coordinator (Careers & Employability) has shared her thoughts from the work placement perspective:

How key do you think needs to be pointed out to anyone considered T Levels?

There are some misconceptions about what T Levels are. People think they are ‘easy’ because they are not A levels. However, they are not easier, but an alternative. They are great for the student who doesn’t want all the emphasis to be academic. The study program blends academia with real-life application. They are a seeding ground that open several paths, as explained by Pauline.

What should a student considering T Level know about work placements?

They will have support and someone to shadow throughout the placement. All care is taken to ensure compliance requirements are in place for a young learner to be in a work environment. 'They need to be committed and punctual. It is a great opportunity, and they will grow from it'.

I have seen students mature from it. Their language, their manners, dress choices, the way they address people, all of this improves from the experience. They learn to build themselves up to be professional and employable, and they learn about the importance of punctuality in the workplace.

It can forge a career and lead to more work/study type opportunities (apprenticeship for example). Work desire and direction becomes clear, and they can build their career without student loans, if they want to. They will gain exposure to different working fields; this will help them decide what to do or not to do.

'A T Level work placement will boost your career, sharpen your edge, and put you ahead of the line when it comes to making job applications, as you will start getting that experience early in your path. You will learn a lot, you will know an industry and if it is right for you'.

Stanmore College T Levels