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Secretary of State Visits Exeter College to Talk T Levels

The Secretary of State for Education Gavin Williamson MP visited Exeter College to learn more about the impact new T Level qualifications will have on the region’s learners.  

As a government-selected ‘early adopter’ of the new technical-based qualification, Exeter College is the only provider in Devon offering T Levels for 2020 delivery, with courses initially available in Construction, Digital and Education and Childcare. Further T Level courses will launch from 2021 as part of a national roll out.  

T Levels mark a revolution in technical education in the UK as the qualification, which is the equivalent of three A Levels, provides learners with a clear line of sight to industry thanks to technical skill acquisition both in the classroom and as part of an industry placement undertaken during studies.  

(L-R) Rob Bosworth (Exeter College Vice Principal), Janice Kay (University of Exeter Provost), Gavin Williamson MP (Education Secretary), John Laramy (Exeter College Principal) and Sam Hillman (Exeter College Assistant Principal).

Secretary of State Gavin Williamson spent time at Exeter College talking to college leaders on how preparations were going for the launch of T Levels and how the new qualification would address the changing needs of industry. 

“It was an absolute pleasure to visit Exeter College. They are doing brilliant work helping thousands of young people across the region to get the skills they need to thrive,” said Education Secretary Gavin Williamson.  

“Our new T Level qualifications are a game changer – a once in a generation opportunity to revolutionise technical education in this country and put it on a par with top performing countries like Germany. 

“It was great to hear first-hand how they will help even more young people to get a head start in their careers, and ensure industry can tap into the pipeline of talent they need for the future. 

“I was really impressed with the passion and enthusiasm of the students, staff and senior leaders and I wish them all the best for the future.” 

Secretary of State Gavin Williamson spoke to college leaders and students about how T Levels would impact education.

Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy was delighted to welcome the Secretary of State to the college.  He said, “It was a real pleasure to host a visit from the Secretary of State so that he could see first-hand the impact of the college and the clarity of the educational eco-system in Exeter. 

“We spoke about our college’s enthusiasm for T Levels and how we see these integrating with a wider academic and technical offer. The college was able to share its strategy for delivering an exceptional student experience, through enrichment, excellent teaching and a clear line of sight to industry.” 

In addition to the acquisition of technical skills, a T Level qualification can also be used to support an application for degree level study, with the qualification recognised by UCAS to provide points to apply to study at university.  

Applications are open now to study T Levels at Exeter College in 2020. Find out more about T Levels on our course search.  

Find out if T Levels are the right course for you.  

Book in for an Open Event to find out more about life at Exeter College and explore our course options.

Institute of Technology Digital and Data Centre at Exeter College Gets the Green Light

The South West Institute of Technology (SWIOT) Digital and Data Centre at Exeter College has been signed off as part of a wider plan to revolutionise digital, engineering and manufacturing technology education across the region. The new £10.3million building will be at the heart of the college and located on its Hele Road site in what is great news for the college, city and region.  

The SWIOT has now officially been granted approval by the Department for Education, meaning government funding has been formally allocated to support projects across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset with the aim of providing world-class technical education for the next generation of students. 

An artist’s impression of the new Digital and Data Centre at Exeter College.

Funding from the SWIOT will help support the development of a new multi-million-pound Digital and Data Centre on Exeter College’s Hele Road site. The new state-of-the-art facility, which is match-funded by the college, will provide learners with opportunities in the digital sector, including courses around data analytics, cyber security and software development. 

Planned work with the SWIOT will now be carried out across the South West, with the University of Exeter also set to develop their computer science building, complete with a computer lab and artificial intelligence arena.

The government has supported a small number of Institutes of Technology across the country, following a rigorous selection process. The aim is to reinvigorate the technical education landscape, especially at Levels 4 and 5, to meet the changing and complex needs of businesses. As part of the development process, Institutes of Technology have engaged with employers to identify current and emerging skills challenges.  

The core aim of the SWIOT is to provide the education opportunities to proactively plug those skills gaps in industry. The key ‘anchor employers’ who are working with the SWIOT on curriculum objectives are Oxygen House, Babcock, the Met Office and TDK Lambda, with Oxygen House and the Met Office playing a key role in the development of the Digital and Data Centre located at Exeter College.  

(L-R) Stephen Mariadas (SWIOT CEO), Andy Correy (Babcock Head of Production) and Professor Janice Kay (Provost of the University of Exeter).

Exeter College’s new facility will provide a nationally significant and prestigious digital learning centre in the heart of the city of Exeter. The new building, which will be at the front of the Hele Road site, will have digital learning laboratories, IT workspaces, seminar spaces and lecture and presentation facilities. Learners will have access to cutting edge equipment to help gear them up to transition successfully in to the digital or data sector.  

Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy said, “We are delighted to be at the heart of a new technical skills revolution. The SWIOT has been supported by employers and our key aim is to ensure that the employers in the locality are able to access the right training to support their staff and business. 

“The SWIOT is a true example of a partnership where education and industry have been able to work together to create something special.  

“This project aligns perfectly with our work as an early adopter developing T Levels. The new SWIOT building here will bring a benefit to all students, creating a new home for higher level and technical adult learners. In addition, this project will enable us to enhance our existing estate to meet the needs of Apprentices and sixth form learners.  

“This building also marks the start of our estates masterplan to transform our campus so that we can continue to support the ambition of our students, employers and region.” 

The SWIOT consists of a partnership of a number of education providers, including the University of Exeter, University of Plymouth, Bridgwater & Taunton College, City College Plymouth, Exeter College, Petroc and Truro & Penwith College. All partner institutions are also announcing their own plans which have been developed with the SWIOT.  

In addition to the ‘anchor employers’, this bid is also supported by both Heart of the South West and the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs). 

Oxygen House is one of the ‘anchor employers’ backing the work of the SWIOT. Director of Oxygen House Glenn Woodcock said, “We’re delighted to be working with the SWIOT on this project and can’t wait to see these plans for the region develop over the coming years.   

“The partnerships formed as part of the SWIOT will enable businesses to work proactively with education providers to lead curriculum development and meet the skills challenges of the future in a positive way.   

“The Digital and Data Centre at Exeter College will play an important part in establishing the South West as a national centre for digital and engineering education and development.” 

The development of the Digital and Data Centre is the first phase in Exeter College’s wider campus masterplan, which will see the Hele Road site transformed in the coming years. The ambitious overarching plan details five key phases of redevelopment that will improve pedestrian access between the city centre college sites as well as provide new buildings complete with updated teaching and learning spaces.  

The Exeter College masterplan was recently granted unanimous approval by Exeter City Council and the long-term strategy will see the Hele Road site regenerated with new teaching spaces, rejuvenated social areas and an open plan site map. 

Work is expected to begin on the new Digital and Data Centre in late 2019.

Universities, Colleges and Employer partners sign multi-million pound partnership deal for South West Institute of Technology

  • Partners across the South West have signed a partnership agreement signalling a multi-million pound investment in the region.  
  • The SWIOT will train thousands of students in technical subjects across the region, bringing unparalleled skills development and career opportunities  
  • The government has plans for twelve new IOTs to equip the British workforce with skills across key sectors. 

The SWIOT is a unique collaboration between a number of partner organisations, including the University of Exeter, University of Plymouth, Bridgwater & Taunton College, City College Plymouth, Exeter College, Petroc and Truro & Penwith College, each investing in the development of state-of-the-art facilities for training in technical subjects to create Britain’s next generation of highly skilled technicians and engineers.  The SWIOT also draws on expertise from a group of ‘anchor employers’ who will lead its strategic direction and ensure focus on the latest industry skills – they include Oxygen House and the Met Office in Exeter, Babcock in Plymouth and TDK Lambda in Ilfracombe, with investment from the Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) for the Heart of the South West and Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. 

Catering for up to 2,500 students in apprenticeship and full-time courses, from post-16 to Masters degree level, the SWIOT’s combined facilities will match the best available in the UK and help put the South West region at the forefront of digital and engineering education. They will include virtual and augmented reality environments, digital learning laboratories, artificial intelligence arenas, new clean workspaces, workshops, emergent manufacturing spaces with industry level equipment, and shared learning spaces. 

John Laramy, Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive, said: “Exeter College is delighted that the collective Institute of Technology submission for the South West has been successful, this shows what we can achieve when businesses, universities and colleges all work together as one. The Exeter component of the Institute of Technology focuses on digital, data and the high level skills required by employers in the Exeter area, we are therefore delighted that the Met Office and Oxygen House were a key part of the successful bid.” 

Charles Ewen, Director of Technology at the Met Office, said: “The Met Office relies on the talent of our people in order to deliver world-class technology supporting world-leading science and services.  An Institute of Technology in the South West will align the delivery of very high quality technology education and skills from a range of higher and further education providers in the region with significant benefits to learners and employers.  We are delighted to be part of this” 

Glenn Woodcock, Director of Oxygen House in Exeter, said: “The South West has an abundance of talent and to be able to provide new opportunities to our young people through the IOT is a key step forward to ensuring not only high-quality skills and qualifications, but also a strong future economy for the area. Oxygen House are excited to collaborate and support HE, FE and other businesses across the region as we look to evolve from traditional to innovative technical training.”

Exeter College Celebrates Graduation for Degree Level Students

Degree level students at Exeter College celebrated their graduation in the breathtaking setting of Exeter Cathedral last week.

Hundreds of guests, friends and family came together to watch more than 170 students graduate from the college’s Centre for University Level Studies.

Students donned their gowns and caps to be awarded their degree level qualifications in subjects ranging from business to mechanical engineering.

The graduation ceremony marks the completion of a tremendous effort from each and every student at Exeter College. The college’s degree level qualifications include full degrees as well as Foundation Degrees, Higher National Certificates and Higher National Diplomas and cater for young students as well as those returning to education.

The students were welcomed into the Cathedral with music from the Exeter College Orchestra ahead of the formal graduation ceremony.

Inspirational speeches were made by The Dean of Exeter Cathedral, The Very Reverend Jonathan Greener, Exeter College Principal John Laramy and Chief Executive of the Met Office Penelope Endersby.

Upon receiving their qualification certificates, students were congratulated on their achievements by Chair of Governors at Exeter College David Allen OBE and Catherine Taylor, the Head of Higher Education at the college.

Exeter College’s Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy said, “Graduation marks a significant step in the education journey of our students. To achieve a degree level qualification is a magnificent achievement and I am incredibly proud of each and every student that has made it to this stage with us.

“It has been a terrific day for everyone involved and it’s great to see our students from a range of courses join together in celebration of their achievements.”

TEF ‘Gold’ Education

Exeter College is rated ‘Gold’ in the UK Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework, a level that puts the college alongside the very best universities in the country when it comes to degree level provision. Courses at Exeter College are available across a range of sectors, with degrees at the college currently awarded by the University of Exeter, Kingston University London, Plymouth Marjon University, the University of Plymouth and City & Guilds.

Find out more about university level learning with Exeter College.

Let’s Chalk About Mental Health

On Thursday 10th October 2019, the city of Exeter took part in World Mental Health Day.  As a college, we took the opportunity to raise awareness of mental health by taking part in the ‘Let’s Chalk About Mental Health’ campaign. The campaign aims to tackle stigma, supporting sufferers of mental illness and raising awareness around mental health and suicide. 

On Thursday there was a city-wide event taking place where everyone was invited to chalk their messages at events across Exeter city centre. Our students chalked their own messages of support on the pavements of our Hele Road campus. Take a look at their messages on our social pages. 

Rosa Brown, College Nurse said:  “Suicide remains the biggest killer of young people in the UK, particularly young males. We’re keen to reduce the devastating statistics and ensure our learners can have an open conversation around mental health. Talking really does save lives but it can be daunting to know how to respond. We hope to equip our learners and staff with confidence to tackle suicide head on.” 

Jake Cole, Emotional Health & Wellbeing Advisor at the college added: “It’s great to show support to those that may be struggling and it’s not always obvious who those people are.” 

Students also had the opportunity to attend workshops with Action to Prevent Suicide. They provide training, advice and guidance to help people recognise and support those at risk, whilst also raising awareness and breaking the stigma around mental health.  The Samaritans were also on site on the day to offer support.

Lucy Chard-Maple, Health and Wellbeing Officer for the Exeter College Student Union said: “There are so many stigmas around mental health and I think as a student union we need to encourage students to talk about it more. It’s one thing to say ‘let’s talk’ but it’s another thing to actually talk about mental health. I think the Let’s Chalk idea helps students see the support available, without necessarily having to input if they are uncomfortable with it. It makes them aware that there are things being spoken about and that there is a presence and support available.” 

Students and staff from various faculties also supported the charity, Young Minds, by wearing yellow. Young Minds asked people to wear yellow and share their photos using the hashtag #HelloYellow. 

As part of our ongoing commitment to staff wellbeing and coinciding with World Mental Health Day 2019, Exeter College is delighted to announce the launch of its Mental Health First Aid provision for staff.

The college has a fantastic programme in place to support the mental health of its learners and has now moved to reinforce the support on offer to staff at the college.

Statistics indicate that one in four people will experience difficulties around their mental health at some time during their working life and this can have a significant impact for some staff at the college. As a response to this, in June of this year, a number of staff from a cross-section of departments, faculties and sites attended a two-day training course and were awarded Mental Health First Aider status by Mental Health First Aid England.

There are now 21 members of staff who have been trained as Mental Health First Aiders. They have developed their existing skills of non-judgemental listening and can offer initial reassurance, with the idea being that they are the first port of call for staff needing someone to talk to. They will be able to give initial support and signpost staff to appropriate help if required.

Speaking about the course, Faculty Coordinator at Exeter College Victoria Davy, a Mental Health First Aider, said: “The Mental Health First Aid course was a fantastic opportunity to hone my skills, learn more about different types of mental health and to better help and guide my colleagues.”

Lisa Cummings, Exeter College’s Deputy Head of Funding, Finance and MIS, another of the college’s Mental Health First Aiders said: “I am proud to be part of an initiative that is working towards breaking down the taboos surrounding mental health conditions. Everybody’s lives have been touched by mental ill health in some way or another and this can affect all aspects of life. The Mental Health First Aider role is there to provide a safe space to talk and to offer support and guidance to staff experiencing mental health conditions.”

Could a T Level be the Right Course for You?

Exeter College is one of the first colleges in the country – and the only one in Devon – to be offering new T Level qualifications from September 2020.  

The technical-based qualification aims to give 16-18-year-olds the chance to work towards the industry of their choice through a full-time, two-year study programme. Here’s our guide to what T Levels are and how they could be the right course for your future.

What are T Levels? 

The government describes T Levels as a ‘revolution in technical education in the UK’ and has named Exeter College as one of the first providers of these pioneering new qualifications. T Levels are the equivalent of three A Levels and their primary aim is to offer post-16 students a clear choice between academic and technical education. 

Providing students with a clear line of sight to industry by combining classroom learning with focused industry experience, a T Level programme lasts for two years and has been designed alongside employers and businesses. 

The course consists of 80% of time spent in the classroom gaining theoretical knowledge, whilst the remaining 20% is a valuable industry placement. 

The industry placement element ensures at least 45 days of industry experience over two years and will help students develop the skills, behaviours and knowledge that employers are looking for. 

Upon completing a T Level, students can go in a variety of directions.  The skills developed through the course could lead directly to employment, an Apprenticeship, a higher technical qualification or degree level studies.  

Is a T Level right for me? 

T Levels are for any post-16 students who have completed their GCSEs and are eager to develop technical skills with a view to moving in to a specific industry.  

T Level courses will give students the opportunity to gain a combination of technical knowledge and industry experience in a chosen field. 

Because they have been designed with businesses and employers in mind, T Levels are geared specifically towards equipping students with the skills, knowledge and expertise that will set them apart when seeking work in their chosen industry. 

What T Levels are there? 

T Level courses at Exeter College will start with three qualifications available to commence study in September 2020. T Levels in Construction, Digital and Education and Childcare will launch in 2020, before further T Level routes roll out for September 2021.  

How do I apply for a T Level? 

Find the right T Level for you via our course search.  

If you want more information on one of our T Level courses then visit one of our upcoming Open Events or contact the College Advice Team on 01392 400600 or cat@exe-coll.ac.uk. 

Applications are open now for those wishing to start studying with Exeter College in 2020. Find out more about how to apply to study at Exeter College. 

Local Schools and Colleges Join Together for Exeter College Model UN

Over 100 students from Bristol, Devon, Dorset and Somerset came together at Exeter College for a Model United Nations Conference where students engaged in lively debate and discussion while representing different UN member states.  

The conference gave students from local sixth forms and colleges the chance to learn about diplomacy, international relations and how the United Nations operates.  

As part of the event students got to propose and debate resolutions to the major global issues of the day. Pupils were appointed to represent different countries, all with competing interests on the international stage. Students are expected to reach a consensus and deliver changes to international policy based on the scenarios laid out before them.  

Students from Maynards, Exeter School, West Exe, Clayesmore, Bristol Grammar School and Queen’s College Taunton all attended the event and debate topics included democratic integrity in elections, the issue of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation world wide and the implications of the growth of industry in Africa.  

The afternoon session saw all the students come together as representatives of their respective countries for a General Assembly to go through a world war style crisis. In a fevered session of debates and negotiations, students had to choose sides, plan attacks and build alliances to make the most of what military might they had at their disposal. The large-scale conflict concluded when member states who were accused of committing war crimes were put on trial by their accusers.  

Student View

Exeter College student Tom Matthew, who was the Under-Secretary-General at the conference, said he was pleased students had the chance to develop their skills in an engaging and informative way.  

“The event gives students the opportunity to develop their researching skills but also get to grips with some incredibly complex global issues,” said Tom, who will now become the Secretary-General of the Exeter College Model UN. His predecessor and Secretary-General of this year’s conference, Jacob Harris, has now left Exeter College to study History and German in Nottingham.  

Tom continued: “Students got to develop their public speaking skills as well as their teamwork and leadership abilities when tasked with coming up with solutions to some of the most difficult challenges we face.” 

Teacher View

Exeter College teacher and Reach Academy Coordinator Dr Martin Gilbert was pleased with how the schools came together to create a successful event. 

“It’s always great to see the students come together and develop their skills together in such an engaging way,” said Dr Gilbert.  

“Our Exeter College students helped facilitate the whole day for the benefit of everyone involved and I’d like to thank them for the role they played in putting on the event.”  

The Future

Exeter College’s Model UN team will be competing at several different conferences over the coming months and the Exeter College Model UN Conference will reconvene in September 2020.  

Come and meet University of the Arts London at Exeter School of Art.

On Thursday 10 October 2019, University of the Arts London (UAL) will be hosting a regional roadshow at Exeter School of Art. The roadshow will bring together student workshops and portfolio guidance. Each session has been designed to provide attendees with exciting new updates and advice about studying at UAL.

Location: Exeter School of Art, Centre for Creative Industries, Queen Street, Exeter, EX4 3SR

Timing: 9.45am arrival – 3pm departure

Student Schedule:
10am – 10.30am: UAL welcome
10.30am – 12pm: Student workshops 
12pm – 1pm: Lunch 
1pm – 2.30pm: Student talk 
2.30pm – 3pm: Wrap-up talk

The workshops on offer are a chance to develop new skills and meet UAL academics. On the day the workshops will be hosted by BA (Hons) Acting and Performance and BA (Hons) Graphic and Media Design. 

The Regional Roadshow is open to all Level 3 learners studying a creative subject and academics who support students on their journey to university. UAL has an undergraduate portfolio of over 100 courses, covering Art, Design, Media, Screen and Performance.

To book places for the event please email carolkennedy@exe-coll.ac.uk. (Places will be confirmed on a first come first served basis). 

Exeter College Hockey Academy Coach Gus McVey helped Zimbabwe Ladies to a bronze medal in the African Olympic Qualifying Tournament which was held in Cape Town.  

Gus, 48, combines his role as Exeter College Hockey Academy Coach with being Head Coach of the Zimbabwe Ladies’ Hockey side and his developing team outperformed expectations to bag a bronze medal in the qualifying tournament held in South Africa over the summer.  

The third-place finish represents the highest position the country has finished in the tournament since 1990 and Gus was thrilled to help his side on their way to a medal.  

“Getting that bronze medal was a great way to end what had certainly been a challenging two months in Zimbabwe fraught with many challenges,” said Gus.  

“What’s particularly pleasing for me is that this result means that Zimbabwe’s world ranking of 66 will improve and give the team a much higher standing when it comes to future tournaments.” 

Since speaking, Zimbabwe Ladies’ Hockey side has indeed risen in the rankings, leaping up to 46th in the world.  

During their training in the build-up to the tournament, Gus and his side had to deal with blackouts and fuel shortages but the entirely self-funded team still managed to train four times a week.  

The tournament itself wasn’t without drama, as Zimbabwe Ladies were informed that their first two games would be against the top two ranked teams in the competition, Ghana and South Africa.  

Gus’s side fell to a late 3-1 defeat against Ghana and then pushed African champions South Africa all the way and, despite losing 2-0, the result represented the best performance against the host nation for any team in the tournament – all the other teams that faced South Africa lost by five goals or more.  

Zimbabwe went on to defeat Kenya 2-0 and then played out a frenetic match with Namibia and ran out 3-2 winners to secure the bronze medal.  

“To win a medal of any colour is really quite an achievement,” said Gus.  

“If we had won the tournament we would have been going to the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 but we’re all thrilled to have come away with the bronze medals. Thank you to all who followed, supported and helped me and my team have a chance of an Olympic dream.”

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