Students from Exeter College’s Prince’ Trust were joined by local dignitaries and a host of happy primary school children and staff at the official opening of the Brixington Primary Academy Garden on Nov 11th.

The group of students from the Prince’s Trust celebrated the culmination of their community project with Mayor and deputy Mayor of Exmouth as well as children and staff. Started at the end of October, the aim of the project was to bring back to life unusable areas and enabling the primary school pupils to once again enjoy learning about the environment, sustainability and gardening.

The group of seven students from Exmouth and the wider area are part of the 12 week Team Programme delivered from Exmouth and, as part of their community project set about renovating the Academy’s gardens, ponds and forest path area.

“The students have worked tirelessly over the last three weeks in adverse weather conditions to complete the Community Project as part of their course, this has really helped the students to work together as a team, learning new skills which they will be able to utilise throughout the course and in later life” said Jonny Clarke the Team leader of the programme. “We were determined to complete this before the official opening and whilst it’s been hard work the students have also learnt about the importance of planning, team work and perseverance; which has given the students a great sense of achievement and they are very proud that they have contributed back to the their local community with this project.

Richard, 19 one of the Prince’s Trust Team Programme said “I think this project will give the children an area to play and learn in a different environment, and give them new skills for life. Being on this course has really helped me to become a confident leader, which I have put into practice by taking the lead in activities throughout the course which will really help me to pursue with my ambition of becoming an outdoor instructor.”

Head of Teaching and Learning Martin O'Mahony from Brixington Primary Academy has expressed his gratitude and admiration to the Princes Trust students and Team Leaders. “They have made a real difference to the children of the school by enhancing this space” he said. “The children are very excited about planting next year’s crop and will be keen to invite the students back to see it all when it is flowering in all its glory.”

Mayor of Exmouth Cllr Maddy Chapman and Deputy Mayor Brian Cole will be officially re-opening the Brixington Primary Academy Garden on the 11th of November 2015 12noon to 12.30pm

If you are between 16-25 currently not employed or in full-time education please contact Team Leader Jonny Clarke or Assistant Team Leader Charlene Keefe on 01395 263006. Or email jonnyclarke@exe-coll-ac.uk for more information. Don’t forget to like us @ www.facebook.com/Exeter-College-Exmouth.