Exeter College has unveiled ambitious plans to open an exceptional £2.4 million Gym and ‘New York’-style Dance Studio.
Alongside this development, new space for music technology, art and information technology will be created, transforming the space that had previously housed the previous gym and dance floor.
The new Gym and Dance Studio is an extension to the college’s £5.9 million Sports Hall in Victoria Yard in the centre of the city, opened in 2015.
Under the plans, the two storey extension will feature a fully equipped, modern Gym with the latest equipment on the ground floor, with a New York style glass fronted Dance Studio on the second floor, as well as additional teaching space.
Early ground works have just started on the building work, with the new facilities planned to open in summer 2019. Exeter-based Grainge Architects, one of the leading architectural practices in the South West, have designed the new gym and dance studio.
The investment is just the latest in a series of developments at the Ofsted Outstanding college in recent years, which only recently officially opened its £3 million Advanced Engineering Centre.
Exeter College has a growing reputation as a leading national centre of excellence for sport, as well as dance. The college offers a wide range of programmes for aspiring sportspeople, and those with a passion for dance. This investment will lead to a number of enhancements to the college’s award-winning provision.
John Laramy, Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted that works have now started to create cutting edge space for sport and dance. The college gym impacts on students and staff right across the college and we hope this investment encourages even more of our students and staff to get active.
“As a College our vision is to be ‘exceptional’, to do this it is critical that we continue to invest in all aspects of the student experience. This new development shows that our vision is about action, brought to life by great staff and excellent students.”
Are you a school leaver? Exeter College has limited spaces for a wide range of programmes starting in September 2018. To apply, pop into a college reception or call 01392 400555.
Naomi Taylor, from Topsham has been commended for her hard work and determination at this year's national BTEC awards. The BTEC Awards are an annual event that recognises and rewards students, teachers, schools and colleges for their exceptional achievements in vocational learning.
The young student was nominated for the BTEC Child and Social Care Student of the Year award by her tutor, Grace. Grace decided to enter the award based on Naomi's achievements over the year and describes her as a student who never falters when faced with a challenge.
Grace said;
Since embarking on a Level 1 Childcare course Naomi has shown her resilience, determination and commitment by working extra hard to achieve the best she can in all she does. She is the first to offer support to peers and her focus is contagious. Her confidence has blossomed during her four years here.”
Naomi began her journey at the college studying Level 1 Caring for Children along with GCSE English and Maths. Her drive and passion to learn saw her quickly progress to a Level 2 Childcare, Learning and Development BTEC, a course she took on with gusto, despite suffering with dyslexia. She continued to thrive and tackled each day with a positive attitude.
Her passion to work with children is undeniable, however she faced another challenge when she wanted to progress to a Level Three Childcare course but didn't quite have the grades. Once again though she didn’t let that stop her and sought advice from her tutors and enrolled on a Level Three Health and Social Care course, a course she is proudly about to complete.
Naomi said;
I felt for me a Level 3 in Health and Social Care would be a massive achievement which I didn’t feel I was capable of and all the support from Exeter College it was made possible for me. I agree it hasn’t been easy, it’s been far from it but I got through it and that’s because of all the support I have had throughout my time at college.
Exeter College has given me so many opportunities and experiences and has opened so many doors for me and not just that it has made me who I am today, right from the word go I have been a new person and for me I feel that this new me is the real happy me, coming from school and having a real hard time with bullies and the other challenges I was facing I was adamant I was going to make my college life my new life with a fresh start and new beginning and that’s what it was. I had and made so many new friends, I was completely focused on being successful and I got made to feel worthy and realised I can do what I want to do if I try hard enough.”
Assistant Principal, Sam Hillman, said,
BTEC is an outstanding vocational programme which prepares learners incredibly well for either Higher Education or direct to their chosen field of employment. Naomi has excelled within what are demanding programmes of study and has achieved so much. She has had her challenges to overcome and has done so brilliantly and we are all very proud of her. On behalf of us all at Exeter College, I would like to wish her the best of luck in the future.”
To find out more about the courses we offer visit our course search page to browse the range of programmes available, and to apply.
How many Apprentices do you employ, what do they do and what courses are they on?
We currently have 91 apprentices working for Devon Partnership NHS Trust.
Current apprenticeships include:
Team Leader / Supervisor
Healthcare Assistant Practitioner
Senior Healthcare support worker
Business and Administration: Medical Administration
Business Administrator
Business and Professional Administration
Professional accounting taxation technician
They have a range of job roles including; Trainee Support Workers, Nursing Assistants, Community Support Workers, Assistant Practitioners, Business Administrators, Finance Assistants, Facilities Team Leaders, Systems Support Analysts, and Personal Assistants.
Why do you employ Apprentices in your company?
As a large Mental Health and Learning Disability Trust it is important that we have an appropriately trained team providing a high quality service in all areas of the organisation. The role specific training offered through the Apprenticeship is an ideal way for our teams to gain the knowledge and skills they need to provide this service, as well as gaining a nationally recognised qualification for their own professional development. Within Devon Partnership NHS Trust we offer different career pathways which allow apprentices to process within the organisation.
How do Apprentices add value to your business?
We acknowledge the positive impact of being able to provide a variety of Apprenticeships for many diverse teams within the Trust and are keen to increase this further. Within our clinical staff teams we have chosen to use the Apprenticeship route to provide the Level 3 training as the starting point for those joining the trust in Support Worker roles. This programme provides the option of a specific mental health unit in addition to the core units which is highly relevant to our clinical teams.
Using the apprenticeship qualification we have been able to put in place a career pathway for those wishing to further progress towards achieving a nursing qualification.
We recognise the value of the ‘on the job’ nature of the delivery of the training and the positive relationships we have developed with the college, enabling our Apprentices to achieve successful outcomes.
What do they bring to your team?
Within all of our teams those undertaking the Apprenticeships, at the different levels, are able to share their knowledge and skills with colleagues and demonstrate how they can incorporate this into their practice. Devon Partnership Trust provides a wide variety of learning and training opportunities for the staff including Apprenticeships and we receive very positive feedback from staff undertaking Apprenticeships at all levels within the organisation.
Exeter College is again celebrating its best ever set of academic A Level Results today – with students setting a new record for the number of the very highest results, well in excess of all national averages.
Students at the college from across Devon and beyond recorded exceptional results – a new college record of 61% of A Level students achieved the highest (A*, A, B) grades, well above the average in England of 52.7%.
The college saw an overall pass rate of 99.5% at A Level, 86% A*-C grades, with 29 subjects achieving a 100% pass rate, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Spanish, Economics, and Sociology. In Mathematics and Law 41% of students achieved an A or an A* and in Fine Art 45% secured an A or an A*, showing that students excelled right across the range of subjects offered by the college.
The world class results saw a remarkable number of students achieve the very top A* grades – with a stunning 174 A* grades awarded. This year’s results across AS and A Level saw a record-breaking 99 students achieve coveted straight A*s and As in their subjects.
Exeter College A Level Results 2018 – Best Ever Academic Results, Again! Well in Excess of All National Averages
Today’s results confirm Exeter College’s continued upward trajectory as the first choice, Ofsted Outstanding, academic college in Devon, with a supportive environment, expertise from specialist subject teachers and a choice of nearly 40 A Level subjects, as well as the International Baccalaureate (IB).
These results mean a record number of students have secured a place at first-choice high tariff Russell Group and world class universities, Oxford and Cambridge, and employment, in addition to the very best performing art, music and dance academies.
Subjects in which students achieved an exceptional set of high grades (A*, A and B) included: History (72%), Graphic Design (88%), German (89%), Economics (74%), Sociology (69%) and Further Mathematics (79%). Meanwhile, Politics saw one in five students achieve the very top possible A Level grade of A*.
In subjects offered to challenge and stretch students at the college, 91% of students who undertook the Extended Project achieved high grades and in the new Government priority of Core Maths nearly a quarter of students achieve an A grade.
Meanwhile, the college has seen world class results for its International Baccalaureate (IB), with nearly a quarter (22%) of students achieving 40+ points (equivalent of five A Levels at A*/A), the college’s highest set of results which puts them in the top five per cent of students in the world.
Congratulating students at Exeter College on this year’s remarkable academic results, John Laramy, Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted by these absolutely stunning results – which confirm that Exeter College is among the best sixth form colleges in the entire country. I’d like to congratulate all of the students for this truly exceptional set of academic results for the college, which are truly record breaking.
“Every year it becomes harder to beat the last, but this year our students have done just that – and again, they have enabled us to yet again celebrate our best ever results.
“I’d like to thank our teaching and support staff for everything they have done that has contributed to these stellar results, last year we changed our timetable to reflect the very best sixth form providers in our country, and from these results it is clear that our investment in the student experience continues to make a difference to young people and their ambitions”.
Jona Metcalf, from Exeter, celebrated straight triple A*s (A*, A*, A*) and is now off to the University of Cambridge.
Kira Lewis, from Taunton, achieved straight As in her exams, (A, A, A*) and is off to study at King’s College London.
She said: “I'm really happy with my results this year, achieving an A* and two As. The opportunities I've had since coming to Exeter College have been great, including serving as Student Governor for a year.”
Jade Otty, the college’s Assistant Principal who is responsible for the academic curriculum, said: “We are delighted with this year’s results. Our young people have worked hard to ensure they have achieved their very best, and we are all immensely proud of the exceptional progress our learners make.
“Our commitment here at Exeter College is to give students the opportunity to be taught by subject specialists with a true passion for the subjects we offer at AS and A Level.
“Alongside our excellent teaching, we have exceptional pastoral care and support as part of our tutorial system, which has helped our young people to thrive and enjoy their time with us as well as achieve amazing results. We’d like to wish all of our students the very best for their future.”
Today many students who study applied and technical subjects are also celebrating excellent results, they too, like our academic students, are using their excellent results to enable them to progress, either onto to university or for an increasing number, into paid employment as an Apprentice.
Exeter College would like to congratulate all of its students and staff who are celebrating this year’s record breaking results.
There is still time to apply for September 2018 entry. Visit exe-coll.ac.uk/apply, contact our College Advice Team on 01392 400600 or email us cat@exe-coll.ac.uk
Here are just some of our many exceptional A Level students from Devon and beyond – well done to everyone. We are so proud of you all.
Future Doctor Yospeh Eskandar, 18, from Barnstaple, is off to Oxford University to study Medicine after an exceptional set of A Level results, achieving four A*s (A*, A*, A*, A*) in Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and the Extended Project. Yospeh, formerly of Park School, said: “I really liked studying at Exeter College – all of the staff are so supportive. All the lecturers encourage their students to be the best they can be. I couldn’t really have done it with the support of my teachers.”
Kira Lewis, 18, from Taunton, formerly of The Castle School, Somerset, is thrilled with achieving straight As in her exams, (A, A, A*) in Government and Politics, Law, and English Literature, and is off to King’s College London to read War Studies. She said: “I'm really happy with my results this year, achieving an A* and two As. The opportunities I've had since coming to Exeter College have been great, including serving as Student Governor for a year.” Asked why she chose Exeter College, Kira added: “I came to an Open Evening and the lecturers were really enthusiastic. I’ve had so many amazing people support me.” Kira is pictured with John Laramy, Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive.
Triple A* student Greg Greenwood, 18, from Witheridge, formerly of Chumleigh Community College, achieved an exceptional triple A* grades (A*, A*, A*) in Photography, 3D Design, and Graphic Communication is planning another year at college before university. He said: “College as a whole is a great experience. The teaching was amazing. They all helped me massively.” When asked if they would recommend Exeter College, Maria and Keith parents of Greg, both said ‘absolutely!’. Maria said: “The college is really supportive. The tutors absolutely inspired him and motivated him. It’s been fantastic.” Greg is seen here celebrating his results with his parents Maria and Keith.
Caitlin Gallagher, 18, from Bideford, formerly of Great Torrington School, also celebrated straight As in her results, (A*, A*, A) in Biology, Physical Education, and Mathematics, and is off to the University of Bath. She said: “I am so happy. I love being in Exeter, it felt much more like a university feel, than a school. I had the best teachers. It all seemed that they would do anything to help me. I would definitely recommend Exeter College. Just come here. It is the best!”
Alistair Papworth, 18, from Sidmouth, formerly of Sidmouth Community College, is off to Cardiff University to study Environmental Geoscience after achieving (A, A, B) Environment, Geography, Environmental Science. He said: “I enjoyed my time at Exeter College specifically making new friends and enjoying unique courses that weren’t offered at other colleges and schools.”
Amy Preston, 18, from Honiton, formerly of Honiton Community College, is reading Biomedical Sciences at the University of Bristol after achieving triple As in her exams (A, A, A) in Chemistry, Biology and Psychology. She said: “I’m going to Bristol Uni! I loved it at Exeter College. It was amazing here – and I met some really great people as well. I’d recommend it 100%.”
Please see below some important dates and support you can access for your first year results, and how you enrol on your second year of study (or apply to start a new course with us).
Collecting your results:
* Thursday 16th August 8am – 1pm AS level Results Day in the CCI building (including internal year 1 exam results)
Enrolling onto your second year of A levels, or enrolling onto a new programme:
23rd August you will be contacted by your 1st year tutor to discuss your results. Please make sure you have your phone with you and switched on to receive this phone call.
If you have passed your courses and are happy with your subjects your tutor will confirm this over the phone and we will look forward to welcoming you back on Tuesday 4th September.
If you need any support (for example if you have not passed all your courses, or you would like to talk about/confirm a new programme of study) an appointment will be made for you with your year 1 tutor ASAP to help you apply and enrol on a new programme and you will be given information then about the start of year.
Starting your second year of study or your new programme of study:
* Monday 3rd September please check your college email for a message from your second year tutor with details of arrangements for 4th September (if you need to reset your email password follow this link – https://exe-coll.ac.uk/passwordreset)
* Tuesday 4th September all second year programmes start. There will be a whole group tutorial where you meet your new tutor and group, register with UCAS (where applicable) attend an inspirational speaker event and Re-fresher Fair followed by 1:1s with your second year tutor.
* Tuesday 4th/ Wednesday 5th September pre-booked 1:1s with your second year tutor
* Important Note – If you are arranging to start a new programme of study (i.e. you join a first year programme like a full time Btec) you will expected to attend Induction Days on Thursday 6th and Friday 7th September.
* Monday 10th September full teaching timetables start for all A level/Btec courses
Trouble shooting
Please look through the following commonly asked questions if you are still unsure about how to get help or re-enrol with us.
Q Where can I get help or advice on results day?
If you need any advice about your results there will be an Advice Zone on the day in the CCI building. Don’t forget, your 1st year tutor will also telephone you on Thursday August 23rd to discuss your results with you and to provide support.
Q What happens if I don’t get the results I need for my selected 2nd year courses?
Don’t panic, remember your 1st year tutor will be in touch on Thursday August 23rd or alternatively, you can speak with a member of staff in the Advice Zone on results day. When your tutor speaks to you on the phone they will make an appointment for you to come to see them ASAP to look at options of other courses.
Q Some of my courses had internal exams rather than formal AS qualifications, do I still need to pass them to carry on into second year?
Yes, the requirement for these courses is still that you achieve at least a D grade in order to progress to the second year. If you are unable, or do not wish, to carry on a subject with an internal exam you will need to come in briefly to see your tutor on Friday 24th August. They will arrange a certificate of completion for you (for you to evidence that you completed a year of study of the A level) and discuss what courses you might be able to transfer to.
Q I have not achieved a D or above in two of my three subjects, can I carry on with one?
No, not usually. If you have not achieved well in two of your courses Exeter College will have alternative A-level equivalent courses that are probably much better options for you. Your tutor will arrange an appointment with you when they call on 23rd Aug to help you to look at these options.
Q I have not achieved a D or above in one of my three subjects, can I carry on with the two I did achieve well in?
Yes, if you choose an appropriate AS level or Btec cert course to go with them that will help you to progress. Your tutor will arrange an appointment with you when they call on 23rd Aug to help you to look at these options.
Q I talked to my tutor and other teachers about what new course I wanted to transfer to before we left for the summer break. Do I still need to come in?
Yes – until you come in for an appointment with your tutor you cannot be transferred and enrolled onto your new course. It is therefore important to take the call from your tutor on 23rd Aug and make an appointment to come in to sign up to the course you wish to transfer to.
Q I can’t come in on 16th August to collect my results as I am on holiday. How can I get them?
Any uncollected results are posted out at the end of 16th August. Alternatively you can get a relative or other adult to collect them for you as long as they have ID with them and a signed letter from you authorising them to get them on your behalf.
Q When will I get my new timetable?
You will receive your new timetable from your 2nd year tutor on Tuesday September 4th in your group tutorial (or if you are starting a new first year course on either Thursday 6th or Friday 7th September during your Induction) .
Q How will I know who my new tutor is?
Up until 3rd September your 1st year tutor remains your tutor, which means they will help you with any queries you might have about your courses or results. On Monday September 3rd your new tutor will send you a welcome back message on your college email.
Q Who can I speak to if I want to change my 2nd year course selections?
Speak to your 1st year tutor on Thursday August 23rd about your 2nd year course selections when they call you and they will advise you from there.
Q Can I re-take my 1st year course if I am unhappy with my results?
No, it isn’t usually possible to retake a 1st year course. If you have any concerns about this, please speak with your tutor when they call or pop in to the Advice Zone on results day.
Q How can I change from A Level/Btec cert courses to a full time course like a BTEC or UAL course?
If you wish to change from a 1st year A Level course to a BTEC course it is important you make an appointment with your 1st year tutor when they call you on Thursday August 23rd.
Q What shall I do if I am locked out of my college email?
To view the latest information on how to reset your password, please visit the college website: www.exe-coll.ac.uk/passwordreset
Almost a quarter (22%) of students studying the International Baccalaureate (IB) at Exeter College have achieved 40+ points, the colleges highest ever results. Above 40 points is the equivalent of five A Levels at A/A*. This places those students within the top five to ten per cent of students in the entire world.
In total over 86% of the college’s IB students scored an impressive 31 points or more, putting them ahead of the world average of 30 points (2017). Making this the most successful year of the IB at Exeter College ever.
The IB is an internationally recognised qualification that allows students to study six subjects across a wide range of disciplines spanning languages, arts, humanities, maths and sciences. Students also have to study theory of knowledge, complete an extended research essay and a portfolio. Which are all graded to calculate final points.
The exceptional results mean many of Exeter College’s IB students are going on to fulfill their dreams of studying at world-leading universities. Including three who have been accepted to study at the University of Oxford.
John Laramy, Principal and CEO of Exeter College said:
I would like to congratulate this year’s IB students on another exceptional year and thank their teachers for their hard work and dedication to the course. We have run the IB for approaching 20 years and have seen some incredible results. This year we are delighted that so many of our students achieved such high grades and have been able to go on to their chosen destinations. ”
The average points scored by Exeter College students was 35 this year, up from 34 last year and five points above the world average.
It may be the summer holidays, but whatever you need we're here to support you. Below we've detailed some of the things we've got going on over the summer including drop in sessions, opportunities for one to one support, and how to get in contact with us.
College Advice Team
Whether you’re looking to get advice and guidance over the phone or book in a time to come in to speak to someone one to one about your choices and take a tour of the facilities, our College Advice Team are on hand to answer all your questions. You can contact them on 01392 400 600 or email CAT@exe-coll.ac.uk
Apprenticeship Team
If you have applied for an Apprenticeship but have not yet found an employer – the Apprenticeship team are running Job Shop Sessions specifically designed to help you boost your CV and confidence. Here you’ll have a one to one with our Apprenticeship advisors who will give you the best advice on how to find an employer to support your Apprenticeship. Call 01392 400 800 or email Apprentices@exe-coll.ac.uk to book.
We welcome anyone interested in Apprenticeships or looking for general advice and guidance to visit the Apprenticeship office at any time. You can find the team on the Hele Road Campus, simply drop in at reception who will be more than happy to direct you.
Our University Level adviser is on hand throughout the summer to answer any queries about our range of University level courses. We still have a range of courses open for clearing. For more information about the range of courses available please click here to visit our clearing page.
Although college may have finished for the summer, we understand that some people may still need support during this time. Below we've collated a list of links to advice and support services who will be happy to support you if you need them over the holidays.
We are delighted to announce Barratt Developments as our July Employer of the month. The local division of the country’s largest and best known house builder has also broken new ground this year by appointing the UK’s first ever marketing apprentice.
How many Apprentices do you employ, what do they do and what courses are they on?
Barratt Developments has long appointed apprentices in bricklaying, carpentry and plumbing but this innovative initiative, in the year that the company celebrates its 60th anniversary, takes apprenticeships in a completely new direction.
18 year old Barney Munn, from Cullompton, will study over 18 months for an NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Marketing. Barney will work with the marketing team in delivering highly engaging digitally-focused marketing plans to support the sales targets for the division.
The role will also include helping create engaging website content and combine this with high quality imagery/video as well as managing the research for future development websites. The apprentice will also have an opportunity to accompany the rest of the marketing team on visits to the developments across Devon and Cornwall.
In addition to the marketing role, there are 13 apprentices at Barratt David Wilson in Exeter covering carpentry with 10 bricklaying and one each in technical and commercial. All will work towards NVQ levels two and three.
Why do you employ Apprentices in your company?
As the leading developer in the UK, the company has a well-structured training programme which ensures each and every apprentice has the opportunity to progress in their chosen career. Nationally the group has been named in the Top 100 Apprentice Employers list for 3 years, and in 2014 was named the National Apprenticeship Service BT Macro Employer of the Year.
Paul Moran, the managing director in Exeter, said:
We are thrilled to have been named as Employer of the Month by Exeter College, who are a valued partner. As one of the country's top developers we are absolutely committed to developing raw talent – it is after all vital to our future – and I believe that we have a duty to provide these kinds of apprenticeship opportunities. Barratt is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year and we are extremely proud of our apprenticeship scheme and the talented team members that have passed through it and stayed with the company over the years.
He explained:
In Exeter our professional training combines both on-site development with work in the classroom. Most importantly, our programmes allow youngsters to gain industry recognised qualifications whilst at the same time building invaluable connections with experienced professionals and people with specialist technical knowledge throughout the industry. Underlining the importance of the scheme, the personal development of each apprentice is overseen by one of our own directors.”
How do Apprentices add value to your business and what do they bring to your team?
From Barratt’s point of view apprentices really energise our business and bring a refreshing new perspective to things. Their presence is also excellent for the morale of the team. Seeing a youngster come into the business and grow, learn new skills and take on responsibility is really satisfying. We all recognise that apprentices of today are our fellow professionals of tomorrow.”
For more information about becoming an apprentice with Exeter College please click here.
At Exeter College we believe that exceptional teaching and learning begins with exceptional staff. In order to ensure this continues to be the case, we invest in development opportunities for staff to broaden their knowledge, much to the benefit of our students.
Dr. Mike Beer is Head of Modern Foreign Languages and Classics and a lecturer of Classics at Exeter College. Recently he’s been on a journey to participate in a course for teachers of classics to enhance their knowledge of ancient Athens. Read about his experience below.
“From the 11th to the 15th July 2018, I had the great pleasure of being part of a small group of Classics teachers attending the Teachers’ Course at the British School at Athens. There were seven of us, and we came from a variety of different educational contexts (independent, state, faith school) and we taught across various subjects (Ancient History, Classical Civilisation, the ancient languages) at GCSE and A level. We were here to deepen our knowledge of ancient Athens from the archaic through to the Roman period, and for the next four days, we were privileged to receive a series of lectures and guided tours, conducted by experts in the fields of archaeology, art history and philology.
We arrived on various flights from the UK on Wednesday 11th, and after assembling in our hotel lobby and introducing ourselves, we proceeded to the Plaka district, where we dined in a rooftop restaurant, under a starlit sky, beneath the Acropolis. It was a fantastic start to our visit.
Our course started in earnest early the next morning as we headed to the Acropolis, just a few minutes walk from our hotel. Our guide was Dr Chryssanthi Papadopopolou, Assistant Director of the BSA. Over the course of the morning, we were given an in-depth guide to the Parthenon, the Erectheion and to the other buildings on the Acropolis. By the end of our tour, we had learnt much about the Periclean building programme. In the afternoon, we fled the heat of the Acropolis to the cool confines of the Acropolis Museum, where we looked at a selection of artefacts, including the Parthenon frieze and the korai, the free-standing statues of young women, dating from the archaic period. Our day ended in the Kerameikos, where we learned about Athenian funeral practices and the route of the Panathenaia.
Friday morning took us to the ancient Athenian Agora and the impressive Doric Temple of Hephaestus, followed by an afternoon at the National Archaeological Museum. For me the undoubted highlight of the exhibits were the astonishing array of Bronze Age Mycenean grave goods, fashioned from gold, which were exquisite in their finely-wrought construction. We also received a fascinating tour of selected items of pottery by Dr Karim Arafat. The day ended with a talk on Linear B at the British School, by the Director, Professor John Bennet. Linear B continues to fascinate and frustrate in equal measures, and remains something to which I would like to devote more time (teaching permitting!).
On Saturday we took a coach to Delphi, three hours distant from Athens, which the group had been eagerly anticipating. It did not disappoint. The site was astonishing, both well-preserved and blessed with a stunning location in the mountains of central Greece and is undoubtedly one of the best ancient sites that I have ever visited. We had several hours there, and were also able to visit the site museum, which included many fine artefacts, including the famous bronze Charioteer.
Our final morning was spent at Piraeus, the ancient harbour of Athens, learning about the role of the Athenian navy, as well as being able to wander the largely empty Piraeus museum (surprisingly empty: the museum had many fine bronze pieces). By lunch time we were done. With farewells, and promises to stay in touch, we departed for the airport. I can unreservedly recommend this course, as it provided some really useful material that can be used effectively in my teaching. I was provided with a financial bursary by the Classical Association, which was incredibly helpful. An unforgettable experience, and a reminder, if any were really needed, of the richness of the Classical world and the enthusiasm and expertise of those who both study and teach it.”
