Students meet for a virtual cross campus T Level celebration

Both colleges have been using virtual reality as part of the curriculum for some time but this exciting event marked the first time T Level students from both campuses have had the opportunity to interact together in this way. Virtual reality is now a commonplace tool for supporting learning on technical and vocational qualifications at both colleges, enabling students to practice and develop skills in a controlled and safe situation.

The participating students are all studying on the Agriculture, Land Management and Production T Level qualification, which only launched in September 2023. This is a two-year Level 3 programme equivalent to 3 A Levels, where students can specialise in a Crop or Livestock pathway depending on which specialism they wish to pursue. The course integrates classroom instruction with substantial industry placements, ensuring students cultivate the skills, mindset and hands-on abilities essential for successful careers, apprenticeships, or degree level study.

Caroline Reid, who is the driving force behind the creation of virtual reality learning environments at the colleges explained what the students experienced. "This particular room has been designed to provide students with a fun, engaging and inspiring introduction to learning in an entirely new way and collaborate with peers at a different campus. The digital world offers endless possibilities, bridging the gap between technology and the realities of working on a farm. Through the virtual environment, students gain access to tools and experiences that not only complement their hands-on training but also prepare them to excel as forward-thinking agricultural professionals. In honour of T Level students from both campuses coming together, there is a ‘ribbon cutting’ to mark the occasion and a fun farm environment for the students to build and work on together.”

The students relished the opportunity to get involved and interact in a new way. T Level Agriculture, Land Management and Production student Scarlett Emmingham said ''We like going down to the farm to do a practical, but this was great as it’s a bit different. It was helpful to see how as we get more experience it could help build our knowledge on the course.”

The college was pleased to welcome guest of honour Danny Brett, Vice Chair of the T-Level Ambassador Network to participate in the session. He said “I’m delighted to be here today to work alongside T Level students on these amazing augmented virtual reality activities. Confidence is always a challenge when asking young people to embrace this type of activity, as they will need to trial and adopt new skills in front of their peers. It’s been clear though that the students at both campuses have really engaged positively with today’s session. Riseholme College and Bishop Burton are fantastic examples of providers making sure the experience for T level students is an excellent one. It’s great to see them integrating the virtual world into day-to-day learning, particularly within T Level programmes.”

Virtual reality equipment is available for students to access both in lesson time and also in their spare time in the Learning Resource Centres at both colleges. This exciting collaboration is intended to be the first of other cross-campus sessions.

Vice Principal Business Development and Riseholme, Beth Curtis said “What a fantastic way to celebrate T Levels week! Today has been a lot of fun, but the students have also had the opportunity to collaborate and work together in a new and engaging way. We are very proud that Riseholme College and Bishop Burton were amongst the first providers in the UK to deliver T Levels and these innovative qualifications are an integral part of our education strategy for Level 3 learners at both campuses. Thanks to the significant amount of industry placement involved, T Level programmes develop the skills students need for the workplace, empowering them as the next generation of specialist professionals.”

To find out more about T Level programmes available at Riseholme College please visit https://www.riseholme.ac.uk/college/study/understanding-our-courses/t-levels