Some of our Early Years and Education T Level students have enjoyed a two-week placement in Spain.
The group spent their fortnight working at the Academia Igualada, a private school in Catalonia, thanks to funding from The Turing Scheme UK.
The institution teaches children from nursery age right up to those studying the Baccalaureate – the final stage of secondary school in Spain.
Developing skills and forging friendships
Millie McHale said: “On the first day, we were given a tour of the school and introduced to key staff members that we would be working with.
“The experience as a whole was amazing and exceeded my expectations. I have built positive and memorable relationships with staff and children. This placement has helped me develop so many important career skills that I do not believe I would have learnt without this opportunity.”
“I have also built lifelong friendships and memories that I will never forget, this has really helped build my confidence. And lastly it has taught me so many life lessons and built my independence in ways I would never have imagined.”
Fellow T Level student Naimah Begum said: “I started the first day with kindergarten one-year-olds.
“I supported by feeding the children, getting them dressed for lunch and taking part in provisions. I was also an English assistant with three students, it was great! It was an environment where I felt confident and had a good conversation with the children.”
Learning about teaching roles and a different culture
Skye Brimacombe also relished her time: “I learnt many different techniques to use in UK placements and a lot about Spanish culture.”
Study support coaches Sophie Sutcliffe and Benjamin Wallis accompanied the students on the trip.
Sophie said: “Our learners will have new ideas for activities which they can use as part of their T Level, and will bring new skills and ideas to their placements in the UK.
Benjamin added: “The placement was directly linked to their vocational course, where students spend time working in a school and supporting children of different age groups. It was a great experience for them to do the same kind of work but in a foreign country.”
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