Like many hands-on learners, Lauren Bowley dreaded the prospect of studying A Levels and sitting exams. It’s just not how she’s wired.
But choosing a T Level at Loughborough College has given her a new-found confidence and the motivation to aim higher. The 17-year-old from Loughborough now has her sights set on a career in teaching.
I’m a practical learner so T Levels really appealed to me because of the split between classroom and placement work
She has been working on placement at the Loughborough University Campus Nursery as part of her Level 3 Education and Childcare T Level.
“I’m a practical learner so T Levels really appealed to me because of the split between classroom and placement work,” Lauren said. “When I came to college to look at options, T Levels caught my eye especially as they contribute to UCAS points which means I could look at university after my course.
“I’ve always loved working with children. When I was at school, I volunteered or worked with children’s groups. It’s always felt natural and I’m really passionate about it. The T Level gives me the chance to get the skills and experience to do it as a career.”
Lauren said her work placement has been an eye-opening and rewarding experience so far and has really helped her define what she wants to do with her professional life.
“I’ve really enjoyed my placement. I’m made to feel part of the team and get all the same training the staff get. You don’t get that opportunity to work in a setting with A Levels.
“I’d love to go into primary school teaching. That’s what the placement has really shown me, that although I’ve loved working in the nursery, I would like to work with primary school children.
“I’ve always been unsure of whether or not to go to Uni or go into an apprenticeship. But we’ve had loads of information about what we could do so I now lean more towards Uni.”
Lauren’s key advice to people considering a T Level is to keep an open mind.
She said: “The great thing about T Levels is that you don’t need to stress about choosing a single career path because the course really sparks your interest in other areas and subjects.
“It’s really helped me understand the path I want to go down.”
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