Virtually down on the farm
Students from two campuses met in a purpose-built virtual classroom as part of a celebration of T Level qualifications.
It was the first time T Level Agriculture, Land Management and Production students from Riseholme College, near Lincoln and Bishop Burton College, just outside Beverley in East Yorkshire, were able 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 participants are all studying on the two-year Level 3 programme equivalent to 3 A Levels and can specialise in a Crop or Livestock pathway.
The course, which was launched in September 2023, 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 oversees virtual reality learning environments at the colleges: "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 was a ‘ribbon cutting’ to mark the occasion and a fun farm environment for the students to build and work on together.”
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.”
Danny Brett, Vice Chair of the T-Level Ambassador Network was a guest at the session. “I’m delighted to be here 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.”
Vice Principal Business Development and Riseholme Beth Curtis said: “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 visit https://www.riseholme.ac.uk/college/study/understanding-our-courses/t-levels
Top picture shows guest Danny Brett (centre) with students ready to take part in the virtual reality session.
Cutting the ribbon in the virtual classroom.
Some of the students who took part in the session
