News round up: Exeter College supporting the community during the lockdown

Over the last few months, we, as a college, community, and a nation, have experienced a lot of firsts. We’re proud to have stepped up to help, supporting people through these difficult times. Here’s our round up of the most popular stories on our website since the lockdown began. 

WE MOVED TO HOME AND ONLINE LEARNING 

Following the advice from Public Health England, the Government and the NHS, Exeter College sites closed for the majority of learners.

Although the Exeter College site closed, learning never stopped. Thanks to our expert staff, students’ exceptional education continued remotely. 

In a bid to offer further support, we provided our top tips on how to study at home, a guide on how to set up work and learning areas and our Health and wellbeing expert shared his advice on how to look after yourself during the lockdown. 

Find out more about our move to remote learning.

WE OFFERED ACCOMMODATION TO NHS WORKERS

Exeter College has opened the doors of its Clock Tower accommodation to NHS workers in need of a place to stay during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.  

“Staff at Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital are working incredibly hard to save lives on the front line. As a community organisation, we felt it’s only right that we offer everything we can to help them and the NHS,”
– Kristyn Woodward, Exeter College Director of Student Experience.

Find out more.  

**WE LAUNCHED FLYING START FOR STUDENTS JOINING US IN SEPTEMBER**

We knew lots of students were keen to get a head start on their College subjects before joining us. So, we developed Flying Start; our suite of pre-enrolment learning content, getting students to think about their new subjects with us. 

“Flying Start provides some small introductory pieces of work, as well as some suggested background reading on subjects,”
– Jade Otty, Exeter College Vice Principal.

Access our Flying Start pre-enrolment work. 

Find out more about Flying Start. 

WE JOINED FORCES WITH PPE4EXETER

In Partnership with PPE4Exeter, a grassroots community project, Exeter College supported the production and distribution of Personal Protective Equipment for community-bases health and care workers.

We have helped PPE4Exeter provide local centres with safety glasses, face masks, gloves and face shields.

Find out more about our partnership with PPE4Exeter. 

WE LINKED UP WITH FOOD4HEROES TO PROVIDE MEALS TO NHS STAFF

We offered our state-of-the-art industrial kitchen facilities to Food4Heroes; a charity that provides free nutritious meals to frontline NHS staff during the Coronavirus pandemic.  

Exeter College’s @34 training kitchens are now in use, providing 200 nutritionally balanced, free meals to NHS staff at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital daily. 

Find out more. 

WE CAUGHT UP WITH OUR STUDENTS

We shared how our students were getting on with their remote learning.

“Despite all the uncertainty with the current situation, the transition to home learning has been smooth. It has been good to have some continuity and a reason to force some structure into what could be empty days,”
– Tom Matthew, FE Student Governor.

We also got in touch with Madeline Crow, an Exeter College student who ended her studies early to join the NHS front line staff in the fight against coronavirus.

Find out more about how our students have found remote learning.

WE MOVED OUR OPEN EVENTS ONLINE

We wanted to offer people the chance to discover everything our Ofsted Outstanding further education provider has to offer, from the comfort of their own home.

With our Apprenticeship Online Open Event and our Online Showcase being a success, we will soon be rolling out our Adult Online Open Event for anyone who wants to learn a new skill or further their career.

Applications are open now to study at Ofsted Outstanding Exeter College in September 2020.

Exeter College student joins NHS front line

Exeter College student Madeleine Crow has concluded her College studies early to take up a position on the NHS front line.

Madeleine, 17, from Topsham, was in her final year at Exeter College studying A Levels in Biology and PE, alongside a BTEC in Health and Social Care, when the Government announced the closure of all schools and colleges to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.

“It’s a steep learning curve, but everyone’s helpful, and everyone’s working together.”
Madeleine Crow, Health Care Assistant.

Madeleine had already secured a job offer from Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital but decided to join them on the front line as a Healthcare Assistant before she was due to start in order to help in the fight against Coronavirus.

Commenting on her new role, Madeleine said, “The atmosphere at the hospital is a bit different from how it usually is as everybody slightly on edge.

“I’ve been on a lot of COVID-19 wards, and it is a bit scary, but there are still patients who need looking after.  

“It is a different type of nursing, as there is less patient contact. The personal protective equipment makes it feel like there is a wall between you and the patient; but we have to be careful to protect ourselves and protect the patients.

“It’s a steep learning curve, but everyone’s helpful, and everyone’s working together.”

Madeleine is following in the footsteps of her parents, both of whom also work for the NHS.

Her father is currently helping with the hospital’s planning for the COVID-19 pandemic as a Director at the hospital, while her mother works as an Assistant at a local GP surgery.

Madeleine said, “My mum has always done things to help and support people. She used to be a family support worker and we had a foster child for a while. She has always helped to look after people, and it’s made me want to do it too.”

Madeleine also wanted to pay tribute to the College for helping to prepare her for her new NHS role.

She said, “My Health and Social Care BTEC gave me a good understanding of how patient care is delivered, and my Biology A Level has been beneficial too.

“There is no way to know what it’s like until you’re actually working, but Exeter College gave me a good insight.”

Madeleine appreciates the insights her Healthcare Assistant role is currently giving her in working with the NHS and would like to continue her nursing career in the future.

She said, “There are so many ways to go into nursing, from Apprenticeship schemes to getting a degree and working your way up; it’ll be a matter of what will be available at the time and when I can start.”

Find out what Exeter College has been doing to help support the community during these unprecedented times.

Are you interested in a career in healthcare? Apply now for the September 2020 start.

Big boost for Devon’s economic recovery

A major step to boost Devon’s economy after lockdown is being taken by the County Council and partners Exeter College.

A new academy for future skills will be created to offer training for high-tech jobs in engineering, digital, construction and clean growth.

Devon County Council has agreed to purchase the vacant former Flybe Training Academy in Exeter which closed when the airline went into administration. The deal will see Exeter College, the city’s Ofsted outstanding education provider, run the new academy.

“This new academy will not just provide future skills for a more sustainable Devon, it will also support us to develop skills in digital and data technologies,”
John Laramy, Principal and Chief Executive of Exeter College

Since 2007 Exeter College has been the chosen academic partner of the Flybe Training Academy and delivered a range of programmes including non-aerospace work. The new academy will offer inspirational opportunities for the region’s young people, while also offering adults the chance to upskill or retrain into a chosen career.

County council leader John Hart said: “We must all continue to be extremely vigilant and maintain the restrictions which have seen our region emerge as the area which has been least affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

“But as lockdown is gradually eased, we must plan for the future and do all we can to protect and improve our economy.

“Creating and retaining a highly skilled workforce underpins the economic prosperity of Devon and will be a key part of our economic recovery plan after Covid 19.”

The county council is investing almost £4 million into the project.

Devon’s Cabinet member for economy and skills, Rufus Gilbert, said: “High-tech skills for engineering and digital are vital to our economy.

“Engineering and its aligned professions account for around seven or eight per cent of Devon’s workforce but provide around 20 per cent of our output.

“Some two per cent of Devon’s engineers retire each year and there are key gaps in the engineering sector. So ensuring a steady supply of experienced engineering professionals is a key element of our long-term growth plans.

“They will be an important part of our plans to reset our economy for a future skills agenda taking in high-tech engineering, digital and data, advanced manufacturing, sustainable construction and clean growth and energy.

“And depending on how the aviation industry recovers from the pandemic, we are also well placed to provide training for careers in aerospace as well.

“Our young people are our future. This is an excellent plan and we are doing it for them.

“It will support the creation and retention of local talent, provide rewarding careers for our young people and support innovation across the business sector.”

John Laramy, Principal and Chief Executive of Exeter College said: “We are delighted to be able to support this ground-breaking partnership with Devon County Council.

“This new academy will not just provide future skills for a more sustainable Devon, it will also support us to develop skills in digital and data technologies, including building on our excellent track record of working with artificial intelligence and supporting new sectors such as robotic agriculture.

“This will ensure our community have the very best in education and training, and our position as a provider of education and training using cutting-edge technologies continues.

“We have had a long standing relationship with the training academy and see this collaboration to have significant benefit for the region in ensuring Devon retains a highly skilled, local workforce that continues to thrive in challenging economic times.”

Local county councillor Sara Randall-Johnson said: “It is vitally important that we maintain this training facility especially for the growing town of Cranbrook which has a young population.”

The leader of Devon’s Labour opposition, Rob Hannaford, said: “I am 100 per cent behind this. The loss of this skills and training hub now would have been devastating.

“We want our young people to have high-skilled, well-paid jobs and be the bedrock of our economy.”

Liberal Democrat leader Alan Connett said: “This is a unique opportunity to acquire the former Flybe Academy and I support the county council’s plan to purchase it and enable Exeter College to expand its range of courses at the facility.

“It is important that we invest in the educational development of our young people, especially so given the current situation but also for the long-term prosperity of our county and wider region.”

How to make the most of Exeter College’s Online Showcase

UPDATE: The Online Showcase is has now taken place. Check back on our website in the next few days for the seminar recordings.

View our video playlist on support with Exeter College.

We’re inviting you to our all-new Online Showcase, Thursday 21st May 2020, 3 pm – 8 pm. Our Online Showcase will provide you with everything you need to know about coming to Exeter College, all from the comfort of your own home.

Perfect for years 9s, 10s and 11s who are thinking about their education after secondary school, our Showcase will allow you to find out more about the courses, subjects and clubs we can offer you.

Not only does each session include a live, interactive seminar with a subject leader, but you will also have the opportunity to ask course-related questions.

Additionally, you’ll have access to a talk from the Principal, you can hear from our College Advice Team, and you can learn about the Travel Scheme.

But what can you do to make the most out of the Exeter College Online Showcase? This is what we recommend…

Register

First things first, you need to register your interest in our Online Showcase. To do this, select which subjects you would like to attend from the drop-down menus on our open event page.

If you don’t see any subjects which take your fancy during a time slot, feel free to leave those session times blank.

Although we’ve tried our best to stagger courses so that you can hear from all the subjects you’re interested in, if two of your session have the same time slot, don’t worry! We will be recording our seminars and they’ll be available to watch after the Showcase.

How it works

Once you’ve registered, we’ll send you an email with your times so that you know when to tune in.

On the day of the event, we will email you links to join the Showcase session slots. All you need to do is click on the link at the start of the session time and you’re in!

This email will also give you access to the Principal’s talk on learning with Exeter College as well as access to videos outlining the support services we can offer you.

The Showcase will be streamed via Microsoft Teams. There’s no need to install the software, you just click the link in your email and you will access the seminar via your web browser.

Questions

Each session will be around 30 minutes long and split into two sections. The first part will be an interactive seminar run by the subject leader. During the second section, you will have the opportunity to ask live questions about the course. Just type your questions in and get your answers!

Make sure you have a notepad and a pen on you during the session. This way, you can jot down any questions that pop into your head throughout. If you want to be extra prepared, you could also note down a few questions before the seminar begins.

Social Media

Once the live Showcase element is over, you can still hear from your other subject leaders. If there was a session that you weren’t able to attend, or if you would like to watch the seminar again, we will be uploading the recordings online in the days following the Online Showcase.

Keep an eye on our social media channels to keep updated. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Apply to Exeter College

If you’ve been impressed by what you heard during our Online Showcase, and we hope you are, apply to study at Exeter College. We’re currently accepting applications for the September 2020 start.

If you need any help with your application during the current Coronavirus pandemic, check out our frequently asked questions, or contact our college advice team on CAT@exe-coll.ac.uk. If you’ve already applied and want to talk about your application, please contact info@exe-coll.ac.uk.

University Academic Announced as Patron of Exeter College

University of Exeter Vice Chancellor Sir Steve Smith has been announced as a Patron of Exeter College, becoming just the second person to be awarded the prestigious title.

Exeter College awards patronages in recognition of exceptional achievements of distinguished friends of the College and Sir Steve joins renowned Chef Michael Caines MBE in receiving the honour.

“I have had the privilege of working closely with Exeter College over a number of years, and it plays a pivotal role not only in providing an exceptional educational experience for its students but also in the wider community,”
Sir Steve Smith, University of Exeter Vice Chancellor

Sir Steve has been instrumental in shaping the education landscape within Exeter and the wider region. Together, the University of Exeter and Exeter College are co-sponsors of both the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust and the Exeter Mathematics School. It is these partnerships and the relationship between the University and the College that has helped to make the education ecosystem within Exeter so clear, coherent and effective.

Sir Steve’s tenure as Vice Chancellor at the University of Exeter has seen the University gain Russell Group status and consistently excel in national and international rankings of universities. His achievements since his appointment in 2002 have also seen him knighted in 2011 and made Freeman of the City of Exeter in 2019. Between 2009 and 2011 Sir Steve was President of Universities UK (UUK).

The announcement was officially made at Exeter College’s landmark 50^th Anniversary Student Awards held in the stunning location of Exeter Cathedral in January.

Speaking after receiving the award, Sir Steve said, “I am delighted, and humbled, to have been given the honour of becoming a Patron of Exeter College.

“I have had the privilege of working closely with Exeter College over a number of years, and it plays a pivotal role not only in providing an exceptional educational experience for its students but also in the wider community. Exeter already has a wonderful ethos of collaboration amongst its further and higher education institutions, and I am delighted to have this opportunity not just to help strengthen this further, but also to support the excellent work carried out at Exeter College in the coming years.”

As a Patron of Exeter College, Sir Steve has been formally recognised for his immense contributions to the region and education. The College, in turn, can benefit from his accumulated knowledge, his passion for education and his belief in the power of partnership.

Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy, who has worked closely with Sir Steve and his team since joining the College 11 years ago, said, “We are thrilled that Sir Steve has agreed to become a Patron of Exeter College. His impact on the City of Exeter, the region and research-intensive education more widely, has been immense. We will benefit greatly from his wisdom and guidance in the years ahead, I am sure that Sir Steve’s ethos of partnership working and collaboration between higher education and further education is a blueprint for the future.

“Sir Steve has been an incredible advocate for the development of not just for the University, but for the wider community and has been a passionate supporter of Exeter College over the years.”

Exeter College’s Student Awards celebrated the exceptional students of Exeter College in a landmark event that also looked back on 50 years since being named as the UK’s first ever tertiary college. Inspirational students were recognised in a ceremony after a meal served in the nave of Exeter Cathedral.

Find out more about the Exeter College Student Awards 2020.

[Photo: Sir Steve Smith is pictured with Exeter College Principal John Laramy, Chair of Governors David Allen OBE and student award winners at the Exeter College Student Awards in January 2020.]

You’re Invited to Exeter College’s Online Showcase

Exeter College is launching its first ever Online Showcase, offering school leavers the chance to discover everything the Ofsted Outstanding further education provider has to offer from the comfort of their own home.

The Online Showcase will take place on Thursday 21^st May 2020, 3pm-8pm and gives potential applicants the opportunity to discover more about courses, teaching and support available on travel and in the classroom.

As part of the Online Showcase, students in year 9, 10 or 11 will get the chance to watch interactive seminars with subject leaders and opportunities will be available for questions to be answered via live web chat.

Register your interest today and we’ll send you a personalised timetable for the subjects you are interested in. Simple instructions will be sent in the run up to the event on how to access the live sessions through Microsoft Teams (no installation required).

Advice and guidance will also be available on anything from which types of courses you should consider to which clubs and societies you can get involved with if you join us.

Any current school student interested in joining Exeter College is welcome to register to attend the Online Showcase, whether you’ve already applied or you’re just looking at your options for when you finish school.

This is a great chance to find out everything you need to know about joining Ofsted Outstanding Exeter College.

Can’t virtually attend on the day? We’ll post recordings from the sessions on our website so you can catch up on what you’ve missed!

If you’re an adult learner (18+), we will soon be announcing our Online Adult Open Event, which will provide specialist information and advice.

Considering an Apprenticeship? You can attend the Virtual Apprenticeship Open Evening on 14^th May to find out everything you need to know. If not, you can register for an Apprenticeship seminar in session seven of the Online Showcase.

Polly’s Apprenticeship Story

Empowering adults, children and young people with disabilities to make choices and take control of their own lives is what drives 22-year-old Apprentice Polly Wayland.

As an Exeter College student, Polly studied hard to develop the knowledge and skills to enable her to pursue a career caring for others as a Support Worker at Community Equality Disability Action (CEDA), based in Exeter. At the same time Polly stood square to face her own battle in completing the Maths qualification required to enable her to complete her Apprenticeship.

“We take a holistic approach, breaking down the barriers to learning that have existed for many years and for many different reasons,”
Helen Barker, Polly’s Tutor at Exeter College

Polly was taking on the exam for the ninth time in March this year and, this time, to the delight of Polly and her tutors, she passed. Polly was then able to complete her Apprenticeship enabling her to provide valuable assistance to the Exeter community who so rely on her support.

What was the turning point that drove Polly’s success? “It was because the tutors at Exeter College taught me to think in a different way,” said Polly.

Helen Barker, Polly’s tutor, said, “Polly has shown exceptional competency in the workplace, however she had a mental block around Maths. Together we worked on developing the new skills which have led to her success. Her determination and commitment, even when she found the going hard, is commendable.”

Polly is enormously thankful to the Apprentice Learning Support Team. Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships, praised the team, he said: “They are highly dedicated advocates of all who come into their care, ensuring that all Apprentices, and those on our traineeship programmes, have the opportunity to succeed. Our success rates are 14% above national average and it’s in no small part due to the dedication and support of tutors like Helen, that more people succeed with Exeter College than elsewhere.”

Helen said, “We take a holistic approach, breaking down the barriers to learning that have existed for many years and for many different reasons.”

Helen speaks from experience – she knows what it means to have a fractured school experience; a house-move at sixteen put paid to Helen’s own exam hopes as a teenager. However, never daunted, Helen rediscovered her confidence and hunger to learn in her mid-twenties, ultimately going on to achieve her Master’s.

“At college we will often come across Apprentices who have had their schooling disrupted through no fault of their own,” said Helen.

“We work with these people – of all ages, to develop their confidence and build the skills they need in order that they can achieve. The college also provides a wide range of pastoral care around student wellbeing and mental health, which we can draw upon to ensure that each of our Apprentices has the chance to achieve.”

As a beneficiary of Exeter College’s support, Polly is now going on to enable others to live as independently as possible, to live the lives they have chosen for themselves – a difficult job during these challenging times of COVID-19 lockdown but one for which the evidence clearly shows Polly is ready to take on.

Find out more

Interested in an Apprenticeship? Find more useful tips, advice and guidance on the Apprenticeship experience.

I am Ella Hymans, a Digital Marketing Apprentice working for Exeter College. After a year in this role I have heard many different views about Apprenticeships from family, friends and the general public, many of which are inaccurate, misguided or just plain untrue.

The thing is, they genuinely believe these ‘facts’ to be true. This is why I decided to put out this message to anyone who may be considering, or knows someone who is considering an Apprenticeship so I can reassure them about the value of Apprenticeships and set their minds to rest.

Misconception 1: “Apprenticeships are only if you want to be a Bricklayer or a Hairdresser”

Out of all the misconceptions spread about Apprenticeships, I believe this is one of the furthest from the truth. There are thousands of Apprenticeship courses out there.

I am currently studying Digital Marketing, which is a computer-based job also giving me the opportunity to interact with clients and utilise my creativity. My Apprenticeship is not at all what you would call a ‘blue collar’ job, but then again, what would be the problem if it was?

There are Apprenticeship opportunities for everyone, in the trades, in retail, manufacturing and the service industry. Microsoft, Google, Apple and many other blue chip companies all run successful Apprenticeship programmes.

An Apprenticeship offers you the chance to go straight into an industry of your choosing. This means that you have access to roles in anything from project management to data analytics, in industries from engineering to construction, science, care work, teaching, IT, and so much more. You can pursue a career that you love and get a qualification which you can build on and helps you progress in your career. It’s not just about joining a family business or finding something to do when you leave school, it’s about how to start making your way in the world – all with no debt to pay off at the end of it!

Misconception 2: “Employers don’t value Apprenticeships as much as degrees”

With an Apprenticeship you get to earn and learn. This means that alongside your Apprenticeship you gain a qualification that is just as valid and recognised as A Levels or Degrees. If you don’t need a degree to begin your career – so excluding lawyers for example – there is often no need to do a Degree. With an Apprenticeship you won’t just get a qualification, you’ll also get real life work experience, as well as contacts in the industry.

With those contacts in industry, many Apprentices find that leap to a first full time job can come a little easier as they already have the practical skills to work in industry and know some of the people who can give them that opportunity.

On top of this, as I previously mentioned, Apprenticeships don’t come with the debt attached. Apprenticeships provide an alternative career path that is completely debt-free but can take you to the same desired position in your chosen field. Apprenticeships go from Level 2 to Level 7, which scales from entry level to Apprenticeship levels that are equivalent to a full Master’s Degree. This gives you the opportunity to achieve the same qualification as your peers in university, without the debt which could take decades to repay! On top of this you also get paid, so what is there to lose?

Misconception 3: “Apprenticeships are for those who are not Academic”

This is very similar to our first misconception and comes from a similar belief held by far too many people. Apprenticeships are simply for those who prefer to on-the-job education to a classroom-based education.

Personally, I followed school through to A Levels and would have definitely be classed as one of the more ‘geeky/academic’ students. Alongside school, I had a variety of jobs from the age of 14. I have always enjoyed working – even with jobs that were fairly monotonous and not particularly exciting.

I also did not enjoy A levels. It was difficult for me to see how I could apply my learning to the real world and I realised that if I was unhappy at this stage, then University was not going to be right for me and I needed to find another option.

Finally – after taking a gap year to revaluate my options – I found Apprenticeships! I’ve never looked back. I have thrived learning on-the-job, alongside gaining valuable knowledge from my weekly day learning in the classroom. Everything I have learnt in College has directly related to what I am doing in my everyday work. It has therefore been the perfect option for me and I believe can be for others.

Misconception 4: “Apprentices just make the tea and coffee”

This is certainly one I would like to correct on behalf of all the Apprentices out there working incredibly hard! In my role I have an extremely busy schedule, this can involve creating social media posts, running events, giving presentations, meeting with employers and Apprentices, creating print media and anything else the day may throw at me. I don’t have the time to make tea and coffee for myself let alone anyone else in the office!

This misconception often comes from anyone who has done work experience during school. There are a few good work experience opportunities but as a whole you are mostly left in a corner to fend for yourself, ‘making tea and coffee’ for employees when the occasion arises. As an Apprentice you are an employee, this means you will have a job to do and you will be paid to do that job. Most companies can’t afford to hire someone purely for the purpose of being the office tea maker. Your role is likely to be more exciting than you think, with many opportunities to learn and develop along the way.

Missing out on the ‘Uni life’ is something I myself was worried about entering into an Apprenticeship. However, I haven’t found this to be the case at all. I have less homework than I would have at university, so I can thoroughly enjoy most of my weekend, rather than having to worry about staying home and reading text books or writing essays. I have also joined a group called the ‘Young Apprentice Ambassador Network’. This is incredible as it not only provides opportunities for me to go and share my story with others, but it also provides a whole network of other Apprentices that I can meet with and socialise with. I may not be going out every single night, but I am still having an amazing time.

Interested in an Apprenticeship? Contact our team now to find out your options.

Email:Apprentices@exe-coll.ac.uk
Phone: 01392 400800

Exeter Chiefs Women’s Side Boosts Exeter College Rugby Academy

Exeter College’s Ofsted Outstanding offer to the region’s top young rugby talent received a huge boost with the news that Exeter Chiefs’ newly launched professional women’s side received approval to join the Tyrrell’s Premier 15s League.

The agreement to join the league rubber stamps the launch of Exeter Chiefs’ women’s team and provides fresh impetus to Women’s Rugby Academy at Exeter College.

Exeter College has been offering the Women’s Rugby Academy education provision in partnership with Exeter Chiefs for three years, with students given the chance to pursue a career in professional rugby while receiving exceptional education with the College.

Following on from the success of the Men’s Exeter Chiefs Rugby Academy at Exeter College, the Women’s provision has grown in popularity since its launch three years ago and now almost 50 students are receiving both top class rugby coaching as well as Ofsted Outstanding education.

The creation of a fully-fledged women’s professional rugby side in Exeter has opened new opportunities for the South West’s finest female rugby players to remain in the area and pursue their career in professional sport while also receiving top class post-16 education.

Exeter Chiefs Women’s Head Coach Susie Appleby, who won 65 caps for England during her playing career, said, “It’s an incredibly exciting time to be a young female player in the South West. Exeter College already has an excellent rugby programme, which is crucial to the success of Exeter Chiefs Women.

“Exeter Chiefs will be supporting this programme; our players will be coaching, helping with analysis and also in the gym. We want female players to experience a professional training environment from an early age, and the Exeter College Academy provides this opportunity.

“We hope players graduating from the academy will be the next Exeter Chiefs stepping out on to Sandy Park and ultimately into an England shirt.”

In addition to students’ academic studies with Exeter College, Rugby Academy pupils take part in first-rate training regimes embedded into their timetable to ensure that their sporting prowess matches their academic progression. With state-of-the-art gym facilities opened in 2019, students can also get ahead in the gym when not in the classroom or on the pitch.

Exeter College Sports Academy Manager Chris Wall said, “We’re all thrilled that Exeter Chiefs are forging ahead with their plans for a women’s professional side.

“With the Chiefs’ influence and popularity, I’m hoping that this will not only help inspire our current students about the levels of the sport they can reach, but also help develop that next generation of women’s rugby players and raise their aspirations to a possible career in professional rugby if you’ve got the talent and work ethic.

“Our Academy players will be supporting the roster of players that are available to the Chiefs’ side and will get the chance to really interact and see what it’s like for the current professionals in the game. I can’t wait to see more positive benefits from this partnership come to fruition in the coming years.”

Sports Academy students at Exeter College have varied study options and students travelling from further afield could opt to stay in the College’s Clock Tower boarding accommodation, complete with ensuite bedrooms and communal social spaces. Support on travel is also available through the College’s Travel Scheme and there’s a wide variety of course options available for students taking part in Sports Academies.

If you have applied for the Sports Academy or intend to do so, Exeter College will be holding performance trials once the College reopens and the current situation regarding the Coronavirus pandemic allows it.

Find out more

Find out more about the Sports Academies at Exeter College.

Apply online now to secure your place at Exeter College in September 2020.

Check out accommodation options at Exeter College.

Contact Sports Academy Manager Chris Wall with any direct queries on chriswall@exe-coll.ac.uk.

Exeter College students on their remote learning experiences

Although the Exeter College sites are closed to the majority of learners, exceptional learning continues remotely for our students.

Thanks to our innovative teaching staff, hard working students and college-wide adoption of digital learning technologies, students are being supported with interactive study sessions as home, as well as independent activities to continue their education.

“Teachers have been calling us online. This is especially useful for a subject like Spanish, where we must keep practising our speaking,”
Sam Pestridge, Exeter College Student

For our next generation of students, we have also brought forward our Flying Start campaign. This is our suite of pre-enrolment learning content designed to help year 11 students make the best possible start to starting a full time course with Exeter College in 2020.

Digital Learning

Our teachers have long been incorporating digital technology into their classrooms as part of our status as a Microsoft Showcase College. Since the Government’s closure of schools and colleges in response to the Coronavirus pandemic, our plan for delivering exceptional education online launched and students are being support to continue their progress from the comfort of their own homes.

But how are pupils finding this shift to remote, digital learning? We caught up with a few of them to find out how they’re getting on…

Tom Matthew: new flexibility

“Despite all the uncertainty with the current situation, the transition to home learning has been smooth. It has been good to have some continuity and a reason to force some structure into what could be empty days. It has also been a bonus to be able to set my alarm 90 minutes later than usual and still be ready to work at 9am!

“So far my teachers have sent me PowerPoints, videos, practise questions and articles. Learning from home comes with new flexibility, which I have enjoyed. I can stick at something for as long as I want and switch to different ways of learning depending on what works best for me, and my teachers have supported me in doing that.

“I have been able to ask my teachers more and better questions over email than I would in the classroom.”

Sam Pestridge: teaching approaches

“All my teachers have been creating PowerPoints that we can work through. My politics teacher records herself speaking over the presentation; it’s almost like being in class.

“Teachers have been calling us online. This is especially useful for a subject like Spanish, where we must keep practising our speaking.

“All of my teachers are very supportive. They are there ready to reply to emails or over OneNote if we need them.”

Bayleigh Bewes: being supported

“I’ve set up a little desk with all my notes on to help me focus on schoolwork.

“My teachers and tutor regularly email or message to keep us up to date and check on us to make sure we’re doing okay academically, mentally and emotionally during this confusing time.”

Ella Edmonds: staying motivated

“The most important thing I’ve found to stay motivated is to keep a good structure. I work on my classes at the same time I would if it were a typical College day, taking my breaks at the same time too. This is an excellent way for me to stay motivated since it means that I can set time limits and not end up over/underworking each day.

“I have also found that music is helpful for me because I struggle to focus when it’s silent.

“Making time each day to talk to people has been so important. I talk to my friends daily to stay positive and feel less lonely. I also love spending every day with my dog!”

If you would like to share how your remote learning is going, email us on marketing@exe-coll.ac.uk, or tag us in your posts using #ExeCollTogether.

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