DfE T Level and T Level Foundation Year Podcast Series 2

In this episode, we explore the innovative strategies used to deliver English and maths in the T Level Foundation Year. Our guests share when their institutions started their T Level journeys and provide an overview of their current T Level and T Level Foundation Year pathways.Richard Stonebridge discusses how Cirencester College’s program has evolved each year based on student feedback. The program includes four days of study and one day of work experience, with a focus on mirroring the T Level structure. Each GCSE is allotted three hours per week, with students from different disciplines, like Health and Business, mixed together.  Rosie Sharp from Eastleigh College outlines their three-day structure with a strong focus on English and maths. She emphasises the whole-college approach needed to drive improvement, highlighting the essential role of staff buy-in.Episode Guests:Richard Stonebridge, Cirencester CollegeRosie Sharp, Eastleigh CollegeAll of the podcasts in this series were recorded before the July 2024 General Election

In this episode, we'll be exploring practical, creative, and insightful approaches to T Level English and maths delivery.Dr. Nuala Burgess shares insights from her research on effective methods for embedding English and Maths in T Levels, highlighting project-based learning, task-oriented activities, and engaging, relevant lessons to boost vocational confidence.  Jason Waldron discusses how City of Liverpool College has evolved its approach based on research and local needs, including additional timetabled maths for engineering students and immersive technology for health students to make learning practical.  Anne-Marie Francis explains Wigan & Leigh College’s pilot programme that allows students to progress to T Levels while completing their GCSEs, focusing on belief in student potential, personalised support, and the success of early results. She stresses the importance of understanding student profiles and effective information, advice, and guidance.Episode Guests:Anne-Marie Francis, Wigan and Leigh CollegeJason Waldron, City of Liverpool CollegeDr Nuala Burgess, Kings College LondonAll of the podcasts in this series were recorded before the July 2024 General Election

In this episode, we explore the crucial role of entry grades in unlocking student potential across T Level programmes from both a school and General Further Education (GFE) perspective. Our guests highlight the importance of entry grades in effective marketing and recruitment, demonstrating how the right criteria attracts suitable students and supports positive outcomes. They reflect on changes to entry grade requirements since T Levels launched, emphasising continuous review to align with student needs and market trends. Looking ahead, they discuss the impact of upcoming Post-16 reforms on entry criteria and the need for ongoing adjustments to recruit the right students for the right T Levels and occupational specialisms, offering advice for other providers.Host Mark Hughes introduces our guests: Rob Ind, Headteacher at Cranford Community CollegeAshley Grute, Assistant Principal for A Levels and Vocational Curriculum at Alton CollegeAll of the podcasts in this series were recorded before the July 2024 General Election

In this episode, we explore the strategies schools use to develop effective employer relationships to support T Level programmes. This discussion sets the stage for Episode 5, which focuses on General Further Education (GFE) providers.Our guests share their experiences in developing employer engagement from the start of their T Level journeys, discussing whether these links were pre-existing or needed to be developed and highlighting the resources, such as staffing, that facilitated this process. Nicola Weekly and Craig Sams explain their approaches, emphasising that even small teams can succeed. They share strategies for maintaining ongoing engagement, stressing the importance of consistent communication and mutual benefits. The discussion covers why employer engagement is crucial for T Levels, impacting curriculum design, delivery, and providing technical support. Both guests share metrics and real-life examples of successful partnerships, resulting in positive student outcomes and programme enhancements. Finally, they offer practical advice for new T Level providers on building and sustaining productive industry links. Tune in for valuable insights and advice on fostering effective employer relationships to support T Level programmes.Host Mark Hughes introduces our expert guests:  Nicola Weekly, Business Engagement Officer at La Retraite SchoolCraig Sams, Assistant Vice Principal at Bede AcademyAll of the podcasts in this series were recorded before the July 2024 General Election

In this episode, we explore how The Sheffield College developed and sustained effective employer relationships to support T Level programmes. Our guests discuss the establishment of their Employer Academies, the role of the Chamber of Commerce in connecting with over 900 employers and offer advice on developing similar relationships. We highlight why employer engagement is vital for T Levels, covering curriculum design, equipment advice, and staff continuous professional development, with examples like masterclasses and Open Day participation. Success stories include employability programmes and the use of virtual reality for Industry Placements. Looking ahead, new initiatives like international industry placements offer students valuable experiences, with examples such as trips to Fiji and Bali. Finally, our guests provide tips for new T Level providers on developing strong employer and industry links.Episode guests: Dave Trounce – Deputy Principal at The Sheffield CollegeRachel Topliss – Director of Student Employability Services at The Sheffield CollegeAll of the podcasts in this series were recorded before the July 2024 General Election

In this episode, we explore how Runshaw College enriches the T Level learner journey. Our guests discuss the strategies and approaches taken to enhance the student experience and why they are so passionate about making the course engaging and practical. Stuart and Marika share their insights into why they invest time and resources into enriching T Level students' experiences. They explain their methods and how these initiatives bring the curriculum to life. Following this, students Todd and Mia provide their perspectives on what excites them about the T Level programme and how the enrichment activities have enhanced their learning journey. Episode Guests:Stuart Hide – Curriculum Leader for T Level Civil Engineering at Runshaw College Marika Botham – T Level Design & Development Engineering Lecturer & Course Leader at Runshaw College  Runshaw Students: Year 1 student: Todd Wilcox – Design Surveying and Planning (Civil Engineering) Year 2 student: Mia Hickson – Design and Development (Mechanical Engineering)All of the podcasts in this series were recorded before the July 2024 General Election

In this episode, it was great to explore the potential benefits for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME’s) in supporting and promoting T Level provision.From speaking to Tara and James we heard that as an employer, there are many different ways that you can get involved to support providers with T Levels and T Level Foundation Years. Examples included guest talks, supporting the development of employability skills and work readiness activities. These may lead onto hosting industry placements or work experience activities for students.If after this podcast episode you are interested in finding out more, there is a range of online support for employers including practical tools and guidance, webinars, events and 1:1 advice. There is also support with regards to searching for local providers and connecting with a local school or college so you can find out more about T Levels and T Level Foundation Year pathways. It’s worth noting that if you are a large employer, there is another podcast episode that examines why they got involved and the potential benefits to a larger employer.For further information and resources available to support you on your journey, please see relevant links in the episode notes.https://employers.tlevels.gov.uk/hc/en-gbEpisode Guests:James Scudder, 76 ServicesTara McLaughlin, Ajar TechnologyAll of the podcasts in this series were recorded before the July 2024 General Election

In this episode, it was great to explore the potential benefits for large employers in supporting and promoting T Level provision.It’s worth noting that if you are a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME), there is another podcast episode that explores why they got involved and the potential benefits to an SME.From speaking to Ray and John one of the key benefits for a large employer is the ability to increase the talent pipeline coming through which can ultimately support future recruitment. For a large regional or national employer, you can effectively develop your own work force that may help to keep talent local.If after this podcast episode you are interested in finding out more, as Ray suggested, there is a range of support mechanisms available online including practical tools and guidance, webinars, events and 1:1 support for employers. There is also support with regards to searching for local providers and connecting with a school or college so you can find out more about T Levels and T Level Foundation Year pathways.For further information and resources available to support you on your journey, please see relevant links in the episode notes.https://employers.tlevels.gov.uk/hc/en-gbEpisode Guests:John Banks, Lloyds Banking GroupRay Olive, University Hospital MorecambeAll of the podcasts in this series were recorded before the July 2024 General Election

In this episode we have had the opportunity to explore the effective use of initial diagnostic assessment as part of the enrolment and induction process at Nelson & Colne College. This is an important part of the student journey and can help to identify gaps and inform curriculum planning and sequencing. It is worth noting that the use of initial diagnostics assessment was a central point raised in the Department for Education's (DfE) commissioned Ofsted T-Level thematic review report published 20 July 2023. It recommended that providers should ‘assess students’ starting points and use this information to support them in developing the knowledge and skills they need to move on to their next steps’. In particular, it referenced the importance of using initial assessment of students’ abilities at the start of their course to assess effectively what students know or can do in relation to their chosen pathway. Any gaps in knowledge and understanding should inform curriculum planning and sequencing to make sure that students make secure progress.The content of this episode will help you to generate initial diagnostic assessment ideas to inform and support you in planning enrolment and induction processes.For further information and resources available to support you on your journey, please see relevant links in the episode notes.*T-level thematic review: final report - Published 20 July 2023https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/t-level-thematic-review-final-report/t-level-thematic-review-final-reportEpisode GuestMorag Davis, Group Executive Director Strategy and Transformation, Nelson and Colne College GroupAll of the podcasts in this series were recorded before the July 2024 General Election