Dear Parent / Guardian,

We have really enjoyed welcoming your son/daughter/young person to Exeter College this week and we will look forward to meeting you at some point in their journey through the College.

We want this year to be a happy and successful one for all students and we know that the key to this is open and honest communication between the College, parents/guardians and students.

From research, we know that attendance has a major impact on student achievement. We expect students to attend fully and to be on time for all of their classes. We would really value your support in this and would ask that you assist us by encouraging your son/daughter/young person to attend their sessions and be punctual at all times. Please note that we expect students to make routine appointments e.g. G.P./Dental appointments, driving lessons etc. outside of college time.

All absences must be reported using our online absence reporting system, which your son/daughter/young person can access on their Exeter College home page. As a parent/guardian of a student at Exeter College, you can access information on your son/daughter/young person’s attendance, timetable and progress, via their home page. Please ask them to show you their home page, which can be accessed via logging on to the College’s website.

You can find more detailed information about the College including, safeguarding information, our range of support services and the dates of Parent/Guardian Progress evenings for 17/18, as well as other useful information, on our Parents’ page on the College website.

We would be grateful, if you could let us know of any changes in your personal circumstances as soon as possible; such as a change of address or phone number and would ask that you contact us if you have any queries or concerns about your son/daughter/young person’s progress. You can contact their tutor via email; by including their full name, all lowercase and no space, before the generic email address @exe-coll.ac.uk; for example jenniehamilton@exe-coll.ac.uk or you can contact the College by telephone and be asked to be put through to your son/young person’s faculty and tutor.

I hope that we can work together to make your son/daughter/young person’s time at Exeter College happy, fulfilling and successful. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you wish to discuss anything to do with their education, welfare and progress whilst they are at the College.

Yours sincerely

Jennie Hamilton

Head of Student Experience

At Exeter College we want to provide our students with the best possible resources to support them with their studies, that’s why every student will be given Microsoft Office 365, for free.

Office 365 provides access to industry standard software including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote, plus you will also be able to store up to 1TB of your work using OneDrive. You can find out more about Office 365 here.

“It’s the apps you know and love.”

You can access Office 365 over the web or through apps available for Apple, Android and Windows devices. In addition you can install Microsoft Office 2016 on up to 5 PCs or Macs, all for free.

Further information on accessing Office 365 will be available during your induction. You can also visit any LRC where the team will be able to offer you further support and advice.

We know it can be daunting when starting at a new sixth form or college so we thought it would be helpful to give you some useful tips on how to get settled in. Before you know it you will have made new friends, know where all your classes are and have chosen your favourite study spots.

So be brave, and remember, that this is a new challenge and one we are here to help you with every step of the way.

When is my first day at college? Thursday 7th and Friday 8th September for first year students. These first two days are known as induction/freshers.

What happens during induction/freshers? These two days will be spent with your tutor group. As well as hearing from the college principal, you will have an induction to the Learning Resource Centres (LRCs). You can also take part in a range of activities such as a free student BBQ and the Freshers’ Fair where you can sign up for enrichment activities. Check out the Freshers’ page for more information.

When do lessons start? Monday 11th September. Don’t forget your college I.D badge!

Where do I go on my first day? At enrolment you will be given a Getting Started booklet. On page 3 it tells you all you need to know for arrival on your first day. On your first day of college our staff will be outside both of the main train stations and on Queen Street to help you find your way – so if you're not sure where to go just look out for our staff in blue.

What if I can’t find my way around? If you have any questions during the first week, or are not sure where to go you can visit one of the Help Zones which will be located at Hele Road, Victoria House, CCI, Falcon House and the Technology Centre.

Where do I collect my travel pass? When your travel pass is ready for collection you will receive a text message which will explain where you need to go to collect it. If you have any questions about travelling to college you can contact our dedicated travel team on travel@exe-coll.ac.uk or visit the webpage for more information.

Where are the Learning Resource Centres (LRCs)? There are 7 award winning LRCs across the college. There is one based in each of the following buildings; Hele Building, Victoria House, Centre for Creative Industries (CCI), Tower Building, Technology Centre and Falcon House. So wherever you are based, you are never far away from an LRC where you have access to WiFi and subject specific texts along with friendly and supportive staff.

Can I change subjects/my Extend option if I don’t like the ones I have chosen? It is best to decide on your choices before you start college so if you’re not sure about the courses you have picked, please ask your tutor lots of questions at enrolment or visit the advice zone and they will be happy to advise you. However, if you do start a course that you are not enjoying there may be the opportunity to change. Speak to your tutor in the first instance who will be able to advise you on the process.

When will I be given my timetable? The first two days (7th and 8th) are induction days designed to help you settle into college so you will not have timetabled lessons on these days. You will find out where you need to go on your first induction day at your enrolment appointment. You will be given your timetable before lessons begin on Monday 11th September.

I’m nervous about not knowing anyone! There will be plenty of opportunities to start meeting new friends during your induction days at college. You will attend lots of activities with your tutor group including a free BBQ/Pizza and our Freshers' Fair. Just remember everyone is new and will be nervous too. Sign yourself up to the clubs and activities you love and before you know it you will have a group of new friends!

What is the SRC? The SRC is the Student Representative Committee and is your College’s Students’ Union. It is run day to day by student reps known as the SRC Team. They do loads of things from; collecting student feedback and representing student views, running events, fundraising for our College Charity, and selling NUS Extra student discount cards. You will see the SRC Team around college, so please stop and say hi.

Can I get any financial support? Financial assistance from the Bursary Fund is available for vulnerable learners and students with a household income of less than £23,000. The college is able to help where the costs of transport, meals, books and equipment could be a barrier to accessing education. View our latest bursary information here or contact the Student Welfare Administrators on 01392 400526.

How do I get to the Technology Centre from the city centre? There are regular buses and trains from the city centre – please see our guide here for more information.

How do I get to Falcon House Construction Centre from the city centre? There are regular buses from the city centre, please check Stagecoach for up to date times.

Remember to look for the staff in blue – over the first few days at college there will be Help Zones around campus to help you with any questions you may have. So whether you need help with finding a room or where to find a cash machine, they are here to help.

Every year students and staff at Exeter College select a charity to become the College Charity of the Year. This year we are excited to announce that our chosen charity is Mind.

Students and staff now have till next July to raise as much money as they can for this charity. Past charities have included Devon Air Ambulance and The Teenage Cancer Trust. The amount to beat is a staggering £21,313. This amount was raised through various innovative ways including cycling from Lands End to John O’Groats and waxing lecturers legs!

Did you know that every year, one in four of us will experience a mental health problem? Sadly, hundreds of thousands of people are still struggling. Mind provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.

Deputy Head of Student Experience, Megan Snell said:

We are delighted Mind has been chosen as the College’s charity of the year. The college community have shown how committed they are to supporting the needs of young people and are focused on the College’s priorities”.

At Exeter College we offer a wide range of onsite services to ensure our students are safe and happy, however if you think Mind could help you then please take a look at their website for further information.

What to do next – Apprenticeships

A levels remain the traditional route for post-16 education, as degrees remain the traditional route post A Levels, but there is another viable option which offers the same level of training and education as both whilst gaining real work experience – Apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships have been fast gaining a growing reputation for being the first choice for many young people, especially given the government’s target of 3million Apprentices by 2020.

What is an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships combine study with practical on the job training.

• Apprentices immediately start gaining work experience in a work place, able to learn directly from existing, experienced staff
• Apprentices gain job-specific skills in their chosen industry whilst gaining a qualification at the same time
• Apprentices are paid a wage at all levels from intermediate to degree level, meaning that Apprentices get paid to learn. Over the course of their career, an Apprentice can potentially earn more than a graduate.
• Many Apprentices stay in employment after completing their Apprenticeship, many progressing to the next level of Apprenticeship study

“Apprentices have been an asset to our business and are an integral part of our recruitment process.” Awcock Ward Partnership

Levels of Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are available at a number of different levels and entry can vary depending on experience and grades.

• Intermediate – the level that post-GCSE students would expect to start at
• Advanced – the equivalent of two A Levels
• Higher – the equivalent to foundation degree or HNC/HND level
• Degree – BA/BSc or MA/MSc level

“If you want work experience, along with high levels of training and a wage, then the Apprenticeship route is the only way to go.” Abbie, Level 3 Accountancy Apprentice

“Ignore stereotypical views about Apprenticeships, research everything about them, they are valuable, they do help and they can change your life.” Joe, former Digital Marketing Apprentice, now Director of The Social Media Lab.

How do I find an Apprenticeship?

The best way to find an apprenticeship is to speak to Exeter College who can help put you in contact companies that you would like to work for.

We can help you apply for apprenticeship vacancies, improve your CV and write a stand out covering letter and personal statement.

Exeter College post over 100 vacancies each week on their website www.bit.ly/ECAppVacancies

Alternatively, you can approach companies that you would like to work for and see whether they might consider taking you on as an apprentice. Make sure you are prepared when talking to employers and take your CV with you. Being proactive is the best way to show an employer that you are the employee for them.

Pre-Apprenticeships

Pre-Apprenticeships are an attractive alternative for students not quite ready for Apprenticeship. A Pre-Apprenticeship programme typically lasts from six weeks to six months and offer high quality work placements, work preparation training and support in English and Maths.

Pre-Apprenticeships are usually available for school leaners who are struggling to secure an Apprenticeship, but they may appeal to those with limited work place experience. They are generally unpaid, although travel and expenses are usually covered.

At the end of the Pre-Apprenticeship programme, trainees will be encouraged to take up an Apprentice position. The Pre-Apprenticeship programme boosts your CV and provides a perfect foundation for an Apprenticeship or ultimately a job.

The Exeter College Apprenticeship Team are here to help support anyone looking to take up an Apprenticeship following their results. The dedicated team can help with CV and application advice, as well as talk through available vacancies and next steps.

Call the Apprenticeship Hotline on 01392 400800.

What to do if you don’t get the GCSE Results you’re expecting… don’t panic!

With GCSE Results Day – Thursday 24th August 2017 – just around the corner, there’s no getting away from the fact that it can be a stressful time. Yet if you don’t get the GCSE Results you’re expecting please don’t panic. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

Here are some top tips to survive results day:

1. Try to get some sleep the day before results day. Being sleep deprived really isn’t going to help. Being nervous is natural, but don’t get too worked up about everything.

2. Stay calm as much as possible and look after yourself.

3. If you don’t get the GCSE results you were expecting, don’t panic.

4. Here at the college we’ve a specialist College Advice Team who are trained to give you advice and guidance. So pick up the phone, email or message us on Facebook or Twitter.

5. We will have a dedicated GCSE Results line that will go live on GCSE Results Day – the number to call will be 01392 400555.

6. Our team will be there to support you, talk to you about the subject area you are interested in, your long term career goals and your exam grades.

7. Remember, whatever the outcome, whether better than expected or not as positive as was hoped for, there will almost certainly be an option of study with us. And of course, you are amazing anyway.

8. On our website we've created a dedicated help page with a handy tool to help you work out what to do next if your concerned about your results, didn't quite get the grades you had hoped for, or just want some more help and advice. Click here to visit our GCSE Results Support page.

EXETER COLLEGE APPRENTICESHIP EMPLOYER MAKES REGIONAL FINAL AT THE NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP AWARDS 2017

Exeter College have once again shown their Think Apprenticeship service is a force to be reckoned with as one of their employers is shortlisted at regional stage of The National Apprenticeship Awards 2017.

Awcock Ward Partnership (AWP) was formed in late in 2012 with seven members of staff. Four years on they have a workforce of 27, including Apprentices from Exeter College’s Think Apprenticeship service. One of AWP’s first Apprentices, Tom Richards, has now progressed to study for his HNC in Engineering, showing their dedication and commitment to the lifelong learning of their staff and Apprentices. Sophie Brewer, Office Manager, said “We are thrilled to be picked as a regional finalist for this prestigious award. It is a real encouragement to be recognised for the work we are doing with our apprentices and hope that through exposure to other similar companies we can learn how to keep improving.”

Exeter College is no stranger to the National Apprenticeship Awards and have had employers in the regional finals for the past three years including local nursery, Kiddi Caru, who were highly commended at last year’s awards.

The National Apprenticeship Awards, now in their 14th year, aims to showcase the diverse and ever-growing range of industries and sectors working with Apprentices and to showcase exceptional apprentices and their employers.

If AWP are successful in the regional finals they will be in with a chance of winning nationally at an award ceremony held in October.

**PRESS UPDATE**

We are delighted to announce that AWP have won the regional finals and will now go on to the national finals at the end of November. Here they will compete against other regional SME winners to be named National Apprenticeship Employer of the year for the ‘Newcomer SME of the year’ category. We wish them good luck for the finals and look forward to announcing the winners shortly.

Today Exeter College is celebrating the achievement of exceptional A Level results, with this year’s students setting a new college record for achieving the very highest grades.

A record number of the top grades (A*, A, B) have been awarded to students at the college, with an incredible number – 57% achieving the very highest levels of achievement.

In July, the college’s International Baccalaureate (IB) students celebrated a 100% pass rate with an average score of 34 points, some way above world average and the best results in the college’s 19 years of delivering the IB.

Today the number of students awarded straight A* and A grades has risen to a remarkable 80 this year, with an amazing 165 students achieving A* grades in total. In Graphic Design, for example, over a third of students scored the very highest A* grade.

Subjects in which students achieved exceptional high grades of A*, A and B included Further Mathematics (91%), Religious Studies (81%), Law (78%), Business Studies (71%), and Philosophy (62%) to name a few.

This year’s results come amid nationwide reforms to A Levels, so that grades are awarded on the results of final exams at the end of a course, rather than a culmination of first and second year modular assessments. Overall, the college saw an A Level pass rate of 99.5%, with 28 subjects recording a 100% pass rate, including subjects such as Classics, Economics, Physics, and Further Mathematics.

Students from across Devon and beyond have now secured their places at their first choice university, including places at Oxford and Cambridge, Russell Group and top universities, as well prestigious music, performing art and dance academies.

The exceptional academic results confirm Exeter College’s reputation as a first choice Ofsted Outstanding college and its national standing amongst the very best Sixth Form colleges in the country.

Commenting on today’s stunning academic results, a delighted John Laramy, Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive, said: “I am absolutely delighted with today’s exceptional results. Our students have achieved a truly remarkable set of academic results, with a record breaking number achieving the highly coveted highest grades. I would like to congratulate the students who have embraced the new A Level assessment regime and excelled.

“I believe these results evidence the impact of our dedicated specialist staff, who are experts in the delivery of advanced level curriculum. It takes real talent to prepare students to be at their best for one moment in time ‘the day of the exam’ and I would like to thank our staff for their contribution to these outstanding results.

“The results confirm our reputation as a first choice Ofsted Outstanding college, together with being one of the very best Sixth Form colleges in the whole country.”

Exeter College is an award-winning, Ofsted Outstanding college. The college brings together a culture of academic excellence with personal tutor support focused on delivering exceptional learning, care and support to all learners.

Emma Fielding, who is the college’s Assistant Principal responsible for the academic curriculum said: “I’d like to congratulate our students on this fantastic set of results. Our commitment here at Exeter College is to provide A Level students with the opportunity to be taught by post-16 subject specialists who combine a passion and depth of knowledge in their subject areas, with high academic expectations.

“We also have a culture of providing our students with exceptional pastoral care and support, as well as strong enrichment package and stimulating extra-curricular opportunities to ensure a breadth of experience and to help them stand out from the crowd.”

Finally, Exeter College would like to thank all of its students and staff for an exceptional year of academic results.

There is still time to apply for September 2017 entry. Visit exe-coll.ac.uk/apply, contact our College Advice Team on 01392 400600 or email us cat@exe-coll.ac.uk

With A Level Results Day – Thursday 17th August 2017 – almost here there is no escaping the fact that this can be a very nerve racking time. Yet if you don’t get the results you are expecting, please don’t panic. This is your chance to enter what is known as Clearing.

Confused? Ok, so what is Clearing? Put simply, Clearing gives you the chance of finding a degree level course starting this September. Who is it for? It might be you haven’t done as well as you had hoped, have changed your mind on your course, or want to do a course but haven’t applied.

More than 65,000 students across the UK secured a place through Clearing last year, according to UCAS. This means that you will not be alone. But a little extra support doesn’t hurt. That’s why we’ve put together some hints and tips for those getting their A Level Results, (as well as those with BTEC and International Baccalaureate results).

Hints and Tips about Clearing 2017:

1. If you are getting your results, look after yourself – try to get some sleep beforehand;
2. Results Day itself can be stressful, but stay calm as much as possible;
3. Have your UCAS Track sign in details with you;
4. Make a note of the UCAS contact details you may need, find them at www.ucas.com/ and charge your mobile;
5. Hopefully you will get the results you need, but if you don’t, don’t panic – there are always other options:
6. Consider all of your options;
7. If you would like to speak to us about studying a degree level course at Exeter College through Clearing, please call our Clearing Hotline on 01392 400200;
8. Good Luck. Remember, you are amazing whatever happens.

We’re Gold. Do Your Degree Differently, at Exeter College

Did you know you can benefit from Gold-rated University Level teaching, stay in Devon, and choose from a wide choice of courses? Well, you can – at Exeter College.

Exeter College has opened its application process for those hoping to enter through Clearing, and start their degree level course this September 2017.

The college’s University Level teaching is rated as ‘Gold’ for delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes. See here for the full story here.

The college works in partnership with well-respected university partners and awarding bodies, as part of its Centre for University Level Studies, enabling students to study in Exeter and at the same time benefit from quality and a wide range of courses.

Secure Your Place.

Call Exeter College’s dedicated Clearing Team today on the Clearing Hotline Number 01392 400200 or visit us here for more information and advice.

Exeter College has been awarded the ‘Gold’ standard for delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for its University Level students.

The coveted gold award highlights that the college’s Centre for University Level Studies, which offers a wide range of degree level courses, is among the best in the country for teaching and employment outcomes.

The results of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), published today, provide a picture of excellence in teaching and learning in UK higher education.

A panel of expert judges awarded Exeter College gold for ‘delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for its students’ and found it to be among the ‘highest quality found in the UK’.

And the results and the underlying evidence are designed to help students thinking about which university or college to apply to.

Exeter College is praised for its:

• outstanding employment outcomes which are supported by an effective strategic focus on vocational and professional education allowing students to acquire skills knowledge and understanding that are highly valued by employers
• teaching, learning and assessment practices which provide scope for outstanding levels of stretch that ensure all students are significantly challenged to achieve their full potential
• optimum levels of contact time which secure the highest levels of student engagement
• outstanding individualised learning which is enhanced through an effective personal tutor system
• an embedded college culture that facilitates, recognises and rewards excellent teaching
• a range of outstanding digital and industry-specific facilities actively used by students and which impact positively on enhancing their learning.

The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) was introduced by the Government to build evidence about the performance of the UK’s world-class higher education sector.

Each provider was rated Gold, Silver or Bronze. The TEF awards were decided by an independent panel of experts including academics, students and employer representatives. Drawing on national data, and evidence submitted by each university or college, the TEF measures excellence in three areas: teaching quality, the learning environment and the educational and professional outcomes achieved by students.

John Laramy, Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive, said: “I am extremely proud that we have been awarded the very top accolade of Gold for the outstanding teaching and learning for our degree level students. We really do our degree level courses differently at our Centre for University Level Studies by putting our students first and this is a fantastic achievement for the team here at the college. I would like to thank all of our staff who have made this success possible.”

“On a personal note, as someone who started my own university level journey here, albeit many years ago, it is a true achievement to celebrate for the whole Exeter College community and the students who we are here to support to change their lives.”

The Universities Minister, Jo Johnson, said: “These results, highlighting the extraordinary strengths of our higher education system, will help students choose which university or college to study at.

“The Teaching Excellence Framework is refocusing the sector’s attention on teaching – putting in place incentives that will raise standards across the sector and giving teaching the same status as research.”

The Centre for University Levels Studies is a critical and growing part of our learning community at Exeter College. Doing a degree level course with us and our partners is a different experience and one we’re proud to offer. That’s why we can say that our Centre for University Level Studies really does do degrees differently.

Applications are open over the summer for our degree level courses for entry in September 2017. Apply now to secure your place and join those who have already applied to start with us. See our website for more: www.exe-coll.ac.uk/HE