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Everything you need to know about Enrichment

When you become a full time student at Exeter College your learning isn’t just limited to your chosen subjects. You’ll also be able to join in on a wide range of Enrichment and extracurricular activities.

If you’ve heard about Enrichment but aren’t sure what it is or why it’s important then read on…

What is Enrichment at Exeter College?

Enrichment activities at Exeter College represent an opportunity for all students aged 16-19 and on full time courses to test out new hobbies, get a skill or qualification and make new friends! It’s an organised set of exciting activities that enhances your core programme of learning at the college; it helps you enjoy and achieve and make the most of your time with us.

You can choose your activities during the Freshers’ Fair at the start of term, with enrichment activities available nearly every day.

Which activities are available?

There is a whole wealth of clubs and activities available to choose from, from self-defence to big band, learning a language to Model United Nations. Take a look here for some ideas of what is normally on offer.

If there isn’t something that takes your fancy, then why not think about setting up a group of your own? Our Student Union can help spread the word to bring together a group of like-minded people who share your hobby or passion.

New students also have the option to join an Academy such as the Sports Academy, Reach Academy, Music Academy, Performing Arts Academy or Journalism Academy. You should register your interest in one of our inspiring academies during the application process. Find out more about our Academies.

When do the activities take place?

For many students, time for enrichment activities is built into their timetable on a Wednesday afternoon, so joining a club doesn’t mean you miss out on study time. However, there are some projects such as Ten Tors, Duke of Edinburgh Award, which involve a bit more dedication. Other activities and clubs meet up on different days and times, with enrichment schemes available nearly every day.

Do any of the activities cost money?

Most extracurricular activities that take place within the college are free of charge. Some activities such as the annual Ski Trip and Ten Tors have a cost involved for things such as travel, accommodation and equipment. Some membership fees also apply when being part of some of our Academies.

Why take part in an Enrichment activity?

Enrichment is an important part of your time at college. For this reason, we encourage all our students to join one of the many clubs and opportunities available.

Some enrichment activities involve giving up an hour a week, while others take a bit more time and commitment.

As well as having the chance to meet new people and make new friends, you can use this time to relax and learn something new. It’s always a good idea to have a hobby that you are passionate about on your personal statement or CV, so what are you waiting for?

Where to find out more and get involved.

You’ll have the opportunity to find out more about the enrichment activities and clubs available, as well as sign up to your chosen activities at the Freshers Fair in September.

“There are so many fantastic opportunities at Exeter College to challenge yourself and get your voice heard through clubs and societies, trips, becoming a tutor rep, and joining the Student Union! There’s so much to get involved in and so many pathways you can take.”

– Natasha Pavey, Exeter College student

Want a taste of everything that is on offer at Exeter College? Register now for the Exeter College Showcase – the one-stop-shop for everything Exeter College has to offer under one roof.

Apply now for 2020 entry.

Young Chefs Best in the West

As part of Exeter College celebrating 50 years as the UK’s first ever tertiary college, we’re talking to some of the inspirational students, staff and alumni who have helped make us the Ofsted Outstanding education provider we are today. 

Exeter College’s current hospitality and catering students are following a legacy of success for the department. As we reflect on three then-Exeter College students making the headlines on this month 42 years ago, our current fledgling students are also cooking up a storm in the region’s culinary competitions.  

Then… 

From the left Julia Shackleford from Exmouth, Andrew Corrick from Sidmouth, and Charles Moore, Dawlish (1972).

In February 1972, three Exeter College students won the first prize with their dishes at the ‘Cater 78’ competition for the second year running. The annual contest, held in Paignton, was the most significant provincial catering exhibition in Britain at the time.  

The second year culinary arts students created lavish dishes as part of the contest. One team member, Andrew Corrick from Sidmouth, spent a total of 19 hours preparing and cooking his fish dish which landed him the first prize. Exmouth’s Julia Shackleford and Charles Moore from Dawlish were the other winners on the night.  

The Head of Food and Fashion at the time said he was proud of the students’ success.   

“The judges told us afterwards that the standard of our work was higher than that seen recently at the National Culinary Competition at Olympia.” 

And now… 

Forty-two years later and our hospitality and catering students are still flying high. This month a group of students competed in the Major Series competition, bringing home medals for their achievements.   

The annual Major Series competition, in association with The Craft Guild of Chefs, aims to provide students with the opportunity to showcase their skills while competing against their peers from other colleges.  

With categories ranging from the ‘Hot Chicken Challenge’ to the ‘Decorated Gateau Class’, students can demonstrate and build on a range of skills.  

Our students once again impressed the judges, with three students coming home with gold, seven with silver and four with bronze medals.   

Mark Stoyle, Programme Leader for Hospitality, Hair and Beauty, accompanied the students to this year’s Major Series event.   

“As always, the students have made our faculty and the college amazingly proud. They have come back with a good haul of medals – excellent results throughout,” said Mark.   

Rosie Nevill, Level 3 Professional Cookery student, will be going to London for the national final next year. Rosie has also been asked to return as one of the judges in 2021. 

Exeter College students who competed in the Major Series Competition 2020.  

Exeter College is celebrating 50 years since being named as the UK’s first tertiary college. Although our roots date back to the 1800s, our status as a tertiary college marked a revolution in further education and 2020 marks our 50 years of excellence since that landmark. If you have a memory of Exeter College through the years that you’d like to share, contact marketing@exe-coll.ac.uk or get involved on social media using #ExeColl50 

The Sound of Success: Alumni on his Fledgling Career as a Sound Engineer

As part of Exeter College celebrating 50 years as the UK’s first ever tertiary college, we’re talking to some of the inspirational students, staff and alumni who have helped make us the Ofsted Outstanding education provider we are today. 

Since finishing his course at Exeter College, no day has been the same for alumni Jed Holmes. Working on impressive projects as a sound engineer, 19-year-old Jed has worked all over England and even in the USA.  

Jed completed his Music Technology BTEC Extended Diploma in 2019 and has been working at the Exeter branch of Stage Engage ever since.  

Jed explained, “Doing the Music Technology course was great. I had engaging lecturers and it gave me a good starting point for my career.”  

Since working with Stage Engage, Jed has participated in some incredibly exciting activities both in England and Boston, Massachusetts. His highlights so far have included doing the sound for The Royal Television Society Awards in Birmingham and producing the sound for several BBC premieres including Man Like Mobeen and This Country.  

Jed’s advice to anyone else who may want to work in his industry is to get as much work experience as possible.   

He continued, “While in college I worked with Seventh Wave Audio on a pantomime in Bournemouth. Here I was taught to mix, and at one point, I ended up delivering the sound for nearly 1,600 people. I also fitted everyone’s microphones which was a valuable experience.”  

Jed Holmes

On top of this, Jed would help with the sound for several college events as well as regularly helping with live lunch services.   

“I was also allowed time to develop my own business, Simply Stage – the staff at Exeter College were really flexible and supportive when it came to things like this. You can never get enough real-world experience.”   

Exeter College is celebrating 50 years since being named as the UK’s first tertiary college. Although our roots date back to the 1800s, our status as a tertiary college marked a revolution in further education and 2020 marks our 50 years of excellence since that landmark. If you have a memory of Exeter College through the years that you’d like to share, contact marketing@exe-coll.ac.uk or get involved on social media using #ExeColl50.  

Student Governor Talks Humanity for Extended Project Qualification

As a part of his Extended Project Qualification, Reach Academy student Tom Matthew presented a lecture discussing the signs of progress, the challenges and the threats humanity faces.    

Tom, an FE Student Governor, gained an interest in learning about inequalities in 2016 after he visited a charity in Uganda. Seeing the poverty-stricken environment that people had to face every day truly opened his eyes to some of humanity’s failings.   

“I began to realise the extent of the injustice in the world”, said Tom.   

Subsequently, he began researching global issues such as poverty, life expectancy, and violence. He noted how these areas have changed over time and how they have shaped different countries.   

Tom later read Factfulness, a book by Anna Rosling Rönnlund, Hans Rosling, and Ola Rosling, which helped him to see the world from a different angle. Rather than just dwelling on the injustice, Tom delved deeper into how the world has succeeded and began to research humanity’s future.  

During his lecture, ‘The Human Race: The progress we have made, the challenges we face and the threats to our way of life’, Tom discussed his research and findings to his peers.  

Breaking down the lecture into different stages, Tom began with the progress humanity has made. Here he touched on how levels of extreme poverty have reduced, how life expectancy has increased and how levels of violence have reduced by most measures. He then moved on to the challenges people face, discussing inequality, global health and the challenge of ending poverty.   

Theorising the future threats to humans, he mentioned current pressing challenges such a democratic breakdown, technological developments and climate change.   

He explained that the goals for things such as climate change aren’t currently well defined. This is a concern as we will need to act soon and on an international scale.  

On a final note, Tom said, “We have overcome crazy challenges before, and I am hopeful we will make the changes to prevent the major catastrophes which we are threatened with. However, it won’t be easy.”  

He reflected on his project, “This lecture has brought a lot of my studies together. This topic is something I have been looking at for the last few years. Focusing my findings and putting it all onto paper has been really satisfying and enjoyable.”   

“Although I live quite far away, I chose Exeter College for opportunities like this.”   

Want to continue your education journey with Exeter College? Register now for Exeter College Showcase – your one-stop-shop for everything the College has to offer under one roof.  

Progress Reports Available on the Parent Portal

The latest Progress Reports for all full time students are available to view for all parents and guardians on the Parent Portal.  

We introduced the online Parent Portal at the start of the academic year as a way of enhancing communication between the college and next of kin contacts. As well as the newly released Progress Reports, parents and guardians can view their young person’s attendance, timetables and access tutor contact information.  

The latest Progress Reports will inform you on how your young person is getting on with life at college and show predicted grades, attendance and effort grades from subject tutors.  

Visit the Parent Portal now to log in or sign up and view the Progress Reports.  

If you haven’t signed up already, you’ll need: 

  • The unique Parent Portal reference number found on your personalised letter (these were sent out in October to the learner address)  
  • Your young person’s date of birth  
  • Your young person’s student reference number at Exeter College, which can be found on their college ID (it will start 9900) 

If you have lost your letter, or if you are a listed next of kin that lives at another address to the learner, you can still register using the date of birth and student reference number.  

Please note, where you do not have the parent portal reference number it may take a day or two for the account to be activated.

Date for the diary

Awarding bodies have recently informed us that the 24th of June is national exam ‘Contingency Day’. This means all students need to be available to sit an exam on this date in case awarding bodies have to reschedule exams due to a significant event/disruption.

Exeter Chamber of Commerce has appointed Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement at Exeter College, to its board. The appointment comes as Exeter is recognised as the City of Apprenticeships, with the fastest growing number of Apprenticeships, topping 57 other cities across England.

Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement at Exeter College

“I hope to build links between our network of employers and the Chamber,”

Mike Blakeley, Exeter College Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement

In his role at Exeter College, Mike Blakeley oversees the delivery of 2,000 Apprenticeships at any one time, from Penzance to Paddington. His team works with 950 businesses, with Apprentices gaining skills and training across 90 different subjects. In addition, Mike works with some of the players of Exeter Chiefs to develop their second career skills. He has been instrumental in the launch of GOAT Lager, a partnership between England International Luke Cowan Dickie and former chief, Harry Strong.

Matt Roach, Chair of Exeter Chamber of Commerce and Industry said: “We are pleased to welcome Mike to the Chamber board. Mike will bring a vast range of skills and experience to the board, helping us to continue to work with all sectors of business and particularly to ensure the pivotal link between business and education is at the centre of our work.”

Mike Blakeley said: “I am delighted to join the Exeter Chamber board. I hope to build links between our network of employers and the Chamber, and to focus on how the Chamber can help to develop the next generation of business leaders in the city.”

Welcome to our Minecraft Master Plan Challenge

Calling all Exeter College students!  

Stand out from the crowd, show off your building skills and take part in this exclusive programme.  

This is your chance to rebuild our college using nothing but Minecraft blocks. Earn exclusive idea badges and contribute to our real-world ‘Master Plan’, all while working towards your Personal Development Plan.  

Whether you’re a Minecraft expert or someone interested in building and architecture, the Minecraft Project gives you the chance to build your skills, work collaboratively and help create the vision for the future of Exeter College.  

We’re looking for six teams each made up of 4-6 students; the players, the architects, and the builders. The programme will span over a six week period, where each week will we build up more of the college. 

Use the portal to let us know why you want to be a part of the Minecraft programme by Friday the 14th of February 2020.  

Sign up Now for the Exeter College Minecraft Challenge.

Exeter picks up City of Apprenticeships title

The City of Exeter has received national recognition for its exceptional recruitment of Apprentices.  In a period where Apprenticeships starts have fallen, Exeter has bucked the national trend to sit at the top of the league table of the nation’s cities. 

The report, produced by the Centre for Cities, looked at the trends in Apprenticeship provision across the country.  They recognized the importance of Apprenticeships has been growing for some time. However, there has been a 26% reduction in starts since 2016.  In some cases, cities had seen starts halve. In contrast Exeter was only one of seven cities that saw a growth in starts.   

Elena Magrini Senior Analyst at Centre for Cities commented, “Exeter now has the highest rate of Apprenticeship starts, this is almost ten times higher than the poorer performing cities we studied.”  

“The city offers over 150 different Apprenticeships; they are providing a ladder of opportunity for young people and those already in work.” 

Partnership is at the heart of its success and Elena recognized this in her research. She said, “It’s essential that the local council, employers and providers work together to identify needs and opportunities in the city. Exeter has achieved this.”   

On learning of the exceptional performance by Exeter, City & Guilds wanted to recognize the work done by the employers and providers of training in achieving its number one ranking.  

Anna Sheard of the awarding body organisation said, “City & Guilds group are delighted to join Exeter in celebrating their tremendous work and commitment to enabling high quality Apprenticeships. We look forward to working together for many years to come” 

The event, held at Exeter Guildhall, was attended by the Rt Worshipful Lord Mayor Councillor Peter Holland, council leaders, training providers and Apprentices.  Also present were representatives from over 30 key businesses from across the city including Exeter Chiefs, Rural Payments Agency, Exeter University and Pennon Group. Held in the middle of National Apprenticeship week and hosted by two current Apprentices, Tobias Cowan of Hepco Motion and Ella Hymans of Exeter College, it saw the presentation of a plaque recognizing the first city of its type to receive this accolade.     

Exeter College Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement Mike Blakeley, who also chairs the Devon and Cornwall Training Provider Network, was in attendance at the event and said, “For the exceptional work that goes on across the city to be recognized in this way is fantastic.  

“The close working links between the council, businesses and educational establishments is what really makes things work.  There is a huge appetite from both employers and young people to engage with Apprenticeships and we are fortunate to have such a progressive and vibrant offer to support them both.”

Find out more about Apprenticeships with Exeter College.

Why Now is the Best Time to Apply to Exeter College

Spring is on the way; the days feel a little brighter, the daffodils are starting to bloom, it’s a time of new beginnings. Why should this stop at nature?  

Embrace spring – grow, get a fresh start, and explore your endless opportunities by applying to an exceptional further education provider. This is why now is the best time to apply to Ofsted Outstanding Exeter College…   

BE AHEAD OF THE GAME

Before the revision period comes into full swing, use this time to think over your course options and where you want to be going when September comes around.  

Discover something new and find a field that you’re passionate about. You can use our School Leavers’ Course Guide to help you decide which subjects inspire you the most. This is the best way to find out about every course Exeter College has to offer. You can also read about what our recent students thought about studying with us.  

Not only does Exeter College offer a range of subjects, but we also have a variety of course types available too. From A Levels to Apprenticeships, BTECS to the International Baccalaureate, we will help you find the right course for your future. On top of these options, from September 2020, we will be the first college in the county to offer T Levels; a government-developed technical qualification designed to prepare students for industry or further study. 

Contact our College Advice Team if you’re still not sure which option you think is the best route for you. They are brimming with information, advice and guidance for all those considering joining the college.  

PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

Knowing your next step means you have time now to plan for your future. Reflect on which pathway you want to take and think about how to can use your college experience to help you get one step closer to your dream career or life goal. Check out our range of Academies and Enrichment options and see the numerous opportunities our college can offer you.   

Knowing which exciting course you’ll be moving on to study can help to give you the motivation needed to put in those extra revision sessions before the exam period starts. Understanding what grades you need can encourage you to strive for success and, in many cases, it can even help you to de-stress during this busy time.  

GUARANTEE YOUR STUDIES   

School Leavers Course Guide

We want to make sure you have the best experience possible during your time at Exeter College. However, some courses are very popular and we encourage an early application to give yourself the best possible chance to study the exact courses you’ve selected.  

If you apply now and realise that you don’t think you’ve picked the right course, don’t panic! We know all our students are different – we interview you to make sure that you’re on the right route for you. You need only tell someone in your interview or our College Advice Team that you want to change courses and they’ll help you through the simple process.  

If you haven’t visited the college yet, or want to visit again, you can register to attend our Showcase on April 23rd. Unlike our other Open Events, all our courses are under one roof – a one-stop-shop to find out what we have to offer. Get a feel for the place, meet new faces and find out how to make the college work for you.  

ENJOY YOUR SUMMER   

Don’t get yourself into a flap this summer rushing a last-minute application, fretting about what your next step will be. Enjoy the sun and freedom that you’ve earned. Buy fresh stationery, get excited about your new level of independence; you do you.  Apply now and get yourself psyched for college this summer!  

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN  

Applications for the September 2020 start are now open. We understand that the process of getting in that application can feel much more daunting than it needs to be, but we are here to help. Check out our quick and easy guide on how to apply.   

For more guidance, contact the College Advice Team or message us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.   

Coveted Green Gown Award for Exeter College Student

Exeter College student Scott Stephens has been awarded a prestigious Green Gown Award – the second year running an Exeter College university level student has received the sustainability award.  

Scott has been named the winner of the Green Gown Award for Student Research with Impact, following in the footsteps of 2018 winner Alex Dixon.  

The Green Gown Awards aim to put a spotlight on the innovative and inspiring sustainability work taking place in universities and colleges to create a brighter future for students and the environment.  

“My work with Sibelco is not only saving the company money… but it’s also helping save the planet,”

Scott Stephens, Green Gown Award Winner 2019

Scott, 39, is currently studying for his Higher National Certificate in Electrical Engineering at Exeter College, while working in the industry with material solutions company Sibelco. His innovative, environmentally friendly work with Sibelco is what has seen him awarded this prestigious award.  

Scott’s innovation for Sibelco involved him developing a filtration system to allow existing onsite water to be used for the site flocculent make down system. Previously, the company had bought in fresh water at the cost of over £25,000 a year, as completely clean water is needed for the process. Scott’s filter meant the company could use the onsite water and cut their costs dramatically, while also making a positive influence on the environment; saving fresh water and transportation time. 

Speaking after receiving his award, Scott said, “I’ve never won anything, and certainly not anything like this, so I’m obviously really delighted. 

“I couldn’t attend the awards ceremony because my partner was heavily pregnant but when I found out I had won I was over the moon and couldn’t really believe it. 

“My work with Sibelco is not only saving the company money every year by not having to buy in fresh water, but it’s also helping save the planet.” 

The role of Exeter College

Scott also wanted to pay tribute to the staff at Exeter College who have helped him during his academic journey as a mature student. He said, “The project I did for the Green Gown Award at Sibelco was a part of one of the modules on my course at Exeter College.  

“The lecturers have been great in encouraging me to go for it and the teaching style is really enthusiastic which really helps you engage in the subject.” 

Exeter College’s Programme Leader for Aerospace and Sustainability, Richard Masters, said, “We’re all over the moon for Scott’s achievements. It’s fantastic for him to be recognised with a national award regarding one of the most pressing issues in global society today. He has made a fantastic contribution to his workplace and we can’t wait to see what he does next. 

“I’m also immensely proud that students from Exeter College have won this specific award two years running. This is vindication that our student first, industry led, mentality to university level teaching is creating independent and free thinking students who can be a positive force for change in industry.” 

A word from the organisers…

The awards were organised by EAUC – the Alliance for Sustainability Leadership in Education, and inspirational students, universities and colleges were recognised with awards across a range of categories relating to creating a more sustainable world. An awards ceremony was held at Glasgow Science Centre to celebrate the achievements of all the winners.  

Iain Patton, CEO at EAUC and co-host of the Green Gown Awards ceremony, said: “Now in its 15th year, the Green Gown Awards celebrate the very pinnacle of best practice in a sector that is well ahead of the curve on the sustainability agenda. The submissions this year were of an incredibly high calibre, tackling a huge array of sustainable development areas. It was a hard process to pick the winners, and it involved over 90 national and international judges.” 

Check out our university level Engineering courses on our course search.  

Interested in studying with Exeter College? Register now for the Exeter College Showcase – the one-stop-shop for every course we have to offer under one roof.  

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