BBC Radio 1’s Academy showcase at Exeter College ignites the next generation of talent in the creative industries.
More than 350 Exeter College students had the chance to speak to meet and speak to BBC industry professionals at the event.
Speakers at the showcase included James Santar, Radio 2 Assistant Producer, BBC Introducing in Devon, and Oliver Owens, Radio 1 Team Assistant.
Hearing from the BBC professionals, students had the chance to find out about BBC Radio 1 Academy Events and how to sign up for tickets. They also had the opportunity to ask industry related questions to the speakers.
During the lead up to the BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend there will be a series of special workshops, sessions and events around Exeter (and Teignmouth) as part of BBC Radio 1’s Academy. The BBC Radio 1’s Academy, being held at the Exeter Phoenix between 17-21 May, aims to help nurture the next generation of talent focused around radio, music, TV & Film, business and social media.
John Laramy, Exeter College Principal, said: “The College is delighted to welcome BBC Radio 1 and help deliver this innovative and exciting opportunity for our students to meet and learn first-hand from media professionals. The Academy promises to be an invaluable experience for students who are considering a career in these particular areas of media and the showcase launch was an inspiring insight for everyone who attended. ”
Fiona Morgan, Assistant Producer, Radio 1’s Academy, said: “I was really excited when I found out about the BBC Radio 1 Academy coming to Exeter and Teignbridge. The young people of Devon really deserve the kind of opportunities the BBC are able to offer.”
Exeter College Performing Arts students are bringing to life Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in their own unique adaption of the much-loved classic.
The show is the culmination of two years hard work by Exeter College students studying a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts and consolidates all they have learnt with a final performance.
The week long programme sees them perform their own adaption, which has been written by the students themselves, of the children’s novel at The Barnfield Theatre from the 16th to the 22nd May.
This year’s students have devised and written their own piece, starting out with a blank piece of paper. During the writing stages of the project, the students observed that Alice is a young child with various sides to her character. This prompted a creative decision by the students to have three actresses play Alice, each representing a different personality. In this adaptation Alice flits between a childish, curious seven year old, an extremely polite and proper young lady way beyond her years and a feisty, rebellious Alice challenging the world around her.
Director Nigel Paul, Performing Arts Lecturer, said: “I can't stress, highlight and champion the fact enough that the students started in November with a blank page. Everything that an audience will see and hear is an original and bespoke piece of theatre.
“Throughout the entire process the students have been challenged to explore and develop Lewis Carrol's original text. This is perfectly highlighted in the portrayal of Alice by three actresses.
“Early on in the process we discovered that Alice has many different sides of her personality. The opportunity to develop this through rehearsal has allowed us to present a highly exciting and original adaption of the novel that celebrates imagination and creativity'”
Not only have the Performing Arts students used their creativity to write an original piece, this year the project has also incorporated the BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Production Arts (Stage Management) students who have designed and made the shadow shows within the piece. The production students have also worked in partnership with Plymouth College of Arts BA (Hons) Costume Production and Associated Crafts students, who have created the costumes for the numerous Wonderland characters.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland will be showing at The Barnfield Theatre from the 16th to 22nd May.
Tickets are prices at £9 adults, £7 concs, £25 family of four. They are available from the box office at The Barnfield, 01392 271 808 or online at www.barnfieldtheatre.org.uk/alice
Jonathan Dimbleby recently visited Exeter College for a question and answer session with more than eighty students. Jonathan spoke about his experiences as one of Britain’s most respected journalists and broadcasters.
Jonathan Dimbleby fielded questions on a range of topics from college students at the event at the college’s Centre for Creative Industries on Monday, April 18th.
Emma Fielding, Assistant Principal at Exeter College, said: “It was a tremendous honour to welcome such an eminent broadcaster to Exeter College. For our students it was a real privilege to hear his insights into current affairs, the media industry and how young people can become a part of this competitive field.”
The Reach Academy, Exeter College’s gifted and talented programme, offers students a range of extra-curricular activities designed to develop skills that are attractive to the top UK universities.
The talk by Jonathan was part of an inspirational speaker programme which has been running since September. Students have enjoyed a range of talks for example from lawyers, politicians, and explorers.
Jonathan Dimbleby has chaired Any Questions? Since 1987.
He took his degree in philosophy at University College, London and began his career as a television and radio reporter for BBC Bristol in 1969, moving on to Radio 4's The World at One in 1970 (where he also presented The World This Weekend). He joined Thames Television in 1972, as a reporter for ITV's This Week where he won BAFTA's Richard Dimbleby Award for his report on the Ethiopian famine of 1973.
In 1994 he wrote, presented and co-produced Charles, The Private Man, The Public Role and published his book, The Prince of Wales: A Biography. In 1997, the BBC screened The Last Governor, his series on the final five years of British rule in Hong Kong and he published a book of the same name.
His documentaries about Ethiopia and Kosovo were shown by the ITV network in 1998 and 2000 respectively. More recently, he has fronted several documentary series on BBC television including Russia – A Journey with Jonathan Dimbleby (2008); An African Journey with Jonathan Dimbleby (2010); and A South American Journey with Jonathan Dimbleby (2011). His latest book, Destiny in the Desert: The Story Behind El Alamein (2012) inspired his television programme exploring the same battle (BBC Two, Nov 2012). His most recent book is the best selling The Battle of the Atlantic.Jonathan is chair of Dimbleby Cancer Care.
Exeter College has won a prestigious Times Educational Supplement Further Education Award 2016.
The judging panel selected the college as the top provider of Apprenticeships in the country. The awards celebrate those organisations who have had an outstanding influence on post-16 education.
The award comes during an exceptional time for the college's Apprenticeship team. The college's Apprenticeship programme has gone from strength to strength in recent years and last year saw significant increases in terms of both new Apprentices, success rates, and our first World Skills and VQ Leaner of the Year award.
The award comes off the back of being named the 2015 Apprenticeships 4 England Gold award winner and national recognition by OFSTED. Both awards recognise Exeter College as the top college in the country for its support, delivery and engagement of Apprentices and Employers. OFSTED selected Exeter as the only college in the country to feature in its short films highlighting the quality and commitment to its employers.
John Laramy, Principal of Exeter College, said “I am delighted that Exeter College has won this prestigious Times Educational Supplement Award, that provides national recognition for the quality of our Apprenticeship provision, which is also rated as Ofsted Outstanding and in 2015 was included as ‘best practice' case study within the Ofsted publication ‘Apprenticeships: developing skills for future prosperity'.
This award is testament to the commitment of the employers who work in partnership with us, a credit to the Apprentices who study with us and yet another accolade for the talented staff of the college.
I think it was Vince Lombardi who said ‘that the only place that success comes before work is in the dictionary'. This national accolade is the result of hard work, partnership and a clear strategic intent.
Quality Apprenticeship provision provides an excellent progression route for young people, has the potential to enhance a business and impacts positively on the economy. Increasing numbers of young people are seeing an Apprenticeship as the door to a great career. Last year over 700 Apprentices joined the college on over 70 different Apprenticeship frameworks. This means the college is able to offer companies of all sizes a complete training and Apprenticeship solution.”
Mike Blakeley, Head of Business Solutions and Enterprise, who manages the Apprenticeship provision at the college, said: “An award of this nature not only recognises the college but the outstanding commitment of our local employers and the efforts of all our Apprentices.
“Without the support and dedication of all involved we couldn't achieve what's already been recognised. This is the first time an Apprenticeship category has been included and shows the growing status of Apprenticeships for young people and employers alike. As we engage over 1,500 Apprentices across the four counties of the south west, we realise the impact of high quality provision has in the region.”
Exeter College currently have more than 100 vacancies within their employer network for young people to take up fantastic opportunities in accountancy, business, care and education, construction, engineering, hairdressing, hospitality, logistics, motor vehicle and sport and would welcome those interested to get in touch.
The award ceremony took place on Friday 22 April at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
Are you an employer looking to employ an Apprentice? To find out more about taking on an apprentice or any further information, call the Apprenticeship Hotline on: 01392 400800 or email apprentices@exe-coll.ac.uk.
Seven intrepid members of staff from Exeter College are pulling on their running shoes to brave the 2016 Virgin Money London Marathon.
A number of the runners are raising funds for good causes, including Teenage Cancer Trust, the official charity of the year at Exeter College.
And to help raise more funds for its official charity of the year, the college has teamed up with its catering partner Taylor Shaw to boost fundraising.
Taylor Shaw is supporting a competition to guess the collective finishing time of the college’s marathon runners at college coffee and food outlets across its campuses.
This year’s London Marathon takes place on 24th April 2016.
The college runners are:
Dawn Barnard, aged 29, from Yettington, Marketing Assistant (Events and Materials) running for Children with Cancer UK;
Oliver Bycroft, aged 26, from Teignmouth, Programme Leader, Faculty of Sport, Leisure and Tourism, running for The Lions Barber Collective;
Steve Campion, aged 45, from Somerset, Executive Director of Finance and Resources, who will be running in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust and Breast Cancer Now;
Jo Crocker, aged 34, from Exeter, Faculty Coordinator, Faculty of Healthcare, Childcare and Public Services, running for Alzheimer’s Research UK and Hospice UK;
Martin McEneny, aged 48, from Exeter, Systems Technician, Haldon Trail Runners;
Scott Davies, aged 28, from Newton Poppleford, Lecturer Faculty of Sport, Leisure and Tourism, running for Anthony Nolan;
Stephen Mariadas, aged 41, from Newton Abbot. Deputy Head of Maths and Science, running for the college charity – Teenage Cancer Trust.
Among the marathon runners is Steve Campion, Executive Director of Finance and Resources, at Exeter College.
He said: “I’m really proud to be part of a team of seven colleagues across the college who have taken up this challenge, each with our own personal goals. This supports the healthy living and wellbeing agenda that we are supporting within the college and with our partners across the city.
“Students and staff have really embraced supporting the Teenage Cancer Trust as our charity of the year, and our fundraising will hopefully go some way to contributing to a record breaking total for the college to have raised. I’d also like to say a big thank you to Taylor Shaw, for supporting this initiative”
Vince Pearson, from Taylor Shaw, said: “As the college's catering partner, Taylor Shaw is delighted to support the fundraising efforts of the magnificent seven. Good luck to them all.”
Melissa Kent, Regional Fundraiser for the South West at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “We are so very grateful to Exeter College for taking on such an incredible challenge and raising vital funds for young people with cancer. Every penny the college runners raise will help us to support teenagers and young adults facing a diagnosis of cancer.
“We have come so far in our mission to help young people suffering from this devastating disease. There is, however, still much more to do and for every young person we help, there is another we can’t, which is why we are so very thankful for Exeter College’s amazing fundraising efforts.”
A long-term fan of TED Talks has won a place on the Northcott stage at this year’s TEDxExeter Conference on Friday 15th April. In the face of tough competition from fellow members of the College debating society, Abbie McGregor who is in her first year at Exeter College wowed the judges from TEDxExeter with her talk Remember to DREAM.
Abbie was introduced to TED Talks by an inspiring teacher at primary school when she was 10 or 11. “I really liked the idea that people stood there telling us what they thought,” she says. “I watched as many as I could. Through TED Talks I learned about the inequalities in the world. I love the ones about justice. They made me want to be a lawyer, to stand up for justice, to stand up for people who are misrepresented.”
She lives in Torquay and attended Torquay Girls Grammar before moving to Exeter College for A levels. A keen singer, dancer and actor, Abbie is now also an active member of the Exeter College debating society.
“The idea of joining it came out of critical thinking classes. It’s like drama, but more meaningful as it’s changing something. It’s so entertaining to watch and to be part of it. Exeter College puts a lot of effort into it, and we enter into lots of competitions.
“I’ve always loved English: interested in books, poetry and drama – just saying what you think. Now I’m studying English literature and language. I can’t get enough of it.” She hopes to study law at university.
Abbie follows Beth Barnes onto the TEDxExeter stage. Beth won the Exeter College competition last year. Her talk on Effective altruism has been watched by nearly 11,000 people.
“We are tremendously proud as a college to have one of our exceptional young people speaking at TEDxExeter 2016,” says Exeter College assistant principal Emma Fielding. “I have no doubt that Abbie’s thought provoking and insightful reflections will challenge those listening to reflect on how we can best support future generations to turn their dreams into realities.”
TEDxExeter is keen to reach as wide an audience as possible, and that includes young people. This year, as well as filling the Exeter Northcott Theatre (tickets sold out in just 22 minutes), it is livestreaming to Exeter University’s Alumni Auditorium where groups from local schools and colleges will be in the audience. There will also be livestreams at Exeter Central Library and the Pavillions, Teignmouth and available through the TEDxExeter website.
Young rugby players have the chance to follow in the stud marks of Grand Slam winners Jack Nowell and Luke Cowan-Dickie thanks to an exciting new partnership unveiled today between Exeter Chiefs and Exeter College.
Starting in September 2016, aspiring rugby players will get the chance to nurture not only their rugby talent, but also first-class education and training after the Aviva Premiership club joins forces with the outstanding further education college.
The Exeter Chiefs Rugby Academy at Exeter College will provide education and rugby training required to support learners to reach the highest level in the sport. The programme caters for players from 16-18 and 18-20 years.
Applications are now being accepted for prospective learners who are interested in joining the Academy in September 2016.
With similar college bases in Truro and Ivybridge, the Chiefs have already seen the fruits of years of hard work, creating a wealth of proven, home-grown talent such as England stars Nowell, Cowan-Dickie and Henry Slade, as well as the likes of Dave Ewers, Sam Hill, Ben Moon, Max Bodilly and Stuart Townsend to name but a few.
In welcoming the new partnership, former England international Robin Cowling, who is Academy Manager for the Chiefs, said: “We are very excited about teaming up with Exeter College moving forward.
“Speaking with them it was clear early on that they shared the same vision as ourselves in wanting to produce the very best rugby players that we can.”
Cowling cites the success of Saturday’s Grand Slam win for England, who involved two current Chiefs in their tournament squad, as the perfect example of the system working.
“For any aspiring player living in the Westcountry, you only have to look at the example set by both Jack and Luke at the weekend,” said Cowling. “It was only a few years ago that they were starting out in our academy programme at college, yet here they are winning the Six Nations and representing their country.
“As a club we are delighted to see success stories of this type and moving forward, we believe it will only get better with partnerships such as that we have created with Exeter College.”
The announcement of the new partnership comes as part of a mutual agreement whereby the Exeter Chiefs Rugby Academy is moving from Bicton College to Exeter College.
Both Exeter College and Bicton College are working together on the move of the academy to ensure a smooth transition to safeguard academic and rugby tutoring for existing students.
Exeter College Principal Designate John Laramy said: “I am delighted that the College will be working in partnership with Exeter Chiefs to provide aspiring rugby players with education and training, which is specifically designed to facilitate promising careers in top flight, professional sport.
“The addition of the Exeter Chiefs Rugby Academy to the College’s current provision is an exciting collaboration with one of the country’s best rugby teams and another step forward in our commitment to promoting the benefits of sport to our community, the city and the local economy.”
• Are you an aspiring rugby talent of the future?
If so, apply to join the Exeter Chiefs Rugby Academy and follow in the stud marks of your rugby heroes.
Exeter College is holding a Trial Event on Wednesday May 25th 2016 at Exeter Chiefs, Sandy Park from 6.30pm for new applicants to the Academy for 2016 entry and their parents and guardians.
To attend the Trial and to apply for a place at the Academy, prospective learners must apply for a place at Exeter College and also contact Chris Wall, Sports Academy Manager, in advance. Email:chriswall@exe-coll.ac.ukPhone: 01392 400309
Exeter College is sending its largest ever team of athletes to represent the South West in the Association of Colleges national championships.
More than 80 Exeter College students will be competing against young people from across the country at the 2016 Association of Colleges National Championships in Newcastle.
The championships is one of the largest annual sporting events in England, involving over 1,800 college students and 200 staff.
The Exeter College team of 82 students will be competing in a wide range of sports, from rugby, football, netball, basketball, cross country, golf, tennis, to badminton, and indoor cricket.
The championships are taking place at sporting venues across Newcastle, Sunderland and Gateshead between 15 – 17 April.
Rob Bosworth, Assistant Principal, said: “We are very proud to have so many talented young sportsmen and women from Exeter College taking part in this year’s National Championships.
“It is an exciting opportunity for our students to compete at a national level and shine. The fact so many of our athletes have made the grade and are competing in the championships is proof of their hard work, training and dedication.”
Students qualify for the championships through regional tournaments that take place in the autumn term. As well as competing in their chosen sport, students compete for points for their region. The region whose teams and individuals accumulate the most points wins the prestigious Wilkinson Sword trophy.
Chris Wall, Sports Academy Manager at Exeter College, said: “The National Championships are unique to the Further Education sector and a fantastic opportunity for 16 to 19 year old students to meet and compete against students from across the country.
“This year we have an unprecedented number of students competing in 11 different sports; this is a testament to the Colleges sports provision and an outstanding achievement.”
Exeter College and Devon County Council have been recognised nationally for the pioneering and innovative Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre.
The partnership has been recognised with an Association of Colleges (AoC) Beacon Award for Innovation in Further Education.
The college has been working in partnership with Devon County Council to develop Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre with the aim of encouraging more young people and adults to get involved in outdoor activities.
The success of the project has been demonstrated by the recruitment of more than 200 full time students using the facility over the past two years, including students studying BTEC and Foundation Degree Courses in Outdoor Adventure. The centre runs a wide range of community activities and events including school holiday activities, open days, an inclusive outdoor club and also works with schools and youth groups across the region. The project has now won a national Beacon Award from the Association of Colleges (AoC) for its innovative and pioneering partnership working.
The award was celebrated at a recent showcase at the Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre. The event was attended by members of the local community, groups who use the centre, school representatives, charities and a range of other organisations.
One of the highlights of the event was a daredevil handing over of a £5,000 cheque at the top of the centre’s 22 metre high abseiling tower from award sponsor Charlotte Bosworth, Director of Skills and Employment at awarding body OCR, to Ben Hedden, Centre Manager, from Haven Banks.
The centre will be reinvesting the award back into outdoor education and training programmes for local schools. The £5,000 award will provide a series of match funded grants to develop new, progressive courses or programmes delivered through Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre.
The prestigious annual award, sponsored by awarding body OCR, was given by the Association of Colleges, the membership organisation for further education colleges, to demonstrate the college’s excellent teaching and innovative thinking in creating positive opportunities for students.
Exeter College Principal Designate, John Laramy said: “The college’s partnership with Devon County Council to manage the Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre is a pioneering innovation and perfect example of collaboration between two organisations for the benefit of the county, the city and our local community.
“This project has created an outstanding teaching and learning environment, as well as providing excellent facilities for outdoor education training for schools, community groups, local businesses and families.
“I am delighted that Haven Banks has been awarded an Association of Colleges Beacon Award, which is well deserved recognition of this exemplary, innovative partnership work.”
The leader of Devon County Council, John Hart, attended the event and said: “This was a multi-million pound investment in facilities for Exeter and Devon by the county council and I am delighted that our innovative partnership with Exeter College has been recognised nationally.
“The college’s management of these facilities has been very successful and thousands of people have enjoyed the activities at the centre.
“We look forward to more successful collaborations with Exeter College in the future.”
Charlotte Bosworth, Director of Skills and Employment at awarding body OCR, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring this year’s AoC Award for Innovation in Further Education. With so much change within the sector, it’s great to see innovation continually being driven to improve the outcomes for learners.
“We’ve seen some great entries this year from colleges that have gone above and beyond to support all types of learner, whilst meeting the demands of employers and enabling progression into further education.”
Roger Marriott, Chief Assessor for the Beacon Awards, said: “Every year the Beacon Awards receive a large number of excellent submissions and the high standard made it hard for assessors to determine the winning application in each category.
“All the entries demonstrated the commitment of colleges to create the best possible experience for their students. Exeter College can be rightly proud to be named as the winner of the category.”
Dame Pat Bacon, Chair of the Beacon Awards, said: “Exeter College is an outstanding representative of the excellent work happening in colleges across the country.
“It is a privilege to oversee these awards which allow us to celebrate the exemplary and innovative work colleges are developing to support their students, staff, employers and local communities, as well as helping to support our recovering economy.”
Representatives of the college attended a presentation ceremony in London in February where they received their award from Skills Minister Nick Boles.
The Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre is the South West’s premiere Outdoor Education and Training facility. Based in the heart of Exeter on the historic canal and quayside, the facility offers an unrivalled purpose built outdoor activity and training centre.
The centre offers an extensive range of recreation and leisure opportunities for families, friends, groups and individuals including, but not limited to, kayaking, sailing, climbing, caving and powerboating. This includes a series of open days in the spring and early summer.
To book an exciting activity or course at the Centre, please contact Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre on telephone 01392 400150, email info@haven-banks.co.uk about www.haven-banks.co.uk.
Devon Apprentice Ella Fielding is the driving force behind a high profile event showcasing Apprentices and Apprentice employers.
The Apprenticeship Expo 2016 is one of the largest events of its kind in the South West, celebrating businesses that employ Apprentices and promoting the benefits of Apprenticeships.
The showcase is taking place at the Exeter College Technology Centre at Monkerton on Tuesday 15th March 2016 between 5pm and 8pm.
Exeter College Business Apprentice Ella Fielding is coordinating and project managing this year’s Expo. Ella, who is from Ottery St Mary, joined Exeter College as an Apprentice in December 2015 and was given the opportunity to co-ordinate the event now in its second year. The South West Apprenticeships Ambassador Network and Exeter College jointly launched the Expo in 2015 and this year’s event runs as part of National Apprenticeship Week running from 14th to 18th March 2016.
Businesses who employ, or who are looking to employ Apprentices have been invited to be part of the event. This gives them access to the next generation of talent from across Devon and show them why their business is the one to work for.
Businesses already signed up to the event include the Met Office, South West Water, South Western Ambulance Service, Midas, Gregory Distribution Ltd, Alcoa, Redrow Homes, Evans Transport and Landmark Information Group. These organisations will be showcasing their company and be offering face to face guidance on the Apprenticeships that they offer.
Organiser and Apprentice Ella Fielding said: “Having attended last year’s Expo as a potential Apprentice, co-ordinating the event this year has been a real challenge. Seeing the event from both sides has made me appreciate how much hard work goes into organising an event of this size and reflect on how smoothly it all transpires on the night.”
Fiona Parsons, spokesperson for the South West Apprenticeships Ambassadors’ Network said: “Ella, by applying the technical knowledge and wider range of interpersonal skills developed through her Apprenticeship, has brought real drive and enthusiasm to the organisation of this large and important event.”
The Apprenticeship Expo 2016 is open to anyone interested in finding out more about Apprenticeships.
During the lead up to the BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend there will be a series of special workshops, sessions and events around Exeter (and Teignmouth) as part of BBC Radio 1’s Academy. The BBC Radio 1’s Academy, being held at the Exeter Phoenix between 17-21 May, aims to help nurture the next generation of talent focused around radio, music, TV & Film, business and social media. 
This award is testament to the commitment of the employers who work in partnership with us, a credit to the Apprentices who study with us and yet another accolade for the talented staff of the college.
Exeter College currently have more than 100 vacancies within their employer network for young people to take up fantastic opportunities in accountancy, business, care and education, construction, engineering, hairdressing, hospitality, logistics, motor vehicle and sport and would welcome those interested to get in touch.