Education & Early Years – Assisting Teaching - T Level
“I like being able to take what I’ve learned in the classroom into the placement and put it into practice”.
Entry Requirements
You will need 4 GCSEs at grade 4 including GCSE Maths or GCSE English Language. You will also require an enhanced DBS check prior to commencing industry placement which college will help you to organise.
Subject Intent
More children and young people in mainstream education settings are being identified as having additional needs, with many requiring additional support in classes to assist them in the learning process. This support is provided by the class teacher as well as the class teaching assistant or a learning support practitioner. Teaching assistants are required to support the class teacher in their role and some, in the form of higher-level teaching assistants (HLTA), deliver teaching sessions on behalf the class teacher. Students will gain first-hand experiences of working in schools where they will acquire knowledge and develop the skills required to support children and young people with their learning, as well a supporting the class teacher with the effective and smooth running of the school day. Students can progress to a wide range of career options in the fields of education, health and social care, both directly into the workforce or onto higher education to study higher apprenticeships, foundation and honours degrees.
Course Introduction
Working with children and young people requires a lot of patience, enthusiasm and hard work. This course will be suitable for you if you have a genuine interest in supporting children and young people in different educational contexts such as primary and secondary school, training providers and alternative education provision. As part of the course, you will work alongside class teachers to plan, support and enhance children and young people’s education, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. You will also learn about the school curriculum and a range of teacher-led and student-led learning strategies which you will then carry out in your industry placement.
On completion of the course, you may wish to go straight into employment, or you may choose to continue onto university to study courses for a range of job roles in education.
Course Modules
Core Elements (Year 1)
- Wider education sector
- Supporting education
- Safeguarding, equality and diversity and wellbeing
- Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
- Child development
- Working in partnership
- Professional practice
Assisting Teaching Occupational Specialism (Year 2)
- Support the class teacher to enhance children’s education, individually and in groups
- Plan, provide and review educational opportunities in collaboration with teachers and other adults
- Safeguard and promote the health, safety and wellbeing of children and young people
- Recognise, adapt and respond to individual children’s needs, including those with special educational needs and disability, to support development and access to the curriculum
To succeed you will need to be passionate about working with children and young people and have effective communication and teamworking skills. As part of the course, you will undertake a minimum of 315 hours industry placement with schools or training providers.
On completion of the course, you may wish to go straight into employment, or you may choose to continue onto university to study courses for a range of job roles in education.
Assessment
Assessment, which includes exams, project, practical tasks and written contextualised assignments will take place both in college and on placement
Course Fact
We have a Forest School setting on site to allow students to practice setting up and delivering outdoor activities and learning experiences.
Example Career Opportunities
Primary School Teacher | Teaching Assistant | Educational Psychologist | Special Needs Teacher
Special Needs Teaching Assistant | Support Worker | Higher Level Teaching Assistant | Childhood and Youth Studies