Exeter College would like to wish you every success with your upcoming exams. Exams can be a really stressful time of the year, and so we wanted to compile a list of things for you to remember whilst sitting your exams:

Read your timetable carefully
Examinations are nationally set so if you miss the exam there will not be another opportunity this summer to sit it which will affect your qualification.

Be punctual
You must arrive in plenty of time for your examination. If you arrive after 10am for a morning exam or 2.30pm for an afternoon exam it is very likely the exam board will not mark your paper, therefore you would not receive an overall grade.

Be aware of any exam clashes
If you have two or more exams scheduled at the same time we will contact you soon regarding the arrangements for your exams. It is vital that you attend at the time and location specified in your clash letter.

Be prepared
Please bring with you everything you will need including photographic identification, a black pen, and any other necessary stationery or equipment. You may bring a bottle of water with the label removed but no other food or drink will be permitted during the exam.

Leave your mobile phone/smartwatch at home
A ringing telephone during an examination is classed as malpractice and will be reported to the awarding body. If you are found to have a mobile telephone/smartwatch on your person during the exam this could result in disqualification.

Complete your details accurately
Complete your name on the exam paper/answer booklet exactly as it appears on your desk card – this is the name you have been registered with so it’s essential you do not give any alternative names.

Wait until the exam begins before starting to write
This includes making any notes at all on your paper, desk card or hand. Any such notes could be seen as unauthorised material and reported to the exam board. Make sure you finish writing when instructed to at the end of the exam.

Make all plans and rough notes in your question paper/answer booklet
If you do not wish this work to be marked please cross it through with a single line.

Respect examination conditions
Please remember that you will be in exam conditions from when you enter the exam room until when you leave. Please do not disrupt others, and also please remember that students will be sitting exams in various locations across the college – be considerate to your fellow students.

If you have any questions please visit the Exams Office on the first floor of the Tower Building, Hele Road or contact us on 01392 400477.

When going through education, my aim was to get good grades so that I could go to university. I had always been quite academic and so everyone – including myself – just assumed that would be the case. With hard work and a determination to achieve high, I managed to walk away with A’s in my A-Level results, and was given an unconditional offer from my first choice university to study English.

But my goal, by this point, was no longer something I was passionate about. The truth is, I didn’t really know what it was I wanted to do after university. With tuition fees and student debt constantly increasing, and graduate unemployment rates fluctuating, it became apparent to me that I was at a high risk of wasting three years of my life for nothing. Nothing but thousands of pounds worth of debt.

That’s when I looked into Apprenticeships. The Business Solutions team at Exeter College organised meetings with me to talk through my interests and discuss possible career paths. They then arranged work experience for me in order to decide what it was I actually wanted to do – something that’s not easily established when sat in a classroom. I realised from this process that I wanted to go into the business sector, with particular interest in accountancy.

I was lucky enough to have a work experience placement at Simpkins Edwards, an accountancy firm based in Exeter. This allowed me to get a feel for what it was like to work in a firm, and have more of an insight as to what the work would involve. Not only were the staff friendly, accommodating and supportive during my placement, but I was also offered the opportunity to attend an interview as a result. Not only did this increase my already growing interest in this possible career prospect, it also built my confidence knowing that I had made a good enough impression to be offered an interview.

The interview itself was fairly relaxed, and was a good chance to get to know more about the firm as an employer, and what I could expect if I were to embark on this path as an Apprentice. For me, my biggest worry was that abandoning my choice to go to university would prevent the career progression that I wanted to achieve. I was assured that I could achieve the same end in this role as an apprentice as I would if I were to go to university. With this in mind, when I received a job offer from Simpkins Edwards it was clear what I now aspired to do.

Being an apprentice has been a massive learning curve. I had to adapt myself to full time hours whilst maintaining my AAT studies and learning a practice and job that I had never before done. On-the-job training is vastly different to classroom learning, and so it has required a lot of perseverance and acceptance that things won’t always be perfect straight away. The transition has helped me grow as a person: gaining not only workplace skills, but life lessons that have allowed my confidence and versatility to improve.

Choosing to do an Apprenticeship was the best decision I could’ve made. I felt ready to start my career, and to do so proactively has been an experience I can carry forward in my future developments. I am able to earn a wage rather than paying fees, whilst getting the same level of training I could get from university. I am able to fulfil my passion for travelling, rent my own flat, and still have an enjoyable social life. It was difficult to see all my friends embark on their studies at university, but I am able to say that choosing to do an apprenticeship rather than go to university was the best choice I could’ve made. I would recommend anyone who’s interested in an apprenticeship to follow it, and anyone who hasn’t thought of apprenticeships before to consider it. University may be the right choice for some, but if you want work experience, along with high levels of training and a wage, then the apprenticeship route is the way to go.

My advice:

1. Do your research – find out exactly what it is you want to do as a career and see if this is possible to do via an apprenticeship scheme. Take any opportunity to do work experience before making a decision.
2. Always try and make a good impression with employers, even if you’re not at an interview or starting a job with them. I was lucky enough to be given the chance to make a good impression before I was offered an interview, and this gave me a strong basis when it went to the interview stage.
3. Don’t feel disheartened by the fact that you aren’t going to university (even if all your friends are). Apprenticeships aren’t a ‘back up’ to university, they are an alternative method of education. Even with high grades, and an unconditional offer, I still chose the apprenticeship route as, for me, the on-the-job training aspect offered more for my chosen career path than classroom learning did.
4. Whatever path you choose to take, make sure it is something you are going to enjoy. Don’t rush the decision. If you need to take a year out to explore options and gain some experience then do so. I enjoy my job, I have wonderful employers, and have met and continue to meet amazing and supportive people. It makes it worth-while getting up each morning.

Abi Lawless

Exeter College lecturer and playwright, Shiona Morton from Brixham South Devon, has been awarded the distinguished Theatre Fest West Writer’s Prize. As part of the prize, her play with be produced and staged by Salisbury Playhouse.

Shiona had to submit an original unproduced play, suitable for a studio theatre space and up to four actors. She says: “Hansel is something I've been working on for some time, and has had several complete rewrites. Last summer I rewrote it again and felt that it was in good shape to submit. In December I heard that I was one of three shortlisted.”

Hansel is about an elderly hoarder, Edith, who is visited by her daughter, Viv, for her quarterly clean-out. Tensions rise when Viv discovers Edith’s friendship with a teenage boy sleeping rough in the woods outside Edith’s cottage.

Writers from all over the South West entered the competition, three plays were then chosen and contestants had the chance to complete a day’s research and development along with rehearsed reading with a professional company.

Jo Newman, associate director of Salisbury Playhouse, said: “The Theatre Fest West Writer’s Prize has enabled Salisbury Playhouse to build new, meaningful relationships with writers from the region, celebrating the incredible talent in the South West and producing a brand new play as part of our Original Drama programme. Hansel is a touching, atmospheric piece which explores a really important and relevant subject. We’re really excited about introducing Shiona’s work to our audience.”

Shiona said:

I was delighted to hear the news that Hansel had been selected as the winner. The most exciting thing for me is to see my work produced. It is fantastic to watch my ideas and characters being brought to life by actors live on stage. This is a great prize because it celebrates playwrights in the South West region and offers a platform for new plays.

About Theatre Fest West:

Theatre Fest West is Salisbury Playhouse’s annual celebration of work made in the South West. 2017’s Theatre Fest West was bigger than ever, with over 30 performances taking place across Wiltshire showcasing work from artists from all corners of the South West. We kicked off the festival with South West Theatre Symposium, where artists and industry professionals from across the region came together to have meaningful conversations and celebrate theatre making in the South West.

About Exeter College:

Exeter College is a tertiary college in the city of Exeter, Devon, England, providing further education for 16- 18-year-old students, including apprenticeships, A levels and the International Baccalaureate, as well as a range of courses for 14- to 16-year-olds, higher education and adult courses, community education and professional development courses.

Exeter College was established in 1970 as the first tertiary college in England. The college offers higher education in partnership with institutions including the University of Exeter, The University of Plymouth Colleges network, the University of St Mark & St John and Kingston University.

This weekend Exeter College students will be taking part in the annual Association of Colleges National Championships in Nottingham. This is one of the largest annual sporting events in England, involving over 1,800 college students and 200 staff. More than 80 Exeter College students will be competing at the event.

The students have qualified for the championships through regional tournaments and as well as competing in their chosen sport, they will compete for points for the South West region. The region whose teams and individuals accumulate the most points will win prestigious Wilkinson Sword trophy.

The Exeter College team is its largest ever to compete, with of 89 students taking part in a wide range of sports, including rugby, football, netball, basketball, cross country, golf, tennis, badminton and cricket. The championships are taking place at sporting venues across Nottingham from 21st – 23rd April.

Chris Wall, Exeter College’s Sports Academy Manager, said:

We are very proud of our students. It’s a fantastic achievement for the college to be taking even more students than last year to compete at the Championships. Each of them will have won at their sport at regional level which means we as a college are doing exceptionally well. Sports Therapy students are also travelling up to support the teams. It’s a huge credit to the staff as well who are giving up their time to support the students and we wish them all the very best of luck.

TEDxEXeter is back.

Exeter’s Northcott Theatre will play host to this exceptional event on Friday 21st April, back in Exeter for its 6th year. Speakers and performers will come together to talk about this year’s theme – hope.

Exeter College is extremely proud that 2nd year student, James Craig, will be representing the college. From Honiton, James is currently studying A Levels in Chemistry, History and Maths and has recently accepted an offer to go and study Law at Bristol University.

James is involved with the college debating club which is how he came to be submitting a draft for TEDxExeter. James said:

They came to debating, a club I’m heavily involved with, we were invited to make drafts of what we wanted to talk about and submit them. They chose their favourites and it turns out they liked mine!

This years theme is hope, James tells us he is talking about Brexit and also referencing youth involvement in politics and disengagement with politics. When asked whether he is nervous about speaking on Friday James said:

I think the key to my confidence is that I haven’t thought about it yet! I have memories of being shy but I think I have always been quite outspoken, I think I’m quite confident. I try to be anyway. It helps that I am passionate about my subject, I like to know everything about what I’m talking about. The worst thing, especially with debating, is being surprised by something!

James’ love for debating started in year 11 when he was involved in a competition in Exeter, something he references in his talk, he then went on to be involved in his school mock election and the school council, all of which have contributed to his success today.

Along with 5 other speakers, James had the chance to travel to London and rehearse his talk, he said it was useful to give each other tips.

There was a couple that were really powerful and really moving, and a couple which were really informative and interesting so it will be good to see them all. I’m excited about Friday. I step back and realise this is quite a big deal. Not many people actually get to do this kind of thing. Hopefully I will be able, if nothing else, to have a good time. You never know, in 2 years, I could be back to do it again!

Tickets for TEDxExeter sold out in 16 minutes, if you were not one of the lucky few then why not go along to a live streaming event? Click here for more information.

The award-winning Exeter College has won three coveted awards at the Exeter Living Awards – in a celebration of excellence on its home turf.

The college was named as the winner of the best Education provider accolade in the prestigious and tightly contested Awards. The awards judges commented “The passion from the tutors and focus on the students is fantastic. There’s a big buzz around Exeter College and it’s deservedly had national recognition.”

As well as winning the Education award for academic excellence, the college won accolade for the best Business Services provider for its Think Apprenticeships service, of which the judges said: “The contribution and impact that Exeter College Think Apprenticeships has had on local Exeter businesses stands out from the rest. It is a fantastic organisation and we are so lucky to have it in Exeter.”

Finally Exeter College took home the prestigious Platinum award awarded by the judges for the best individual category winners out of more than 300 award entries.

Winning the trio of awards in front of an audience of leading figures in the city’s business and community life comes during an exceptional period for the college. The college has been recognised as the best college in the country by FE Week, named as a Top 100 Employer by The Sunday Times, has celebrated its best ever A Level results, and was named as the City and Guilds Centre of the Year.

John Laramy, Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive, said:

We are delighted to have won not one, not two, but three awards at this year’s Exeter Living Awards. As an Ofsted Outstanding, award-winning college there is nothing quite as rewarding to be recognised on your home turf in front of your peers.

It was very rewarding for us to be able to celebrate the continued success of the college, the city and the many people who make it such a special place.

The Exeter Living Awards, held at The Great Hall on April 6 2017, are a celebration of the very best of Exeter. More than 400 finalists and award-winners attended the glittering awards event.

Exeter College recently announced plans to continue its upward trajectory from being an Ofsted Outstanding to an ‘exceptional’ college. Under the plans, the college is looking to invest £70 million over the next 20 years.

Discover what we have to offer from our wide range of full time courses and apprenticeships all under one roof!

Our EXPO event is designed to help you make informed choices, so whether you need advice on a course, careers guidance, or just want to know the cheapest way to get to college, we recommend stopping by. Click here to register now!

So that you can get the most out of the event, we have put together our top 10 tips. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please call our College Advice Team on 01392 400600.

1. Plan in advance. Download the programme from the college website. Browse our website or use our course guide to help you find subjects of interest; make a list of areas to see.
2. Prepare a list of questions to ask teaching staff such as how is the course assessed? What modules are covered, what can I progress to from this course?
3. Open events can get very busy, please give yourself plenty of time to look around. Free tea and coffee will be available in the CCI cafe if you need a break to gather your thoughts!
4. No idea where to start? Come along to one of the talks by the College Advice Team at 5pm and 6pm in the CCI theatre. If you still need help, visit the Advice Zone to chat to one of our experts from the College Advice Team, our Progression and Employability Team or Learning Support Team.
5. Do take advantage of the guided tours led by our current students. This is a great opportunity to see the facilities and ask questions as you go. Don’t forget to collect a ticket from the Tour Ticket Point!
6. If you don’t have one already, please pick up a course guide during your visit.
7. Look for the Information Point should you need help finding your way around.
8. If you’re thinking about going to university why not come along and find out about your next steps at a university talk at 5.30pm and 6.30pm in the CCI theatre.
9. Need information about travel to college and/or financial support? Staff will be available, please check the programme for location.
10. In Year 11 and need help applying? Visit the application station where we can support you through the process.

Exeter College EXPO is on Thursday April 20th, 2017 from 4pm – 7pm at Exeter College's new Sports Hall off Queen Street, Exeter. Click here for more information and to register.

Exeter College Apprentice, Jordan Picot, was named runner up in this year’s HIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year competition. Eight finalists from seven regions across the UK attended the Grand Final to find the winner and crown HIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year.

The competition took place over two days at the ADEY Training and Conference Centre in Cheltenham and saw Tayla Wileman, 18, from Burton and South Derbyshire College crowned as overall winner. Making her the first female contestant to ever win the competition.

Judge Tony Kite and his three fellow judges – Glenn Scholfield from Pegler Yorkshire, Glenn Stonehouse and Colin Yearp from ADEY – were faced with the challenge of marking the students’ work to find an overall winner amongst the exceptionally high standard of talent that was brought to the table.

For more information about Apprenticeships click here or you can view our current vacancies by clicking here.

The Exeter Foundation has launched its first Devon Sporting Legacy Project Grant to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Devon Sports Awards.

The Foundation, which is the official charity of the Exeter Chiefs, is making £20,000 available to match fund an existing organisation’s project fund to assist them with the achievement and completion of their sporting legacy project.

The funds will be available for a Devon-based project, which will help enhance the local area and community.

Chairman of the Exeter Foundation, Tony Rowe OBE, said:

We have generated this opportunity to champion local community and grass-roots level sport, whilst at the same time creating a legacy here in Devon. It is hoped that the successful recipient of the funds will be a landmark project to encourage the development of sporting projects, which will benefit the future sporting stars of the county.

Set up six years ago, the Exeter Foundation recently celebrated raising £1 million, which has been distributed to over 75 different charities and organisations.

The funding has been shared to a series of wide-ranging projects and schemes, including eight different vehicles, a boat, six children’s play areas, an outdoor learning centre, wheelchairs for the Exeter Hawks Wheelchair Rugby team and the refurbishment of two separate hydrotherapy pools.

Mr Rowe added:

The aim of the Foundation is to create a lasting legacy for everyone that we help and we look forward to receiving the applications for the Sporting Legacy Project Grant,

Interested parties are invited to request an application form by contacting Aimee Arscott on enquiries@exeterfoundation.org.uk or calling 01392 427427. The deadline for applications is midday Friday, 28th April.

The winner will be announced at the Devon Sports Awards dinner, which will take place at Sandy Park on Friday, June 30. Guest speaker for the night will be double Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell OBE.

The awards are organised by The Exeter Foundation and Active Devon, in partnership with Exeter College.

For more information about the Exeter Foundation, visit www.exeterfoundation.org.uk

You can now request our 2018-2019 university level prospectus online and find out what it's like to study at our Centre for University Level Studies.

Students who study with us are able to do their degree differently. We work in partnership with our well-respected university partners and awarding bodies, enabling our students to study in Exeter and at the same time benefit from quality and a wide range of courses. Not only have that, but we have small class sizes, one to one support and flexible study arrangements with a personalised approach to teaching which differs from a traditional university environment. Plus, our teaching staff have all worked to a high level in their industry, employment sector or on a self-employed basis so students benefit from both their vocational and academic knowledge and expertise.

Within Exeter College’s Strategic Plan 2016-2020 the college sets out four key areas of focus for the next five years. One of the dimensions is its Centre of University Level Studies, aiming to provide exceptional higher education provision by meeting key objectives including the creation of a distinct university identity, environment and ethos. The launch of the new prospectus is a key step in this mission.

The Strategic Plan goes on to explain:

Across the board there is a renewed focus on the role of such provision in raising personal as well as professional aspirations and in enhancing social mobility and wellbeing within local communities and regional areas. Raising awareness and aspiration and facilitating access are, therefore, critical.

Exeter College has offered courses at university level for some years now and along with its partner universities including University of Exeter and Plymouth University, it offers a diverse range of qualifications, including BA (Ord), BSc (Hons) Foundation Degrees, Higher National Diplomas and Higher National Certificates in over 25 university level programmes.

The 2018/19 Centre for University Level Studies prospectus is now available online and to pick up from Exeter College’s receptions across the city.

There is still time to apply to start a degree with us for entry this September 2017 call our HE Advice team today on 01392 400909 for more information and advice. You will also have the opportunity to come and speak to us at our University Level and Adult Learning Open Event on 20th June 2017, 5pm-7pm.