The new T Level Science course suits students to a ‘T’

Truro College has one of the largest initial T Level Science cohorts in the UK and the students learn in the brand-new Menalhyl building, an inspirational shiny-new science environment.

This week T Level Science students undertook an experiment to check and hone the repeatability, reproducibility and reliability of their scientific methods.

Having learned about data validity and how to design an experiment to test their hypothesis by controlling variables to make it reliable and valid, they tested five different washing detergents to test the enzyme that breaks down starch.

Student Benjamin Tyack from Truro said: “I was considering either A Levels or the T Level and I liked how T Levels give you a better understanding of practical aspects, laboratory skills, ethics and legislation.

“I would love to do my placement at GSK in London, in an industrial chemistry and biochemistry lab, working on Covid-19 vaccines, bioavailability, and drug responses.”

Jesse Perks from St Austell said: “I initially chose A Levels, then I found out that the T Level was the best choice for me to do what I want to do. I think T Levels are a really good concept.

“After my course I might try to get a job in industry—perhaps where I do my work placement—or go on to university. It’s great that the course gives you the versatility of options. The new building is good, too, it feels like the course is well looked after.”

T Levels are two-year qualifications for 16-to-18 year-olds, equivalent to three A Levels and designed to meet the needs of employers and of industry. T Level Science began in September 2021 and is available to study at both the Truro and the Penwith campuses.

The course has a minimum of nine weeks of industry placement, and Work Placement Coordinators are on hand to support students.

Ned Crowley, the Deputy Team Leader for Science and the Science T Level Lead, known to some as ‘Mr T,’ added: “We’re really honoured to be one of the first colleges chosen to pilot T Level Science. We’re one of the best in the country for student numbers in the first year of the course and we hope to be one of the most successful deliverers of it. I feel we’ve really connected with what the course is designed to do and be.

“T Levels are a way for students from a board range of academic abilities to acquire practical industry knowledge, skills and experience, as well as really solid academic learning. They’ll get things that you just don’t get on the A Levels or BTEC course options. Our first students are now starting to be set up with their work placements and it’s really exciting.

“I love science because it applies to everything—how things work, how to view life and the world, how to be open-minded, self-critical, tolerant. The practical aspect is great, and you learn mind-blowing facts. You find out that the universe is amazing.”

Find out more about T Levels here.