We are thrilled to announce that St Mary’s Catholic College in Wallasey has received official approval to deliver the highly anticipated T Level Technical qualification in Education and Early Years (Level 3). As an institution committed to academic excellence and preparing students for successful futures, we are proud to be at the forefront of this educational initiative.
T Levels are a new type of qualification developed in collaboration with employers, universities, and other educational institutions. They are equivalent to 3 A Levels and offer students a unique blend of classroom learning and industry placement, ensuring they are fully equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen career.
The T Level Technical qualification in Education and Early Years (Level 3) at St Mary’s Catholic College is designed to provide a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the education sector. Students will study a range of subjects, including child development, pedagogy, safeguarding, special educational needs, and curriculum planning. This robust curriculum ensures that students develop a strong foundation of knowledge and skills necessary for future academic pursuits.
Why choose St Mary’s Catholic College for your T Level journey? Here are just a few reasons:
Great Teaching: Our college boasts a team of highly qualified and experienced educators who are passionate about their subjects. They are dedicated to nurturing talent, inspiring creativity, and supporting every student to reach their full potential.
Strong Industry Connections: St Mary’s Catholic College has strong partnerships within our HFCM Academy Trust and with local educational institutions. These connections provide our students with unparalleled opportunities for hands-on experience and industry placements, ensuring they develop the practical skills employers are looking for.
Holistic Development: We believe that education is not just about academics but also about personal growth and character development. Our college offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, sports programs, and community service opportunities to help students become well-rounded individuals.
University Progression: The T Level in Education and Early Years is highly regarded by universities and is considered an excellent pathway for students aspiring to continue their studies in related fields. Successful completion of this T Level opens doors to a wide range of higher education opportunities, such as degrees in education, early childhood studies, psychology, or sociology. The solid theoretical grounding and practical experience gained during the T Level will provide a strong foundation for university-level studies.
Enhanced Employability: The T Level in Education and Early Years equips students with a range of transferable skills highly valued by employers and universities alike. These include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, and the ability to work effectively with children and young people. The practical nature of the qualification ensures that students develop the necessary skills to thrive in a variety of educational settings, making them highly employable and sought after by educational institutions.
Pathway to Becoming a Teacher or Early Years practitioner: For students aspiring to become teachers, the T Level in Education and Early Years serves as an excellent stepping stone. It provides a solid foundation of knowledge and practical experience in the field of education, allowing students to explore different teaching methodologies and gain valuable insights into the profession. The T Level can serve as a precursor to further teacher training, such as a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), enabling students to progress towards a fulfilling teaching career.
By choosing St Mary’s Catholic College for your T Level in Education and Early Years, you are embarking on a journey that will lay the foundation for a rewarding and fulfilling career.
Studying a T Level in Education and Childcare (Early Years Education and Childcare) will prepare you for an exciting career within the education sector.
Designed by employers, a T Level combines practical and theoretical learning experiences, with real-life industry experience. It also supports progression on to university, into employment or on to a higher/degree apprenticeship.
When will I start the course and how long will it take?
The course will start in September 2023 and will take two years to complete.
This course will take place at St Mary’s Wallasey and our partner primary schools.
What will I study?
This Technical T Level qualification will be delivered over two years and is made up of core components and occupational specialisms. This allows you the opportunity to delve deeper into your chosen subject and develop skills and practices centred around your interests and career ambitions.
During the course, students are required to complete a total of 750 placement hours gaining work experience with children from 0-7 years. You will achieve this by attending College 3 days per week and a school nursery/reception class or private day nursery 2 days per week. Our placement officer will help support you in finding your work placement.
Core Components (First Year):
- Understanding the education and childcare sector from ages 0 to 19
- Child development
- How to support children and young people’s education
- Safeguarding, health and safety and wellbeing
- Understanding and managing behaviour
- Observing and assessing children and young people
- Equality and diversity
- Special educational needs and disability
- English as an additional language
- Working with parents, carers and wider families
- Working with agencies and services that support children, families and carers
- Reflective practice and other forms of professional development
Occupational Specialisms (Second Year):
- Support and promote children;s play, development and early education
- Develop relationships with children to facilitate their development
- Plan, provide and review care, play and education opportunities to enable children to progress
- Safeguard and promote the health, safety and wellbeing of children
- Work in partnership with colleagues, parents, carers and other professionals to support children’s development
How is it assessed?
The course is assessed by an externally set written exam, an employer set task and an externally assessed synoptic assessment that covers the occupational specialism.
Do I need any previous qualifications to start this course?
You should have a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English language and maths.
Students must also have a clear DBS.
What are the course fees?
If you are a school leaver, aged 16-18, (under the age of 19 on or before 31st August 2023), you do not pay tuition fees or examination and registration fees and may be eligible for additional support depending on your financial situation. For more information, please visit our dedicated financial support page.
What can I go on to do once I have completed this course?
Having achieved the equivalent to three A levels, you could progress on to university including FdA Early Years Practice at University Centre St Helens, a higher/degree apprenticeship or employment.
You could progress into a range of careers including:
- Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant
- Teaching Assistant* Portage Home
- Learning MeVisitorntor
- Nursery Worker
- Playworker
