Maths and Science Hub in Centre of the City

The revitalisation of a former disused building in the centre of Exeter was celebrated this week when Exeter College’s new Maths and Science Centre was formally opened by Prof Sir Steve Smith, Vice Chancellor of the University of Exeter.

The former Job Centre building on Queen Street had lain unoccupied for ten years until the college acquired it in 2013. The building of over 2,000 sq metres, which is located on one of the major gateways into the city, now boasts six maths classrooms, a computer science suite and 12 purpose built science labs covering biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, geology and forensic science. These have all been designed to the highest specifications to enable and support inspirational and innovative teaching. The centre also houses a student cafe, learning hub, interview rooms and a staff room.

“These facilities will support our faculty to move beyond our current outstanding provision as measured by Ofsted, to fulfil its vision of being the premier destination of choice for post 16 maths and science education in the region” said Nick Anderson, head of the maths and science faculty at the college. The faculty currently delivers a strong programme of eight A levels in physics, maths, geology, environmental studies, computer science, chemistry, biology and further maths as well as the BTEC applied science (forensic science) extended diploma and access to higher education courses.

Science ClassThe official opening saw education, science, business and community leaders from the area join Prof Sir Steve Smith in a tour of the facilities hearing from staff and students about how the new Centre was already enhancing their science and maths experience and inspiring bright young minds from across the south west to deepen their passion and develop their talent for maths, science and computing.

“This is an important additional development for the college, the city and county” said Richard Atkins, Principal of Exeter College. “We continue to provide an outstanding student experience through our focus on teaching, learning and up to date industry standard resources and facilities. This new centre demonstrates the importance of maths, science and computing to the college, the city and to the national and global economy. We were proud of being awarded the prestigious STEM Assured Award in 2013 which validated the high quality of our science, technology, engineering and maths provision as well as our partnerships with employers. This new centre, together with our work with the University of Exeter on the specialist Maths School continues our commitment in this crucial area and further raises the profile of Exeter City as the regional capital for science and innovation. This investment has also injected new life in to what was a redundant building in such a prominent part of the city.”

Sir Steve Smith continued to highlight the importance of investment in skills and knowledge that benefits not only the individual and the city but the national economy. Praising the vision of the city’s council and the leadership of Richard Atkins he went on to say “What you are teaching here could not be more important for the individuals and the country. This is not just an Exeter facility but is a south west destination and is an incredible asset for the city. What you are doing here is equipping individuals to succeed in high value jobs. We’re proud of our relationship with the college through the Maths School and our involvement with the college and the city council and other partners in Innovation Exeter which aims to provide a base for working on data analytics and STEM subjects, to build scientific excellence. I’m honoured to be here, this is a fantastic building, beautifully designed and you can tell it has great teaching.”

The refurbishment during 2014/15 also saw installation of passive ventilation systems and photovoltaic panels to improve the building’s energy efficiency with additional cycle racks, showering and drying facilities to support the growing number of staff and students opting for the eco travel options to get to college.