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Original poster

Anyone have a DC studying for a T Level?

34 replies

user1984778379202 · 10/02/2024 09:45

Our DD is in Y10 and while doing well in class, really struggles with sitting assessments. We're looking at her options for post-GCSE and are coming round to thinking that A Levels might not be the right path for her. She already has a clear idea of what career she wants to pursue, so we're thinking a specific and related T Level course might be a good option with a view to her applying to uni afterwards (the uni courses she's thinking about do accept T Level qualifications).

My concern is that the introduction of T Levels seems to be a bit of a mess – Ofsted came out last summer with a report saying some courses aren't fit for purpose. So, if anyone's DC is doing one, it would be great to hear about their experience, good and bad, so far.

Edited to add: there is an identical BTEC course currently running, but it's on the Govt's list to have its funding removed later this year.

OP posts:
Tink51971 · 10/02/2024 10:35

My son is in his second year of T level in health, he enjoyed his work placements as they were all at different places, so he got a variety of experience, which led him to make his final decision on what he wants to do. He has an interview for a university course in April.

He also did his exams after the first year and is on course for 124 ucas points.

BamberGirl · 10/02/2024 10:29

He’s planning to go to Uni and has had offers, though currently he’s going to have a year out first.

Original poster
user1984778379202 · 10/02/2024 10:13

BamberGirl · 10/02/2024 10:10

My DS is doing one in engineering, he really enjoys it, seems a great balance of theory and practical and the placement has been brilliant.
just be aware that the theory side is year one with exams and these are crucial, no exams in yr 2 at all.

Thanks for the heads up about the exams in year 1. At least that's something she can prepare for. What does your son plan to do afterwards?

OP posts:
Original poster
user1984778379202 · 10/02/2024 10:12

nicknamehelp · 10/02/2024 10:06

My dd doing one and loving it. She loves the work placement she does 2 days a week and 3 in college so it is very full on and no free time in the week but she's excelling at it and looking at applying to unis.

Thanks for sharing! That's really good to hear she's having a positive experience. Why did she choose it over A Levels, if you don't mind me asking?

OP posts:
BamberGirl · 10/02/2024 10:10

My DS is doing one in engineering, he really enjoys it, seems a great balance of theory and practical and the placement has been brilliant.
just be aware that the theory side is year one with exams and these are crucial, no exams in yr 2 at all.

nicknamehelp · 10/02/2024 10:06

My dd doing one and loving it. She loves the work placement she does 2 days a week and 3 in college so it is very full on and no free time in the week but she's excelling at it and looking at applying to unis.

redberry12 · 10/02/2024 10:06

Labour won't say but the investment is so large the current situation is likely to continue. Both the govt and labour are far more focused on early years and attendance etc, further education doesn't get much for a look in.

Original poster
user1984778379202 · 10/02/2024 10:01

redberry12 · 10/02/2024 09:53

The department for education is T level crazy and will do anything to make them a success as they have spent £1billion setting them up. This is why some Btecs are being defunded. Great if it suits your dc, make sure you find out about the 12 weeks of work experience, some colleges find the dc drops out of the course after the work experience because the dc gets offered a job.

That's interesting to know about the work placements! I know my DD definitely wants to go to uni, though, so I'd be surprised if her head was turned, so to speak.

I can see the Govt is anxious to make them a success – thing is, they probably won't be in power by the time she has to enroll! I can't find anything about Labour's stance on them.

OP posts:
redberry12 · 10/02/2024 09:53

The department for education is T level crazy and will do anything to make them a success as they have spent £1billion setting them up. This is why some Btecs are being defunded. Great if it suits your dc, make sure you find out about the 12 weeks of work experience, some colleges find the dc drops out of the course after the work experience because the dc gets offered a job.

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