Early Childhood Development Mix
Do you love working with children and want to help them grow, learn, and thrive? This inspiring course is all about understanding how young children develop and how to support their early years.
You’ll explore play-based learning, child psychology, safeguarding, and will plan educational activities that spark imagination and curiosity. Through creative projects and practical learning, you’ll build the knowledge and skills needed for working in nurseries, schools, and early education settings.
Whether you dream of becoming a Primary Teacher, Nursery Practitioner, or Child Psychologist, this course opens up brilliant progression routes into university and the world of work. It’s the perfect choice for caring, creative individuals
who want to nurture the next generation.
Full information on this course is coming soon, please check back.
What is an AAQ York College Mix Course?
New for September 2026: York College Mix courses are Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs)
AAQs are a new type of Level 3 qualification created to help learners progress into higher education with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
AAQs offer a practical and future-focused learning experience across a wide range of career sectors. Students build the applied knowledge, skills, and personal qualities they need not only to succeed at university but also to thrive in today’s fast-changing world of work.
Why choose an AAQ?
A clear route to higher education - Designed with universities and educators, AAQs provide the right balance of academic depth and practical application. If your goal is university, this is the pathway for you.
Engaging, relevant, and future-ready - Learning is brought to life through real-world contexts and practical opportunities, ensuring students develop both specialist knowledge and transferable skills to navigate their future.
Fair and accessible assessment - With a holistic approach to assessment design, AAQs ensure that qualifications are both attainable and rigorous, building a solid foundation of knowledge and skills for progression.
Backed by universities - Over 100 universities have endorsed AAQs, recognising them as a strong route into higher education. AAQs attract the same amount of UCAS points as one A Level.
Learn more about our AAQ York College Mix courses.
Entry Criteria
A Level Mix options are equivalent to one A Level. You can take two A Level subjects and one ‘Mix’ subject.
The core entry requirement for A Level and ‘Mix’ study at York College is a minimum of four GCSEs at grade 5 with GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4. This does not include GCSE equivalents (e.g. BTEC courses). Short course GCSE is counted as half of a full GCSE.
