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Lilly Gray

Level 3 T-Level in Health - Supporting the Adult Nursing Team

Lilly Gray

Lilly Gray

The course is a lot more practical and it’s not all exams, you get to experience something you wouldn’t with A Levels or in school. The course makes you more prepared for the workplace and prepares you for working with patients.

How did you hear about Newcastle College? Did you attend an Open Day prior to starting at the College? If so, did you find it useful?

I had heard about Newcastle College through school and I knew it was a big college. I went to an Open Event where I met some of the staff and learned more about the course I’m now studying. I wanted to see the difference between A Levels and BTECs and I learned more about T-Levels by talking to the tutors too.

 

What made you decide to come to the College and enrol on the course you selected?

My course is a lot more practical and it’s not all exams, so I get to experience a type of hands-on learning that I wouldn’t with A Levels or in school. The course made me more prepared for the workplace and prepared me for working with patients in industry.

 

How would you describe the advice and support you received from college and your tutors? Have you had any pastoral support for our Central Support Service (CSS) Team?

The support has been so good, they’ve been on the ball and take matters seriously. Any issues are sorted quickly and it has helped me to feel safer when on campus. There are so many people to talk to for support and they always reminding us that they’re here to help if we ever need them.

 

Do you have any tutors who have industry experience? If so, how has this helped you?

Yes, one of my tutors worked in the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in cancer care, while another one worked as a community nurse. They apply their experience so we can learn what happens on a day-to-day basis.

 

What do you/did you enjoy most about your course?

We did a practical session for a lung and heart dissection and we got to speak to professionals and nurses from the healthcare industry. The Simulation Room is one of the best aspects of learning on the course, in my opinion – you get to work with medical practice dummies in a simulated hospital ward as if they’re real patients in a real hospital setting, preparing you for real-life work.

 

How do you feel that the course has/is benefitting you?

I’ve gained a lot of knowledge from studying this course and realised how to apply my knowledge to other subjects. I’ve also made new friends!

 

Have you done any work experience or a work placement as part of your course?

Not yet, but I’ve got one planned for my second year of study at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead, where I’ll get the full experience working on a ward. That said, there were a variety of work placements to choose from for second year which was good, since it meant everyone on my course could find a placement to suit their personal interests. The medical scrubs are all included so we’ve not had to pay for anything and it’s all organised by the College, which takes away any stress and makes the process even more enjoyable!

 

What would you like to do when you finish your course? Would you consider studying a degree at Newcastle College University Centre?

I want to be a paramedic but I'm still deciding on how to achieve that goal. I know I can study a Health and Social Care degree at Newcastle College University Centre, so I'm definitely interested in continuing my studies here.

 

What would you say to anyone thinking of studying a course with Newcastle College?

Do it! The course is so positive and you get great support from tutors. I was surprised by the skills I’ve developed in just one year and the knowledge I’ve gained.

 

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