Christmas shoppers at Princesshay in Exeter will get the chance to be entertained and captivated by pop up dance performances designed to ‘light up’ the festive season on the 3rd December between 5pm and 6pm.

The group of dancers, all second year full time BTEC dance students from Exeter College, will be promenading with late night shoppers in an initiative with Princesshay designed to add a touch of Christmas Dance Wonder to late night shopping.

“The project has two aims” said Emma Wyke dance tutor for the group, “Firstly, this is a great way to work on an outdoor dance performance piece for their BTEC work, and the students have been physically exploring Princesshay spaces and locations, particularly where the Christmas lights will be positioned. Secondly we wanted to create an exciting and magical dance performance in the run-up to Christmas-something specifically for late-night shopping evenings, in order to entertain the shoppers and give them a creative break from all their purchases.”

And rather than the traditional festive costumes the students have been looking to magical themes and traditional storytelling for inspiration. “The third part of the project” continued Emma “is that this is a great opportunity for us to highlight our provision and show people the exacting standard of dance at Exeter College. We’re delighted that Princesshay are working with us again this year to promote this fun way to celebrate all that is magical in Christmas wonderland.”

The students will be performing between 5pm and 6pm on 3rd December around the Princesshay shopping area.

Wayne Pearce, Princesshay Centre Director comments, “We’re very pleased to welcome Exeter College students back to perform in Princesshay again this Christmas, showcasing their creativity and talents for shoppers to stop and enjoy.”

The college’s AS and BTEC Certificate students were honoured for their outstanding achievements and progress in their celebratory event at the city centre theatre last week.

Family, friends, college staff and governors joined the 30 award winners, nominated from seven faculties by their tutors and faculties, for the categories of academic excellence, contribution to their faculty, outstanding progress, tutee of the year or the overall faculty awards. All of the winners are now continuing in their second year within the faculties of Maths and Science, Art and Design, Humanities, Business and IT, Sport Leisure and Tourism, English Languages and IB or Media and Performing Arts.

Guest of honour was Dr Deirdre Hughes OBE, policy adviser, academic research and writer and consultant specializing in the impact of careers, employment and skills policies to support the development of jobs and growth. She delivered an inspirational talk which include her key points for learning and concluded with advice to the students of “Be youthful, you are the entrepreneurial next generation with an exciting future. Take advantage of all the opportunities you are given since you are part of the new renaissance in a fast changing world.”

As well as the awards presented to the students by Richard Atkins, Principal at the college, the visitors were also entertained as students from the faculties showcased a range of skills from solo musical and poetry performances, artistic presentations, explosive science experiments and challenging quizzes and business pitches.

“These awards are important to us as we mark our AS and BTEC students’ journey with us and their very important achievements at the end of their first year at college” said Emma Fielding, Assistant Principal. “It celebrates their transition from GCSE study at school to the challenges of the A level and BTEC Certificate programmes. We are celebrating true academic prowess and determination of some of our brightest of students in a year that saw the students record the highest academic achievements for AS levels. The evening also recognizes the contribution that so many students make to the success of the college through their involvement in their tutor groups, our learner voice programme and their support for others. “

Citations on the evening included accolades of ‘determined to succeed’ ‘ all-round outstanding student’ ‘commitment and contribution second to none’ ‘stands out in her group’ and ‘natural abilities of leading classes with energy and confidence’

“The evening was a genuine celebration of our amazing students, from the welcome reception with canapés made and served by the NVQ 3 and VRQ 2 and 3 students to the award winners and performances. ” said Emma Fielding. We were delighted that Dr Deirdre Hughes was our guest speaker – such an inspiration. “

Students from Exeter College’s Prince’ Trust were joined by local dignitaries and a host of happy primary school children and staff at the official opening of the Brixington Primary Academy Garden on Nov 11th.

The group of students from the Prince’s Trust celebrated the culmination of their community project with Mayor and deputy Mayor of Exmouth as well as children and staff. Started at the end of October, the aim of the project was to bring back to life unusable areas and enabling the primary school pupils to once again enjoy learning about the environment, sustainability and gardening.

The group of seven students from Exmouth and the wider area are part of the 12 week Team Programme delivered from Exmouth and, as part of their community project set about renovating the Academy’s gardens, ponds and forest path area.

“The students have worked tirelessly over the last three weeks in adverse weather conditions to complete the Community Project as part of their course, this has really helped the students to work together as a team, learning new skills which they will be able to utilise throughout the course and in later life” said Jonny Clarke the Team leader of the programme. “We were determined to complete this before the official opening and whilst it’s been hard work the students have also learnt about the importance of planning, team work and perseverance; which has given the students a great sense of achievement and they are very proud that they have contributed back to the their local community with this project.

Richard, 19 one of the Prince’s Trust Team Programme said “I think this project will give the children an area to play and learn in a different environment, and give them new skills for life. Being on this course has really helped me to become a confident leader, which I have put into practice by taking the lead in activities throughout the course which will really help me to pursue with my ambition of becoming an outdoor instructor.”

Head of Teaching and Learning Martin O'Mahony from Brixington Primary Academy has expressed his gratitude and admiration to the Princes Trust students and Team Leaders. “They have made a real difference to the children of the school by enhancing this space” he said. “The children are very excited about planting next year’s crop and will be keen to invite the students back to see it all when it is flowering in all its glory.”

Mayor of Exmouth Cllr Maddy Chapman and Deputy Mayor Brian Cole will be officially re-opening the Brixington Primary Academy Garden on the 11th of November 2015 12noon to 12.30pm

If you are between 16-25 currently not employed or in full-time education please contact Team Leader Jonny Clarke or Assistant Team Leader Charlene Keefe on 01395 263006. Or email jonnyclarke@exe-coll-ac.uk for more information. Don’t forget to like us @ www.facebook.com/Exeter-College-Exmouth.

Exeter College held their Annual Skills Awards last night celebrating Apprentices and honouring the businesses that support the work of the College’s Apprenticeship programme. The event marks an outstanding year for the college having achieved record Apprenticeship success rates, engaging the highest number of Apprentices, achieving national recognition from Ofsted and being the winners of a National Apprenticeship Award.

In a break from tradition the event was organised and hosted by current Apprentices at the college. The current Level 3 Business Administration Apprentices were tasked with planning, organising and hosting this prestigious college event. An event for Apprentices by Apprentices – as they would know better than anyone how to celebrate Apprentice success. The team sourced the venue, food, decorations and were on hand during the night to welcome and host the guests and businesses in attendance.

Mike Blakeley, Head of Business Solutions and Enterprise at Exeter College said “Our recognised success as a provider is down to the hard work and dedication of our employers and their Apprentices. It’s an honour to be able to celebrate their achievements. The event focuses on our winners but it also recognises the success of nearly 600 Apprentices and the efforts of our exceptional business network which now numbers 900”.

The college's principal Richard Atkins and Cllr Rosie Denham congratulated the 12 Apprentices who were selected for honours at the event. The awards recognised the outstanding commitment that had been made to their programmes both at college and at work. Overall winner of the Exeter College Apprentice of the year, Polly Wayland 18, was delighted to pick up her accolade “This award has capped a brilliant year for me. I love my job and having the ability to study for my qualifications and work, gaining the practical experience I need, is fantastic for me. I’m looking forward to continuing my learning and would recommend an Apprenticeship to anyone considering starting work for the first time. The support from everybody has been fantastic.”

The event also recognised the contribution of employers from across the Southwest. Exeter College have a substantial network of employers that support Apprenticeships and this number is growing. Mike Blakeley added “We are exceptionally fortunate in this area to have some of the most supportive and forward thinking businesses in the country. The range and diversity of our network ensures young people get some amazing opportunities. We recognise the impact of high quality placements on our Apprentices and we use events like this to recognise the contribution these key partners make” He added “ Congratulations to all our winners. They are what makes our Apprenticeship provision amongst the best.”

This Year's winners are:

• Kymberley Edwards APlus Training Apprentice of the Year

• Tyler Gard Business and IT Apprentice of the Year

• Ryan Evans Construction Apprentice of the Year

• Corey Evans Engineering Apprentice of the Year

• Annie Corcoran Hairdressing Apprentice of the Year

• Luke Pearce Health and Social Care Apprentice of the Year: Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

• Polly Wayland Health and Social Care Apprentice of the Year

• Melissa Hockings Health and Social Care Apprentice of the Year: Children and Young People’s Workforce

• Joseph Fowler Hospitality Apprentice of the Year

• Joel Galliver Motor Vehicle Apprentice of the Year

• Samy Laing Sports and Leisure Apprentice of the Year

• Samuel Watts Young Apprentice of the Year

• Overall Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by The South Lawn Medical Practice

Polly Wayland

Business Awards

• Small Business of the Year – Sponsored by Redrow Homes

Dolphin Pre School and Nursery

The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery is run by Paul and Mel, who have shown that a good balance of high expectations, developmental challenges and strong pastoral interest in their young staff make for a highly valuable training environment. They recognise that each young apprentice is on a journey, has a unique set of skills knowledge and life experiences and value the contribution to their team, consequently young people continue to thrive in such a positive environment.

• Large Business of the Year – Sponsored by Thrive Talent

Exeter University

The University of Exeter provide numerous opportunities for Apprentices every year. They provide an outstanding commitment to students through offering high quality and well-structured work experience to ensure future Apprentices are ideally suited for the roles they take on. They continually look to develop their Apprenticeship provision and were the first employer to commit fully to the higher Apprenticeship provision with Exeter College. Regardless of scale, the University of Exeter supports each individual every step of the way.

• New Business of the Year – Sponsored by Rokk Media

Gregory Distribution Ltd

In under 12 months, Gregory’s have fully embraced Apprenticeship provision and have celebrated the benefits that young people can bring to their organisation. They have been exemplary in promoting opportunities supporting candidates and making them feel part of the team. The early momentum and success has only continued to build and they have become notable ambassadors for Exeter College and Apprentices.

• Contribution to Apprenticeships – Sponsored by Business Solutions

South West Water

South West Water have been on a remarkable journey in the last three years and have become a beacon in terms of providing outstanding opportunities and support for young people. They have invested heavily in their programmes and have gone over and above to ensure success of their provision. They have unselfishly shared their journey with all who have asked and continue to set the path for other employers to follow.

Over 180 Exeter College university level students donned their caps and gowns on Friday 6th November and took to the streets to process through the city for their Graduation Ceremony, held at Exeter Cathedral.

With the Cathedral providing the stunning backdrop to the formal ceremony, the college’s largest cohort of graduates to date was joined by over 600 guests to celebrate their achievements at this spectacular event, including the Lord Mayor, the graduates’ families and friends, representatives of Exeter College and its Board of Governors and VIPs from Devon’s schools, colleges, business and community partners.

The guest speaker this year was Karime Hassan, Exeter City Council’s Chief Executive and Growth Director who spoke about the importance of recognising the high level skills that are essential to maintaining the city of Exeter’s success in the local, regional and national economy. His inspirational speech also talked about his own university and career path and the importance in ambition. Also attending the ceremony was senior representatives from the College’s partner Universities of Exeter, Plymouth, Kingston and St Mark and St John as well as the City and Guilds and Pearson awarding bodies who, along with the Principal, Richard Atkins, officially acknowledged the graduates of 2015. The college is also celebrating the year in which it gained the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education’s accolade following its review of the college’s university level provision in April. The team of reviewers judged its academic standards, quality, enhancement of and information about its learning opportunities as meeting its exacting UK expectations.

The students, of all ages and from all over Devon and the South West, were awarded qualifications ranging from BA to Foundation Degrees, HNCs and HNDs in a range of subjects offered at the College. Exeter College’s university level provision also includes Aircraft Engineering, Computing, Coaching and Fitness, Health and Social Care and Construction as well as university level qualifications for Education and Leadership amongst others.

Speaking after the ceremony, Exeter College Principal, Richard Atkins, praised the graduating students saying “I am delighted that for the third consecutive year we have seen an increase in our graduating university level students and that so many are turning out for this celebratory event at the Cathedral. We have been offering university level programmes for many years, including professional qualifications and degree programmes, in partnership with our Universities and awarding bodies and we are very pleased to have our own dedicated graduation ceremony. Many of our students are juggling work and home commitments with their academic studies and this prestigious occasion, our eighth Ceremony at the Cathedral, truly reflects their achievements. The college is particularly pleased that the number of our part time university level students has increased since nationally this number has fallen dramatically in the last few years. We hope that the day gives a real sense of how proud the College is of our students’ success and we are delighted to have the opportunity to share this with their families and friends.“

Exeter College’s work with employers and apprentices has appeared in a damning report of the national picture by Ofsted but for all the right reasons.

The Ofsted report by Sir Michael Wilshaw, out this week, supported the Government’s commitment to deliver three million apprenticeships over the next five years but reported the worrying conclusion that apprenticeships had been devalued by some training providers not setting sufficient training targets that improves the apprentices’ capabilities and delivers professional-level skills in the areas most needed.

In what has been heralded as a very negative report, Exeter College is, however, showcased as an example of excellence with the city’s apprenticeship training and relationship with over 850 employers being viewed by Ofsted experts as evidence of a Grade 1 “outstanding provider”.

Welcoming the report that scrutinises this important area of work, John Laramy, vice principal at Exeter College, who appears in the good practice video that is being launched with the report said, “The three part partnership of apprentice, employer and the college is central to the success of our trainees. This means that the training they receive at college and the on the job work skills with their employer are designed to benefit the trainee but most importantly is industry standard so that the employer benefits. Employers know that, through our joint work, their trainee is accumulating and practicing skills that will enable them to quickly contribute as a valued member of the workforce.”

Richard Atkins, the College Principal said “We are proud of our outstanding track record of the achievements of our apprentices – as evidenced by the glowing references in this national report and our Grade 1 outstanding Ofsted report in 2014 – since apprenticeship success is a national priority. Each year our apprentice success rates are significantly above the national average – this year 14% above and our positive profile in this national report is very much down to the true partnerships we have with our committed employers – I wish to thank them for their work in supporting their trainees in the workplace.”

One such employer is Gregory’s Distribution “Our work with Exeter College’s Apprenticeship programme has been a real success,” said Paul Turner, head of human resources. “We have been able to recruit and train the next generation of our workforce by utilising this provision to the full. The support throughout the process has been top class and the added value the programmes provide in terms of new skills and training provides outstanding benefits to our business. This in turn allows Gregory’s to deliver exceptional support to our network of local and national customers. Good quality apprenticeship provision focusing in on employer needs is a fantastic benefit to our business. “

“We’re surprised by everything we hear about the poor value given to apprenticeship training in some areas of the country in the national report, since everything we hear from our own employers and apprentices supports the brilliant provision here” said John Laramy. “We hope that this national report will provide an opportunity for all providers to look at examples of good practice within apprenticeship training.”

The Ofsted report is available from the Ofsted site from Thursday October 22nd 2015

Exeter College Principal, Richard Atkins, has announced that he is to retire from his post at the end of March 2016.

Mr Atkins, who joined the college in 2002, originally announced his retirement from the end of 2015 in February of this year but subsequently temporarily suspended his retirement when the Governors of both Exeter and Petroc Colleges decided to investigate a potential merger. That merger has now been overtaken by the Government’s announcement of its review of post-16 education and training which will see the four Devon colleges joining the five in Somerset in a review assessing the economic and educational needs of the area.

Announcing Mr Atkins’ retirement, Philip Bostock, Chair of Governors said, “In May of this year both Petroc and Exeter Colleges’ Board of Governors took the opportunity to undertake strategic reviews of how the two colleges could work more closely together. We were very grateful that Richard agreed to temporarily suspend his retirement while this process took place to ensure stability and continuity. The Government’s policy on reviewing post-16 education and training institutions, involving all nine Devon and Somerset colleges, means that our more local opportunity for merger is no longer possible and we are looking forward to contributing to the post-16 future under the Government’s new policies.”

“Exeter College has recorded another outstanding year with strong student recruitment, exceptional results and a sound financial profile evidenced by the college investing in two further specialist facilities this term – our new Sports Hall and our Maths and Science Centre. Richard Atkins, as Principal, has been the powerhouse for the sustained focus on teaching, learning and assessment at the college and he leaves the college in a very strong position within the local community of Exeter, Devon and further afield.”

Richard has spent more than 35 years working in further education and schools as a teacher, lecturer and manager, and, before joining Exeter College, was previously Principal at Yeovil College for seven years. He has just completed a year as President of the national Association of Colleges which represents England’s 330 further education and sixth form colleges nationally and international and is currently Chair of AoC Sport and an active member of the Exeter4Learnng Partnership.

“I was very happy to suspend my original retirement plans earlier this year whilst the strategic review of our work with Petroc was going ahead.” said Richard Atkins. “However, now that is not happening and we know it will be some time before the Government’s area wide review takes place, I feel that next spring is the right time to leave. I have thoroughly enjoyed my 14 years as Principal at this college, it has been a real privilege to hold this post at one of England’s leading colleges. I have worked with many wonderful students, great staff and supporting governors and Exeter is a great city to work in. The college is now benefitting from many strong partnerships with local schools, employers, the University and the City and County Councils and these partnerships and its impressive track record of excellence in teaching and learning means the college, I’m sure, will be in an exceptionally strong position going into the new review of post-16 education and training across the area.”

The college joins other Exeter City landmarks and organisations celebrating the city’s own MONOPOLY board launched today.

Exeter hit the national headlines earlier in the year, as social media went into overdrive, after it was claimed Devon’s ancient capital city was just too well-heeled to have its’ own equivalent of Old Kent Road. This square is the most moderately priced location on the world’s favourite family board game.

Stepcote Hill, the city’s oldest street was named as the most popular choice for the Old Kent Road square and saw the official launch of the popular board game while the prestigious ‘Mayfair’ square has two iconic landmarks – the Cathedral and the medieval Guildhall.

Exeter College is featured pride of place on the board lid, central board and as one of the city’s educational organisations together with the University and Maynards School.

Cllr Rosie Denham, Lead Councillor for Economy and Culture says: “I am absolutely thrilled that the voting public has chosen Exeter to be represented in a special edition of the world’s most famous board game – in the very year that the game is celebrating its 80th year! This is great news for Exeter, and I for one am extremely excited about seeing the final board revealed”.

Dan Taylor, Head of Custom Games at Wining Moves UK – who have produced the board under official license from MONOPOLY owners Hasbro – says: “Thank you to everyone who voted for this great board. In effect there are two Mayfairs on the Exeter board which is fitting, bearing in mind the debate that it is too posh for an Old Kent Road.

22 MONOPOLY property sites take on an Exeter flavour and feel, with the Chance and Community Chest cards heavily customised too. The four train stations from the original London board take on a ‘travel’ theme and are St David’s and Central train stations, Exeter International airport and Exeter bus station.

Exeter College is joining in celebrations for this years’ Work Experience Week by offering learners in Engineering and Construction opportunities to find out the benefits of good quality work experience, which will be included as part of their full time course.

Work Experience Week, which this year takes place from 12th-16th October, is a week dedicated to raising awareness of the benefits of high quality work experience. Run by national charity Fair Train, – developers of the national Work Experience Quality Standard accreditation – Work Experience Week is a chance for organisations to showcase the positive work they are doing and help raise the quantity of high quality work experience placements.

Recent government legislation means that work experience is no longer compulsory in schools. This, combined with the decline of the Saturday job and an ageing workforce, means that young people are struggling more than ever to get work experience and, as a result, employment.

During this week, full time learners studying to Level 1 or Level 2 will be introduced to the college’s Work Experience Co-ordinator, Julie Rogers, who has been appointed to help link them with local employers, willing to offer a work placement.

Julie hopes to explain the benefits of high quality work placements and introduce the learners to a couple of employers who already offer work placements or apprenticeships to learners at Exeter College, studying similar trades.

“We are always looking for new employers who are interested in offering a work placement for a full time learner.” said Julie “These work placements are short term and benefit the employer by bringing in learners with new enthusiasm and views. An additional benefit is that the employer has the ability to trial a potential employee and discover if they are right for their organisation. We’re keen to hear from businesses who could offer a work placement.”

Beth Gardner, CEO of Fair Train, commented: “Currently, only one in four employers offer any type of work experience, and we don’t think that’s good enough. But with work-based learning on the increase – the Government has recently announced its commitment to creating three million new Apprenticeships, for example – it is vital that we don’t just focus on numbers. We must ensure that all learners receive a high quality work experience.”

Fair Train works with organisations such as Exeter College, which is leading the way in developing high quality work experience programmes in construction and engineering. Work Experience Week is the ideal time to showcase the positive work being done by organisations across the country who are reaping the rewards when it comes to work experience, and to encourage others to do the same.”

For more information, please contact Julie Rogers at Exeter College Business Solutions, 01392 400400 julierogers@exe-coll.ac.uk

For more information about Work Experience Week, please visit: http://www.fairtrain.org/weweek

European Champion gold medallist Jo Pavey MBE returned to Exeter College this week, where she studied A Levels, as guest of honour as the college celebrated the official opening of its brand new Sports Hall in Victoria Yard in the centre of the city.

As the city’s famous 10,000m specialist, Jo, who is currently training for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and the Great Scottish Run next week, joined students, staff and local and national sports and education guests to see the new sports facility that boasts a six badminton court sports hall, classrooms and a sports therapy clinic.

The £5.9million sports building, supported by a grant of £2.4million from the Skills Funding Agency, is the latest in the college’s £14million investment in sports developments and facilities – a four year sport, health and physical activity plan to serve both college students and the wider community. Previous developments have already included a new Fitness and Gym Centre in 2012, management of the Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre, which was built and paid for by Devon County Council in 2013, and the building of a new sports pavilion in Exwick for students and sports club users.

“Sport has always been very important to the college with our individual students and teams recording successes in local, regional and national competitions” said Richard Atkins, Principal of Exeter College and Chair of the national sports association for colleges, “These new developments will not only benefit these sportsmen and women but, through the work of our partners, will be of value to the local and regional community. This new sports hall will allow sports users access to one of the very best indoor facilities in the region and provide facilities in growing areas such as Futsal, which is the world’s fastest growing indoor sport, as well as basketball, volleyball, netball and cricket.

“We are delighted that one of our renowned former students has been able to break from her challenging training regime to officially open these facilities and to meet and inspire many of the students that are already benefitting from the improved resources. This concludes an important week for Exeter’s profile as a sporting city with the hosting of the Rugby World cup and the University of Exeter being named the Times and Sunday Times ‘Sports University of the Year’ – good news for all in the city. ”

Unveiling the plaque Jo Pavey said “It’s great to be back at Exeter College although with this brand new sports hall I’m not sure that I recognise the place from 1990! Running has been part of my life since my early teens and it has enriched my life in ways that I never imagined when I started out. It is such an honour to be here and able to celebrate with fellow and aspiring athletes this brilliant facility that I hope will encourage and challenge students to take up and succeed in whatever sport and physical activity they choose. Gavin and I are now juggling my training sessions with the challenges of being parents but I would encourage people of all ages across the community, not just the young students here, to take up sport. This type of facility and the other college sports developments I’ve been hearing about will truly motivate people across the city. This amazing sports hall is ready to host the olympics!”