Exeter College is delighted to announce that it has been nominated for two categories in the prestigious Exeter Living Awards. The college has been told it is up for the education award and the business services award for the highly successful Think Apprenticeship team.

According to Exeter Living, this year has seen record entries, beating last year’s stupendous effort. 2016 was the first year of the awards but they are are fast becoming a business highlight of Exeter. Nominees will now face a panel of independent judges and winners will be announced in April at a glamorous awards ceremony taking place in The Great Hall at the University of Exeter.

Principal John Laramy commented on the award nomination saying: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for an Exeter Living Award for Education, Exeter College is a tertiary college and this 'Exeter' based award recognises the positive part we aim to play within our community.”

Mike Blakeley, Head of Business Solutions and Enterprise at Exeter College, said: “Exeter College is renowned for educational awards so we're delighted to be recognised for the services we provide for our extensive range of local businesses. Our dedicated Apprenticeship recruitment advisers collectively deliver over 800 apprentices to the doors of local businesses. The value this brings to our network of employers and young people brings huge benefit right across the city.”

Music Academy Showcase Evening

The annual Exeter College Music Academy Showcase will be held at the Exeter Phoenix on Wednesday 15th March from 6pm. This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to show off their musical talents and for prospective music students to experience the full range of what we have to offer. This year will see performances from our large ensembles such as the Chamber Orchestra and Big Band alongside offerings from a range of course based ensembles including our new flagship Degree level course, the HND in Creative Musicianship.

Please contact Roz Harding on 01392 400250 or Rozharding@exe-coll.ac.uk for your free tickets.

This term in Music…

Each year the music faculty hosts a range of workshops and talks from visiting music industry professionals and we are pleased to yet again provide our Music and Music Technology students with another series of Mixing and Mastering workshops by leading music producer Lee Fletcher.

As ever we strive to find world class performances for our students to attend and this year the faculty have arranged some real treats! For our A level students particularly (but not exclusive to) we have a fantastic trip to see the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra perform a series of works by Mozart, Berlioz and Strauss at the Exeter University Great Hall on the 2nd February – tickets only cost £1! We also have a trip organised to see the incredible progressive rock group Dream Theatre at Birmingham Symphony Hall on the 18th April. We have 25 tickets for this gig and are able to offer them on a first come first served basis at a subsidised cost (inc travel) of £60 through the Music Academy. Enquiries for all tickets can be made on 01392 400250.

At Exeter College we know that part of our student’s happiness depends on the activities that they get involved in out of the classroom. This is why we are committed to providing excellent enrichment opportunities. We also put our students feedback at the heart of what we do, hence our Learner Voice programme. You can read all about recent developments below, along with an update on money raised for the college charity of the year.

Student Representative Committee and the college charity

The Student Representative Committee (SRC) continues to work tirelessly to promote the voice of the students, through representation on the Board of Governors, SRC Team meetings, the Learner Voice and student clubs and groups such as the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) group.

In addition, they are excellent ambassadors at various college events. They have run and been heavily involved with various national and college awareness events. These have included World Mental Health day and offering free healthy lunch choices and sustainable water bottles as part of Health and Wellbeing awareness throughout January. They have also organised their own student SRC Carol Service, hosted information, advice and guidance talks for (LGBT) history month, and have led fundraising for the college charity totalling over £12,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust last year.

The college charity this year is Devon Air Ambulance and so far we have raised a fantastic £6,838. Students across the college have been coming up with inventive fundraising schemes such as fairs, cake sales, spinning challenges, fancy dress, bake off competitions, as well as Christmas Jumper Day and the annual Festival of Carols.

The SRC will be working closely with the college over the next couple of months to put on a range of events and activities. Events will include a Health and Wellbeing Fair, the Jailbreak charity event, anti-bullying awareness and events and activities to help students build their emotional resilience.

Enrichment at Exeter College

The cross college enrichment programme continues to develop with new projects being introduced. Enrichment gives students at Exeter College aged 16-19 the opportunity to test out new hobbies, get a skill or qualification and to make new friends. Enrichment enhances the core programme of learning at the college and helps students enjoy and achieve and make a positive contribution.

Exeter College Volunteers (ECV) is one of the enrichment activities offered, which supports students with finding local volunteering placements that are right for them, and supporting them throughout their placement. A range of volunteering placements are available with a host of organisations such as; charity shop work, soup kitchen, activity groups, after school clubs, and student ambassador roles.

We encourage students to record their successes and achievements while at college using their Student Record of Achievement. This document is accessed through the student’s eILP and includes data such as courses and qualifications and allows students to input information such as; employment history, volunteering hours, enrichment activities, successes, and work experience. Students can then use this information to write CV’s and applications.

Exeter College really listens to its students

The Learner Voice is a vital process for the college, as it provides students with an opportunity to discuss and generate ideas on teaching and learning, which will have a direct impact on quality improvement. John Laramy, Principal chaired the Learner Voice Conference in November which was attended by over 200 students from all faculties. Feedback encompassed all areas of the college, with comments including:

Teaching is outstanding”

The college is positive, supportive and welcoming”

Teachers are experienced in their fields”

The college is always kept clean”

Great support with progression advice”

Resources in college are brilliant”

The wide range of enrichment means there is something for everyone”

The following developments have been made in response to learner feedback:

• Card payment option is being trialled at college cafes
• More water fountains and free sustainable water bottles for students
• A food survey has been developed for students to give specific feedback on food choices

Faculty issues are addressed through regular Faculty Learner Voice meetings and the college gains further feedback through student surveys, the student portal and the SRC.

To keep students updated, the SRC have also launched their fortnightly Student E-Bulletin which is now sent to over 6,500 students. This Student Bulletin gathers information from across the college to provide students with opportunities, advice and guidance. The Bulletin includes information such as; cross-college events, charity updates, bursary and travel information, tutoring updates, enrichment opportunities, Learner Voice feedback and responses, NUS student discount card offers, and progression and employability updates.

Our Progression and Employability team are here to provide students with advice and guidance on their next steps after college. Whether that is the world of work, an apprenticeship or university they will ensure students have a plan for their next steps. Students can visit our Progression and Employability Hub in the Tower Building foyer on our Hele Road site.

Supporting Students with Their Next Steps

Our team of experienced advisers can help support all students with planning their next steps after college; whether this is applying for university, gap years, apprenticeships, full time work or another college course.

If your son/daughter/young person needs help deciding what to do at the end of this year please ask them to come along to a drop in session. Starting after half term, these are based in our Progression Hub in the Ground Floor of the Tower Building from 12:30 – 14:30 on Monday to Friday so please encourage them to come along and see us.

We can also offer one to one appointments for careers advice. To find out about this service you can contact us on 01392 4000330 or progressionteam@exe-coll.ac.uk

Parents and students can also keep up to date with UCAS news, jobs and volunteering opportunities by following us on twitter @ExeCollPandE

Has your son/daughter/young person applied for university to start this autumn?

If so, they need to apply for Student Finance by 31st May 2017.

You can support your son/daughter/young person to complete their application for student finance. Students may need help with this and they need to apply now, even before they have had all their offers and made a decision about where they are studying. Sometimes the process can take a few months to collect and process your household income details. It is worth doing the application together and you will receive an email from Student Finance to complete your income information, so they can assess the application.

Please note – If the application is received after 31st May then your son/daughter/young person may not have the finance in place to be able start university in the autumn. Start the application process for student finance.

Need extra support at college? Apply for Disabled Students Allowance [DSA].

If your son/daughter/young person has had extra support with learning or exams or getting to or around college they could be entitled to extra help at university. However, they need to apply before they go to get this organised. Check eligibility and apply for Disabled Students Allowance.

Budgeting for University

It is also useful to have a conversation with your son/daughter/young person about budgeting and finance for university, before they accept their offers or organise accommodation to make sure that they can afford to go to their first choice university.

Martin Lewis of Money Saving Expert offers a lot of support to students and parents explaining student finance and budgeting for university. Read Martin's budgeting article here.

UCAS: What happens next?

Replying to Offers

Second year students who applied by 15th January 2017 should have received offers from their choices via UCAS Track. They need to select their preferred choices by 6th May 2017, using the UCAS Track system. Students opt for a CF (Conditional Firm) – their first choice institution – and a CI (Conditional Insurance) – a lower grade offer as a back-up if they don’t get the required grades for their CF choice.

If students do not reply to UCAS by 6th May 2017 all offers will be cancelled.

If students haven’t received any offers, or want to change their subject choice they can do this by using UCAS Extra in February.

Late Applications

Students can still make a late application to UCAS until 30th June 2017. Don’t forget, Exeter College also offers an exciting variety of university level options. Read more about our options.

Students who are yet to make an application but wish to defer do not need to apply until Spring 2018.

Applying for University in 2018?

How you can support your son/daughter/young person with making choices about courses and institutions >>>

Encourage your son/daughter/young person to sign up and book a free ticket for the UCAS Fair at WestPoint Arena in Exeter on 21st or 22nd March. Students are permitted to attend outside of timetabled lessons and parents are also invited. There will be over 150 universities at the event as well as companies offering degree apprenticeships and GAP year programmes. You will be able to attend seminars on subjects like; how to choose your course and how to write an effective personal statement. Students will need to make their own way to Westpoint using the Stagecoach 52A or 52B service which runs from Exeter bus station regularly and stops outside Westpoint. If you intend to travel to Westpoint by car there is plenty of free parking.

Make sure to book to attend some university open days or subject specific taster days. This is very important as these events get booked up quickly – most of these will be in June or July. Check out dates at www.opendays.com or check university websites.

Following exams in the summer the Progression and Employability team will arrange talks on personal statement writing and choosing courses in preparation for university. We will also hold a Parents Higher Education Information session which will explain more about the UCAS process in college and student finance – more information on dates to follow.

Registration for UCAS will happen at the beginning of September and the Progression and Employability team will support tutors and students with the application process.

Did you know that Exeter College also offers University Level courses in partnership with local universities? These can give you access to high quality teaching and resources and with lower fees too. Contact us on 01392 400909 to speak to our dedicated Higher Education adviser.

Exeter College is proud to recruit a wide range of students onto adult leisure and professional courses each year (3788 for 2015/16). We believe the reason we are so successful at running courses for the community and professionals alike is that we provide a variety of courses and levels to choose from, a high level of support and outstanding teaching.

Adult learning opportunities at Exeter College can help you to:

• Change career, or embark on a new career
• Gain nationally recognised qualifications
• Unlock untapped skills and talents
• Develop interests and enjoy hobbies
• Make new friends

Studying at Exeter College also gives you access to a whole host of learning resources. We have seven award winning Learning Resource Centres (LRCs) to help you with your studies. WiFi is accessible college wide and each centre is equipped with books, PCs, study desks, journals, DVDs and much, much more!

Our friendly and supportive staff are always ready to help with enquiries, they have an extensive knowledge of the resources held and can offer one to one support.

We spoke to some students who undertook leisure and professional adult courses and this is what they had to say:

My classes have been invaluable in helping me gain self esteem and confidence on a personal level and have also allowed me to meet new friends…without these classes and the encouragement of my tutor and friends I would never have had the confidence to embark on my degree course and hopefully, one day, fulfil my dream of being a writer.”

Sarah, Creative Writing – Beginners and Intermediate

I’ve gained some real experience of teaching and overcome nerves and worries about doing that. The tutors have been excellent, always giving lots of advice and support. Exeter College is a fantastic place!”

Karen, CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages)

I have enjoyed learning something I never thought I was good at, and finding that with encouragement, time and a positive attitude I am able to gain an understanding of a subject I thought was beyond my capability.”

Nikki, GCSE Maths

The teaching and tuition on all of my courses has been excellent and well above my expectations. The times spent at college have been very enjoyable giving me the opportunity to mix and converse with people of all ages…The challenges the course presented, not only in class but in home study, is something I actually enjoy.”

John, GCSE English and French Beginners

Whatever your talent or interest we are sure we can find the right course for you. You can search through available courses here. We will be holding our next adult open evening on 20th June from 5pm-7pm. We hope to see you there.

Need advice on choosing the right course?
We have a dedicated adult adviser who can be reached on 01392 400500 or adultadvice@exe-coll.ac.uk or why not pop along to one of our advice sessions?

These will be taking place on the following dates:

Thursday 23rd February – 12pm-2pm and 5pm-7pm

Monday 27th February – 12pm-2pm and 5pm-7pm

Tuesday 7th March – 5pm-7pm

Exeter College Outdoor Education student, Ed Scott, has won the semi-final of ITV’s smash show, Ninja Warrior UK. Ed completed the course in a jaw dropping 2 minutes 9 seconds and smashed his way to the top of the leaderboard earning a place in the final. Hailed as the toughest obstacle course on television and a hit across the globe, the Ninja Warrior series is said to be the ultimate test of strength, speed and stamina.

The show features people from all walks of life competing to successfully complete the obstacle course in the fastest possible time. ITV describe the show as “laden with jaw-dropping challenges, heart-stopping excitement and adrenaline-fuelled action as the contestants attempt to complete three punishing and potentially hilarious stages.”

To get on the show Ed was required to submit a video of himself using skills that could help him on the show such as climbing, free running and strength work. He was then asked to audition and put through various tests such as sprints and was delighted to receive a place on the show.

Talking of his experience on the show, Ed said: “On the day I was really nervous because I hadn't been in a situation like this before. I have learned that I am stronger than I thought I was, I really didn't think that I would be good enough to get past the heats, let alone do it in the fastest time by 20 seconds. It was such a fantastic experience, and a completely new one. Meeting all the other contestants was awesome, but putting my skills to the test was the best part.”

Ed from Exmouth, Devon came to Exeter College in September 2014 to study a BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport (Outdoor Adventurous Activities) and is now studying for an Foundation degree on our Outdoor Adventure Programme. He is popular in the centre and will always go out of his way to help and coach others which has led to his employment at Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre as an instructor during his summer holidays. In term time Ed works outside of college to perfect his skills in gymnastics and free running and has a solid following on YouTube. Ed instructs gymnastics outside of college in order to fund his outdoor activities, travel and expenses, juggling his college work and work commitments. On top of this Ed has done volunteer work with the armed forces doing rehabilitation work with wounded soldiers.

Outdoor Education Lecturer, Mike Tomlinson said:

“Ed came to us with a background in free running and gymnastics but quickly developed excellent skills in all practical sessions. He displays an aptitude for activities involving balance and stamina like climbing, mountain biking and has subsequently become a keen kayak paddler showing huge improvements in his white water paddling.

You can see Ed in the final of Ninja Warrior UK which airs on Saturday 18 February at 7pm on ITV1.

Exeter College are proud partners of the Devon Sports Awards 2017 and are excited to announce that inspiring sportsman, athlete and adventurer James Cracknell OBE has been confirmed as guest speaker for this year’s awards.

The ceremony will take place at Exeter’s Sandy Park on June 30th 2017, celebrating contribution to sport throughout Devon.

Former rower Cracknell won two Olympic Gold medals and six World Championship titles in an illustrious career, before turning his focus to other challenges including marathons, cross-Atlantic rowing and South Pole races.

It was during a race to cycle, run, row and swim from LA to New York in record time that Cracknell suffered a near fatal accident after being struck by a truck while cycling through Arizona, which left him with permanent brain damage.

However, this has not stopped him completing challenges and when not crossing oceans and continents, James is a broadcaster, advocate and charity patron, plus an entertaining and motivational speaker.

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

“We’re delighted to have secured James Cracknell as the guest speaker for this year’s Devon Sports Awards. He is a highly sought after speaker who is guaranteed to inspire the audience to build on their achievements.”

“Each year the Devon Sports Awards gets better and it is a fantastic way to celebrate all levels of sport across the county.”

The Devon Sports Awards, held in association with Active Devon and partnership with Exeter College, celebrates all aspects of sport throughout Devon with awards such as ‘Volunteer of the Year’ and ‘Community Sports Performer of the Year’.

“We are thrilled that James Cracknell OBE will be our special guest speaker for this year's Devon Sports Awards. 2017 marks twenty years that the Awards have been celebrating community sport in Devon so to have an athlete and sportsman of James' stature joining really is the icing on the cake,”

said Matt Evans, Chief Executive of Active Devon.

“There is no doubt that he will be inspirational to all those across Devon who contributes to our vibrant community sport scene. Can I urge everyone to get nominating and make this a record year for entries – let's really inspire James with the stories of Devon's unsung sporting heroes and heroines in Devon!”

Rob Bosworth, Vice-Principal (Schools, Partnerships and Curriculum), said:

“It is fantastic news that James Cracknell OBE is the guest speaker at the Devon Sports Awards 2017.

“James is an inspiring sportsman, adventurer and athlete, as proven by his two Olympic Gold Medals, six World Champion titles, and his many gruelling adventures.

“We are delighted to be a partner again in this year’s awards – and we can’t wait to welcome James to celebrate the sporting achievements of our local communities across Devon with him at this year’s awards.”

Nominations for the 2017 Devon Sports Awards are open until Friday, 31st March, including for the award categories that recognise the role and impact of businesses in helping their local community and their staff to get fit and active.

Jess Thomas and Ebony Jefferies have been selected for the RFU U18 South West Squad. Currently both players in the Exeter College Women’s Rugby Academy in partnership with Exeter Chiefs, the pair made the 28 strong squad after it was whittled down from 76 hopefuls from all around the southwest of England. Any players who are aged 16-17 can then progress for selection for TDG (England's National Talent Development Group) squads, South West 7s team or for an England U20s trail which both Jess and Ebony hope to be progress to. Both girls currently study BTEC sports courses at the college.

Jess said “TDG is England's National Talent Development Group. This is a group of girls from all divisions [SW, SE, North and Midlands] and it is currently the highest level I play for. This group is for players with the potential to play for England but aren't old enough to trial for the U20’s and need some extra development. Due to me and Ebony being too old at the end of this season for TDG, around May we have the chance to be selected for England U20s trial. This is something we are both striving for and are loving that the College programme gives us a platform to train, play and work on aspects of our game that we will need to make the next step.”

The Exeter College Women’s Rugby Academy in partnership with Exeter Chiefs started in September 2016 and has made outstanding progress in its first year. This academic year the squad have entered the RFU AASE League, AoC Sport Cup, AoC Sport Regional 7’s Competition and Rosslyn Park 7’s. The girls are also encouraged to maintain playing for their local teams at the weekends.

The partnership with Exeter Chiefs has given the programme real credibility with the girls benefitting from wearing Chiefs kit for fixtures, Academy Manager Robin Cowling delivering front row specific sessions and David Kimberley gaining CPD sessions and coaching support.The current squad also have the opportunity to access up to 8 hours of coaching, Strength & Conditioning, video analysis and individual skills support, timetable permitting.

In addition to the College programme there are opportunities for aspiring players to gain additional sessions through our partnership with The University of Exeter. Jo Yapp, ex-England international player, current England U20 coach and head coach at the university provide the girls with extra training sessions along with Poppy Leitch, an ex-student of Exeter College who has played for England in the Six Nations championship, as well as guest coaching sessions and positional specific support.

Early recruitment signs from College Open events and our Open Session on Wednesday 25th January at Exeter Chiefs for September 2017 are very encouraging and we hope to have a squad of around 25 players. Click Here for more information on the Exeter Chiefs Academy at Exeter College.

Last year Exeter College sent the second largest team in the country to the AoC Sport National Championships in Newcastle with an outstanding 82 students and 12 staff. This academic year, after various regional tournaments, the Sports Faculty is exceptionally proud that an unprecedented 87 students and 14 staff will be travelling to Nottingham after gaining selection from various regional tournaments. This amazing number of students could mean that Exeter College has the largest contingent of students this year.

The competition takes place on the weekend of 21st -23rd April and we will be taking competitors for men’s football, men’s basketball, netball, women’s hockey, women’s rugby, cricket, golf, cross country running, badminton and tennis, all who won their respective regional competitions.

The championships are one of the largest annual sporting events in England, involving over 1,800 college students and 200 staff. This is a wonderful opportunity and great experience for our students to compete at the highest level in college sport and to meet other sports people from all over the country. British colleges from England, Scotland and Wales compete over three days in over 20 sports, each sport accumulating points for their region, which in turn contributes towards the ultimate prize of being the best overall region, and being awarded the Wilkinson Sword; which the South West are the current holders.

The college and the faculty are exceptionally proud of the students, their achievements and feel this is an excellent opportunity.

You can keep track of the latest news on here.

MUNCH is one of the largest MUN (Model United Nations) conferences, with around 600 students from more than thirty schools across the UK taking part. This week our students travelled to Bristol Grammar Schools’ MUN Conference. There were 14 schools present from around the South and South West, the large majority of which are independent.

With over 200 delegates representing over 40 countries our students won the following awards:

• Security Council
• Best Delegate – Senegal
• Human Rights Committee
• Best Delegate – Senegal
• Economic Committee
• Best Delegate – Senegal

OVERALL DELEGATION AWARDS

• Best Delegation – Senegal

Lecturer, Martin Gilbert said:

“I can’t tell you how proud I am of the team. They are true diplomats – they are respectful of all the other delegates and were a delight to take yesterday. We took 15 students and 9 of them came back with individual awards – this is by far the most successful MUN conference that I have been to. With five best delegate awards, our Senegal team retained our title for another year (that is now 4 on the trot).”

The team hope to continue their success in the competition and are off to Germany in February and then Bath in March.