Peter Symonds College is delighted to be one of the first providers to offer the new T Level qualification in Education & Early Years. T Levels are equivalent to three A Levels and combine classroom theory, practical learning and an industry placement to ensure students have real experience of the workplace. These two-year courses have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the content will meet the needs of the industry and prepare students for work. This course is ideal if you wish to work as a teaching assistant, with potential to become a primary school teacher, or an Early Years Practitioner.
You will complete core modules and take an occupational specialism in either Early Years Education and Childcare or Assisting Teachers. Core modules include:
You will have taught sessions at our main campus for three days a week, as well as spending two days a week in your industry placement. More specific timetabling information will be given closer to the start of the course. Taught sessions may include lectures, group work, research, guest speakers and practicals.
Students will have more than one placement during their course and placements will be tailored to your chosen pathway.
In the first year, there are two written examinations based on the core knowledge, and an employer-set project for which you will receive support from your tutors. In the second year, you will choose your occupational specialism. The occupational specialism assessments are written exams and observations of your practice in your industry placement.
Throughout the duration of study, a college assessor will also visit you in the workplace to observe your practice and obtain feedback regarding your progress.
On successful completion of this course, you could obtain employment as a teaching assistant or an early years practitioner, depending on your chosen occupational specialism. The early years specialism provides ‘license to practice’, increasing your value to employers. The course carries UCAS points, enabling you to progress to higher education courses in primary education, early years or supporting children with special education needs. Part-time degree courses in Teaching & Learning Support or Early Years are also available at our Adult & Higher Education Division. This would then enable you to progress to the one-year PGCE to obtain teacher status in Early Years or Primary Teaching.
Although we endeavour to place you in a setting close to your home, there may be additional travel costs to and from placement. You will need to purchase two polo shirts at around £18 each and there is an option of a fleece at around £23 each. The College has a Student Support Fund for those students who might have difficulty meeting these costs.
Two days each week in an industry placement.
Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including GCSE English and Mathematics.