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Exeter College Student Takes Flight Thanks to Groundbreaking Scholarship

A former Exeter College student is helping to break the glass ceiling in the aviation industry, having secured a landmark £25,000 scholarship with pilot training provider L3 Airline Academy.  

Miryam Ley, 18, is set to follow her father’s footsteps on to the flight deck having been selected as one of only 10 successful applicants across Europe for the L3 Pilot Pathways Female Scholarship; a new scheme designed to help more women in to training to become a pilot.  

The scholarship application process involved Miryam undergoing stringent aptitude examinations as well as group interviews and one-on-one discussions on the aviation industry and her ambitions beyond the pilot training course.  

She is one of only 10 women across Europe to be awarded the scholarship, which aims to address the historically low number of female pilots working in the industry; with women making up around just 6% of commercial pilots in the industry.  

Miryam was formally awarded her scholarship during a ceremony at L3’s new training facility in Crawley, where Prince Charles was in attendance congratulating the successful scholarship applicants.  

“I’m really excited to get started now. I want to inspire more females in to aviation because I know it can be difficult when there are so few role models,” said Miryam.  

“I’ve always liked flying and have been lucky enough to fly quite a bit because my dad [Andrew Ley] is a pilot. However, I never really considered it as a career for me and I think that’s because, despite knowing a lot of pilots through my dad, I never saw many women doing the job.  

“I’ve got the chance now to pursue something I really want to do and I can’t wait to get started.” 

Miryam’s journey to becoming a pilot will begin in September at L3’s Ground School Training Centre in Southampton. She will spend six months learning the theory behind taking flight before gearing up to take to the skies from one of L3’s centres in New Zealand, Portugal, Abu Dhabi or Bournemouth.  

Miryam continued: “Ground School will be tough – we take 14 exams in six months – but the flying phase of training is what excites me the most. It’s going to be great learning the practicalities of flying from some great locations.” 

Fortunately, the teenager from Crediton is well-versed in tough exams, having just graduated from Exeter College with A grades in Chemistry and Maths, as well as an A* in Biology. Her academic achievements led her to applying to study Veterinary Science at the University of Liverpool and the University of Nottingham. She received offers from both universities but subsequently rejected them to pursue her dream career in aviation.  

Miryam wanted to pay tribute to the role Exeter College, and especially her tutor Claudia Martin, played in her successful application to L3’s scholarship.  

“I loved it at Exeter College. Claudia was an amazing tutor and everyone at the college pushed you and really wanted to get the best out of you in a way that isn’t always the case at other places I’ve studied. 

“I got a lot of support from teachers and Claudia did a mock interview with me which I think was a big reason why I did well in my interview at L3.” 

Claudia, who lectures in Maths and Science at Exeter College, was delighted for her former tutee.  

“Miryam was a star student and gained fantastic results, giving her so many different options after college, which was great,” said Claudia. 

“Getting offers to study Veterinary Science at two leading universities is no mean feat, but then to have the skills to go on and achieve this great scholarship to go for her dream career is magnificent; I’m really proud of her.”  

Miryam’s training course takes around 18 months to complete, after which she hopes to be placed with an airline and one day become a long haul pilot for British Airways.  

Interested in studying with Exeter College? Find out more about what’s on offer at one of our inspiring Open Events.

Exeter College and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) have teamed up to pioneer the provision of the latest technical training programmes prior to a national rollout starting in 2020.  

Exeter College is one of the first colleges in the country – and the only one in Devon – to be offering the government’s new T Levels for 2020 delivery. The two year, Level 3 technical qualification sits alongside A Levels, BTECs and Apprenticeships within a reformed skills training system for 16-18 year olds.  

As part of the provision for the new T Levels, students on the programme must gain 20 days relevant workplace experience during their studies and RAMM has provided two placements as part of a pilot programme that is crucial to the success of T Levels.  

RAMM has recently played host to the workplace development of Level 3 IT Systems and Network students Kyle and Marshall in preparation for the new T Level system.  

Marshall worked with RAMM’s in-house designed on projects around animation, design, newsletters and programmes. He said, “I’ve really enjoyed being creative and have learnt that good planning pays off. I now know that I want to be a designer.”  

Meanwhile, Kyle worked closely with RAMM’s Digital Media Officer and developed a digital display panel for their central core wall. He said, “Before I worked at RAMM I would never have thought about working in the cultural sector. 

“Now I have a much better idea of what I’d like to do in the future. Work isn’t half as scary as I thought it was.” 

RAMM’s Skills Development Officer Sophie Harbour is delighted with the partnership with Exeter College: “We are very impressed with Kyle and Marshall’s commitment and the professional manner in which they have conducted their duties. With their skills and enthusiasm, we were able to complete important projects that wouldn’t otherwise have been possible. 

“RAMM is committed to creating relevant and meaningful opportunities for young people to gain experience of working in a dynamic cultural environment.  

“Working with Exeter College on this pilot scheme is an important addition to the internships, placements, training and work experience that we currently offer and we look forward to continuing to work with Exeter College to build on this very positive start to the programme.” 

Exeter College Assistant Principal Sam Hillman said, “Industry placements provide learners with an opportunity to develop industry-related knowledge, behaviours and skills. Kyle and Marshall have worked alongside, and have been mentored by, the RAMM’s brilliant in-house designer and digital media officer. Successfully completing live projects of benefit to the RAMM. 

“Through the exceptional work-placed experience and support provided by the RAMM Kyle and Mitchell have thrived. Not only has their learning been enhanced but, they have acquired and developed skills that will stand them in good stead for the future.  

“Kyle and Mitchell are a real credit to the Faculty of Business and IT and to the College. As a key partner of Exeter College, we are delighted to be working with the RAMM on pioneering industry placements and very much look forward to continuing to build on this great start.” 

Exeter College will be delivering T Levels in Construction, Education and Digital from 2020, with a further 22 subjects to follow for 2021 delivery.

How Exeter College is helping adults back in to education

Adult Advice Hotline launched on 01392 400170 to help guide the way

Getting back in to education can feel like a challenge for any adult who is looking for a career change, or simply looking for ways to develop themselves professionally or personally.   

In order to help adult learners overcome that barrier, Exeter College have recruited two dedicated experts to provide impartial advice for people looking to return to education and achieve their full potential, whether that be on a full or part time basis, to support career or study progression, or as a hobby.  

“One of the biggest barriers for adults looking to develop their skills is that they don’t feel as if they understand all the options available to them,” said Lucinda Sanders, Director of Adult Learning at Exeter College.  

“We wanted to create these Adult Adviser roles as a way of breaking down that barrier in a way that’s completely impartial and simply lays out which direction an adult learner could go in. 

“We don’t want a lack of information to be a barrier to anyone looking at different study and funding options. Our Adult Advisers are experts across the spectrum of education and can give professional, thoughtful advice to anyone; whether that’s someone who knows exactly what they want to do, or someone who is just thinking about where they could go in the future.” 

With a wealth of options at Exeter College for adults to consider, the new Adult Advisers will act as a signpost to important information and can also discuss the individual circumstances of the adult learner and advise on which entry routes to consider.  

The college itself offers a wide variety of full and part time courses for people of any age, from introductory industry courses, to full degree level studies. Free courses are also available in GCSE English and Maths for eligible learners that run at times convenient to those who work with classes running 4 days a week and 2 evenings a week.  

For those wishing to study at degree level, the college offers routes for students with no formal qualifications – with hugely popular Access to Higher Education Diplomas – which are designed to prepare any learner for higher level study either at Exeter College or with other universities across the UK. 

Financial concerns were previously some of the biggest barriers to come back into education, not just those surrounding course availability and eligibility. The Adult Advisers will also be able to help with concerns over finance, loans and course fees.  

“We have found that a lot of adults who come to study with us are surprised at the amount of financial support they can receive,” said Lucinda. 

“There is financial support available for adults for help with childcare, low income families and those receiving Job Seeker’s Allowance. Advanced Learner Loans are also available for those studying eligible courses and meeting certain criteria. Finance can be one of the biggest reasons adults feel like they can’t achieve their education goals. The Adult Learning Advisers are here to show that in most cases that just isn’t the case anymore. 

“Our Adult Advisers will be available to let people know their rights when it comes to financing education in adult life. We want the whole process to be as non-threatening and transparent as possible. That’s why our Advisers are given the remit to be completely impartial in their advice and simply work out solutions that best suit the learner.”  

In addition to formal full and part time courses with the aim of up-skilling in a job or career, Exeter College also offers a range of leisure courses in the local community from Art to Yoga, and the new Adults Advisers will also be a point-of-contact for those wishing to learn more about these more informal short term courses.  

If you want to call the Adult Advisers at Exeter College for an informal chat about your future options in education then call 01392 400170, they’re available from 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday. They can also be contacted by email on adultadvice@exe-coll.ac.uk.  

Find out more about the range of courses available for adult learners at Exeter College in the course search.

Exeter College Launches 2020 Guide

We are excited to be launching our new School Leavers’ Course Guide for students looking to study with Exeter College from September 2020.

Inside your guide, you’ll find complete course information on our wide variety of study options, including our A Levels, BTECs, Apprenticeships and, from 2020, the government’s brand new T Levels; a technical-based qualification that prepares students for industry with practical skills and knowledge.

You’ll also find information on what it’s like to be a student at Exeter College, with personal stories from current and former students, as well as loads of information on what the college is like both inside and outside of the classroom.

You can request a course guide here and we will post a copy to you.

Once you have had a read through, we recommend coming along to one of our Open Events to get a real flavour of what it’s like to study at Exeter College.

This year’s Open Events are from 5-8pm on:

  • Thursday 17th October 2019
  • Wednesday 20th November 2019
  • Wednesday 15th January 2020

At our Open Events you will be able to look around our fantastic facilities, speak to lecturers and current students, hear more about college life and chat with our College Advice Team.

Register for an Open Event here.

In the meantime, if you would like to discuss your options further, then you can contact our College Advice Team to arrange a visit or chat. They can be contacted on 01392 400500 or cat@exe-coll.ac.uk.

Please find information below on whether you are eligible for a November 2019 GCSE English and Maths resit at Exeter College and how you can book your place for the next exam. The deadline for entries is Friday 27th September.

For all adult learners seeking information on GCSEs available at Exeter College, please see the section on our Adult Learners section of the website.

You are able to enter for the GCSE English/Maths exam resits in November 2019 providing you meet the following criteria:

  • If you are new to college this year, achieved a grade 3 in Maths/English in the summer and are within 10 percent of achieving the grade 4.
  • If you sat GCSE Maths/English at Exeter College In May/June 2019 and are within 10 percent of achieving the grade 4.
  • If you have left Exeter College and would like to resit because you didn’t get the grade you wanted.

Providing you meet the above criteria, please download and complete the resit entry form here. This can be submitted in the following ways:

  • Posted with a cheque to Exams Team, Exeter College, Hele Road, Exeter, EX4 4JS.
  • Emailed to the examsteam@exe-coll.ac.uk you will need to phone following submitting the email to make the relevant payment over the phone (01392 400 477/476/691).
  • Coming in to the Exams Office, first floor of the tower building, Hele Road. To submit the entry form and make the payment.

Please remember the deadline for entries is Friday 27th September.

A group of Exeter College students recently returned from Honduras after working with conservation research organization Operation Wallacea.  

A Level students travelled to Cusuco National Park in Honduras after their exams to work with scientists collecting vital data for use in their research on biodiversity and climate change.  

Students gained hands-on experience of monitoring biodiversity within the rainforest, as well as a real life an insight into many of the topics they had studied at college.  

Cusuco National Park is one of the most important national parks in the world when it comes to rainforest biodiversity. The national park is home to a number of endemic species which can only be found in there and it has been cited as the 25th most irreplaceable place in the world, being particularly important for amphibians and mammals.  

The scientific research Exeter College students have carried out with Operation Wallacea will help to secure funding to prevent deforestation and further biodiversity loss as well as help to support the local community to develop eco-tourism. 

Programme Leader for Geography at Exeter College Tom Cooksley said, “Biodiversity in that rainforest is at its richest and most of it hasn’t be researched so far. Our students were helping to gather the information needed to access funding that will secure the rainforest and the community around it for years to come.” 

As well as taking part in research activities in Cusuco National Park, students also received masterclass lectures from PhD students working on the project to gain a genuine insight into the type of work going on at the park.  

After spending the week around 1,200 feet above sea level in the rainforest, the students then spent a week on the Honduran island of Utila, working with Operation Wallacea’s marine biologists on their coral reef conservation project. Students also got the chance to gain a PADI qualification in open water diving, as well as the chance to take an ecology course, further advancing the knowledge students had picked up during their studies.  

Tom added: “The students loved their time there. They found the rainforest was challenging at times but to get that real-life experience is incredible for them. They’re not just learning about climate change, biodiversity and globalisation; they’re actively seeing the impact of it on another part of the world.”  

Accompanying the students on this year’s trip was Fleur Blackett, an Environmental Science lecturer at Exeter College. She said, “The students have been very lucky to have had this opportunity. Cusuco National Park is truly outstanding and without support from schools and colleges like ours, the special biodiversity has a very uncertain future.  

“Students have made a positive contribution to conserving the park, met and worked with professional scientists and taken memories away that will last a lifetime.” 

Student on the trip Daisy Parsons said, “The trip was an enriching experience and it was exciting to be involved in life-changing research in the rainforest that will transform the way locals and people all across the world will understand and use Cusuco.  

“I’ve learnt so much about my ability to work with others in a challenging and rewarding environment and I’ve developed my classroom-based knowledge whilst exploring a new country.” 

This was the second time the trip has run, with further visits planned for students 2020 and 2021.

Exeter College and Kier recently teamed up to deliver an intensive one week, pre-Apprenticeship work experience programme, designed to give local youngsters an insight into the construction industry and inspire them to pursue a career in the varied and vibrant sector.  

Six learners who are considering the Apprenticeship route with Exeter College spent the week gaining knowledge and insight, as well as hands on experience behind the scenes with Kier at some of the company’s flagship developments.   

The week kickstarted with health and safety training and a test for Construction Skills Certification, which ensures that anyone on site has the necessary training to do the work they are required to. The work experience team visited both St Sidwell’s Point Leisure Centre and St Loyes Extra Care Home, which are both being built to the environmental sustainability Passivhaus Standard. 

Also, during their time with Kier, the group visited the recently completed Clifford House student accommodation building for the University of Exeter where they were set real-life challenges to understand the various stages of a project. The week culminated in a CV workshop and mock interviews, providing the students with essential skills for the future. 

Kier Regional Building Western and Wales Corporate and Social Responsibility Manager, Kate Ellis, stated: “We were delighted to welcome the group onto our sites to gain valuable experience that will help them in their future career. During their time with us, we set them the task of designing and building a hotel within a limited time frame. The exercise illustrated the full scope of construction projects, from conception and planning, through to completion and handover. It made the students think outside the box and challenged them to find solutions to ensure business objectives and deadlines would be met.” 

Kate continued: “We have received some really positive feedback from the students and parents alike and would like to thank everyone who helped support the students on their week’s work experience.” 

Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement at Exeter College, said: “There is a real shortage of skilled trades people and construction professionals and so an initiative like this is essential in educating youngsters on the jobs out there that suit their skills and gives them a true flavour of the working world. Offering a well-structured introduction to the industry hopefully reinforces their desire to pursue a career and means we can capture them early on in their journey. 

One of the students said, “It was really interesting learning about the site where a hotel was being constructed out of shipment containers,” with another confirming that the experience had inspired them to work for Kier in the future.   

The college and Kier are already planning their next placement week, which will build on the great success of this trial. 

Find out more about Apprenticeships at Exeter College.

Did you know Exeter College offers a wide range of Professional and Leisure courses for adults? 

And under new government legislation, your course could be free, as the government are now paying course fees for adults earning less than £16,009.50 per annum. 

The Adult Education Budget (AEB) will enable providers in receipt of ESFA funded AEB to fully fund learners, who are employed and in receipt of a low wage and cannot contribute towards the cost of co-funding fees. The low-wage threshold has been increased to £16,009.50. 

The hope is that this trial will help to increase AEB participation and lift social mobility barriers to learning for those who would not otherwise struggle due to course fees being unaffordable. It is hoped it will also support those that are in low paid employment and are wanting to further progress in work and in their chosen career. 

You can take a look at our adult courses here.

And download our latest course guide here.

Exeter College will be enrolling adult students for courses starting in September, at our Centre for Creative Industries, on Tuesday 3rd September from 9am-5pm. Come along and talk to our Adult Advisers to find the right course for you. 

Please note: 

The 2019 to 2020 eligibility requirements for learners to receive full funding during the trial are: 

  • those that are eligible for co-funding for provision, up to and including level 2, and, 
  • earn less than £16,009.50 annual gross salary. 

To be able to enrol on a course you will need to provide: 

  • evidence of your gross annual wages, for example, this could be a wage slip or Universal Credit statement, within 3 months of your learning start date, or a current employment contract, which states gross monthly/annual wages. 

If you would like any more information please give us a call on 01392 400500 or email adultadvice@exe-coll.ac.uk.  

As thousands of teenagers picked up their GCSE results last week, few would have spared a thought for adults nervously arriving to collect their own results after a year of hard work.

That was exactly the case for a number Exeter College’s GCSE students as they arrived at the college on Thursday to see if their hard work had paid off.

Alison Squire, 41, previously struggled in school and decided to study at Exeter College as a personal confidence-builder as her son starts to prepare for his exams in the coming years.

Alison chose to study for her GCSE English at the college and achieved a magnificent Grade 7 (A) as she collected her results last week.

“I couldn’t be more proud of myself. For the first time in my life I am genuinely really proud of what I’ve done,” said Alison.

“When I was a teenager I really struggled in school, I couldn’t understand things and I never really fitted in. I came to Exeter College as a confidence boost and to prove that I can do things.”

While Alison didn’t attend college with the aim of broadening her horizons in her work at a pre-school, she understands that achieving her new qualification will open doors for her in terms of career profession.

Alison continued: “I’ve got a lot more prospects now in my job but I still want to progress my maths skills further as well to help me even more.”

The 41-year-old will be returning to Exeter College in the coming months to do exactly that; starting with her Functional Skills Maths before gearing up to take on the GCSE-level qualification.

Alison wanted to pay tribute to the staff at Exeter College for the role they have played in helping her back in to education.

She said, “I was so nervous on the first day of coming here but everyone just made me feel so welcome.

“I’ve loved coming back to college and the class has been really supportive. I’ve made some great friends and there’s a really good team of people helping. Personally, I just want to say a massive ‘thank you’ to my tutor Wendy for all the support, encouragement and belief that she has given me.”

Fellow GCSE English student Karen Mcanally was also collecting her results and she was delighted with her Grade 6 (B) qualification.

The GCSE certificate marked the next step in Karen’s journey towards studying a psychology-related subject at degree level.

Karen, 44, also returned to college having previously struggled to engage with formal education.

“I didn’t do very well in school, I preferred to be more social at that time,” said Karen.

“I didn’t pass anything at school but I need these qualifications to get on to Exeter College’s Humanities Access to Higher Education course before hopefully getting a degree.

“I was nervous about coming back to college but I also knew it was going to be completely different to the last time I was in school. This time I was coming to college and actually wanting to learn. The teaching is completely different to when I was first in school because now you can get that time with teachers when you need it and you’re not just ignored at the back of the class if you don’t understand something.”

The next step in Karen’s journey is returning to Exeter College to study Functional Skills Maths before taking on the GCSE level qualification.

Adults can study for the GCSE English and Maths qualifications at Exeter College for just the resource fee of £40*, with all tuition coming free of charge. Find out more about GCSE English and GCSE Maths at Exeter College.

*Some ineligible learners may have to pay a fee, check the course page for more information.

We understand that you might be nervous about starting at college but we’re here to tell you that you don’t need to be. Everyone will be new, just like you. This is an exciting start to the next chapter in your life, so we would urge you to grab opportunities with both hands, get involved and make new friends. 

SO WHAT HAPPENS AFTER ENROLMENT? 

At enrolment you will be given a booklet detailing your first day of college and where you need to go. Induction Days will take place on the 5th and 6th September. Induction Days will involve you getting to know your tutor and lecturers. Full timetabled teaching will then start on Monday 9th September. 

FRESHERS’ FAIR 

Freshers’ Fair will take place on 6th September. This is an opportunity for you to find out about all the enrichment opportunities available at college and sign up. We think these activities and clubs are a great way to make new friends and meet people with similar interests to you. Enrichment is an important part of your time at college and can really help to boost your university applications and CV. Our advice is to give it a go! 

WHAT NEXT? 

You will find you settle into college life quickly and before you know it you will be confident in where everything is. During your first week there will be Help Zones around college where you can go and speak to our team in blue if you have any questions. Your tutor is also always there to help too so ask them if you are unsure about anything. 

GETTING INVOLVED WITH COLLEGE LIFE 

The Exeter College Students’ Union (ECSU) is run by students for students and is your Students’ Union. Its aim is to make the college the best place to be and to represent the views of all students, both within the college and nationally. 

As a student you can join the National Union of Students (NUS) which has great benefits, including discounts on things like driving lessons, eating out and high street shops. Join at enrolment, our Freshers’ Fair or online via the NUS website – www.nus.org.uk 

Here are just some of the things you can get involved with as part of the ECSU: 

  • Join one of the student groups, such as the LGBT group 
  • Take part in fundraising for the college charity of the year 
  • Become an ECSU Officer and help to support and represent students at the college 
  • Find out more on the ECSU page of our website

To develop your skills outside of your core studies we encourage students to get involved in enrichment. This can be anything from debating to photography, learning a new language or maybe taking on a challenge such as Ten Tors or DofE. There is something for everyone and if we don’t currently offer it you could set up your own student run group or club. Our enrichment programme helps you to enjoy, achieve and make a positive contribution to life at college. 

Find out more here.

FINALLY…A BIT OF ADVICE 

Be yourself, get involved and make the most of your time with us. That is the advice that our students always want to pass on. You won’t get this chance again and we really believe we can give you an exceptional experience at college so just go for it.

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