Leeds City College

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.”

Toddlers playing with peas in a sensory class wearing yellow nursery tops

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.”

Five Leeds City College students smiling at the camera outside the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

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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