Information on possible changes to full time courses starting in 2025. Click here to view.
Violet Wilson
We caught up with Violet Wilson before she completed her T Level in Education and Childcare course and discussed her aspirations to become a Teacher.
“I originally studied A Levels but realised it didn’t suit how I learn. I heard an advert for Middlesbrough College on the radio. The College has the best resources for childcare, especially as it has a full nursery classroom.
“Teaching has always been something I’m passionate about. I loved helping people when I was younger, especially my peers and school friends and helping with schoolwork. I have younger cousins, too, so have spent time looking after them.
“My friends would describe me as caring and helpful, and I feel likes that’s what’s pushed me to become a Teacher.
“I really enjoyed being creative on the course and making resources for children that we could use in our placements. I also enjoyed learning about different real life case studies and how to deal with different situations.
“Working in childcare can be unpredictable; my course has taught me how to think on the spot. If a child has an accident, I need to think ‘how am I going to deal with this to keep everyone else safe? How am I going to communicate with the child to keep them calm?’. I’ve improved my time management skills and being organised, too. One tip I would give anyone working in childcare is to always have a pen on hand!
“We’ve been on a few trips on the course; we went to Whitby and did a scavenger hunt, and to Seven Stories in Newcastle where we could explore different children’s stories like ‘The Gruffalo’ and ‘The Tiger Who Came to Tea’.
“There are a lot of facilities on offer at Middlesbrough College. I used the LRC a lot during my course; I would sit in a booth and get all my work done. There’s a hair salon and gym on site which are very helpful.
“The teachers have been amazing and have helped me over the last two years. Anita Race was my personal tutor and taught my lessons. She was always there whenever I had questions or needed help. There was also Rachel Nolson who taught us the academic side of childcare and about Teaching theorists. She would always recap them to make it easier to remember and I was able to discuss them in my exams.
“Because of my T Level studies, I have secured a job role at Teesside High where I will be an EYFS/KS1 Teaching Assistant. I will also be supervising the Tea Club and helping at their Forest School.
“My ambition is to be a Teacher and I’m looking at starting a Higher Apprenticeship Degree in the future. Through my course and work placements, I’ve become a fan of small group work and getting to know children on a 1:1 basis. I’m interested in becoming a SEN Teaching Assistant or working to help children with learning difficulties.
“I would absolutely recommend the T Level course to others. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the course and the tutors who supported me. My advice for anyone starting the course or progressing into their second year is that the tutors will recap theorists and case studies before your exams, so don’t panic if you think you’ve forgotten something. You will receive a big booklet filled with case studies which is helpful during the course and exams. Ask your tutors for advice when needed; they know all kinds of things and how you need to apply it, such as regulations, laws, curriculum, and government guidance. I would also say get your head down from the start and keep on top of your work.
“Outside of college, I love reading and I’m a big Harry Potter fan.”
Course: T Level in Education and Childcare (Assisting Teaching specialism) – Level 3
Previous School: Conyers School