Article from FifteeenRugby.com

Exeter College put in a stunning display of forward power to see off the Wirral Grammar School in this U18 NatWest Vase semi final at Allianz Park.

As with yesterday’s Cup semi finals – drama was at the heart of this game, as Allianz Park immediately seems to have made itself the home of the Cup with these dramatic semi finals.

Wirral Grammar School actually dominated the opening quarter of the game, however despite almost setting up camp in the Exeter College 22 they could only muster a single Ben Brooks penalty in that period.

Still though the pressure continued until one booming touchfinder from Exeter’s fly half, Billy Searle, suddenly gave the game a shift in momentum as Exeter College suddenly started to surge at the Wirral line, their chests seemingly swelling with every phase. Giving away penalties became the only option for Wirral, but they soon paid the price for that as prop Josh Edgar was sent to the bin.

Exeter went straight to the corner with the ball and, in a move reminiscent of Dulwich College yesterday, they set up a superb driving maul, to which Wirral had to answer, leaving flanker Ross Watts to flop over and give his side the lead.

Suddenly it was Exeter who were in the ascendancy, as the game edged towards half time – a period that had been shown to be crucial yesterday. Clearly though Wirral had seen that trend and out of nothing their tricky scrum half, Jack Dixon, wriggled away to score a try out of nothing. Brooks converted and suddenly it was Wirral Grammar School who were bouncing as they went into the break 10-5 up.

They must have thought that they’d tied things up, at least in terms of momentum, with a Brooks penalty within a minute of the second half starting, however Exeter were having none of it, and once again they got that big and destructive maul going – surging through the Wirral 22 for that man Watts to get his second of the day. It was truly unstoppable stuff, and an outstanding display of the art of mauling, however a missed conversion meant that Wirra still led by three points.

That was not to last long though as for a third time Exeter set up that unstoppable driving maul, it was not that man Watts at the back this time though, prop Matt Harris was the man in control, and ultimately it was to be Harris who claimed that all important winning score.

Billy Searle added the extras to make it 17-13 to the Devonshire side, but with twenty minutes left to play you had to feel that there was still plenty left in this game.

Wirral certainly thought so, they spent the rest of the game slowly cranking up the pressure on Exeter before laying absolute siege on their try line for the final ten minutes of the game.

It was brutal stuff, reminiscent of RGS High Wycombe yesterday, the Exeter defence simply refused to yield though as they threw themselves into tackle after tackle, waiting for, hoping for, begging for, the referee’s final whistle.

Eventually he did blow though, calling time on a fantastic game of rugby, and yet another unbelievable Schools Cup semi final at Allianz Park – there is obviously something in that artificial grass!

Full Time: Wirral Grammar School 13-17 Exeter College

17 high achievers from Exeter College are celebrating after being offered places at Oxford and Cambridge Universities for this September.

This year, more of the college’s students than ever before have been offered a place at the two universities, widely considered to be amongst the best in the world. With tough entry criteria including early applications, admissions tests and stringent interviews, the students have beaten off competition from thousands of hopefuls across the country.

Sharing their success and hints and tips on how to make the best of the application process, the current students delivered a training session to other younger students at a special event at the college as further Oxbridge hopefuls prepare to apply for entry in 2015

James Letton, 18, originally from St Peters School, Exeter has an offer to read History at Balliol College, Oxford. He has found the Reach Academy experience to be essential in his university application: “Having joined Reach, I felt obliged to achieve. The challenge of gaining an Oxbridge place suddenly became an appealing prospect. I have been very impressed by the recent Outstanding grading from Ofsted. I’ve had a great two years at Exeter College and made some wonderful friends.”

With seven students accepted at Cambridge and ten at Oxford, the variety of subjects the students are choosing to read ranges from Maths and Natural Sciences to Engineering and English.

Richard Atkins, Principal, speaking at said: “We are delighted that so many of our students have been successful with their elite university applications again this year, since the successful progression of our students is paramount. Our excellent A Level and IB results and dedicated progression support means that our students reach their full potential.”

Mia Taylor-Jones, aged 18, originally from South Molton Community College has won an offer at Exeter College, Oxford to read History. She attended Exeter College as she was keen to study the International Baccalaureate. “The IB enabled me to step up to the challenge and I’ve had the opportunity for lots of independent study. Exeter College is a really nice and interesting place to study where you can meet lots of new people. I definitely recommend it!”

All students receive dedicated progression advice and guidance and support with their university applications, with those wishing to apply to the so-called ‘Oxbridge’ universities benefitting from the college’s close links with the universities, including hosting the annual Information Day held by the two institutions each year.

Emma Fielding, Assistant Principal at Exeter College says: “We are thrilled that so many of our students have applied to continue their studies to higher education this year. We pride ourselves on our strong progression support for students; helping them to find the right path for their future, whether that is university, training or a job. The increasing number of Exeter College students getting accepted to these highly competitive universities is a great reflection of their hard work and dedication and testimony to the support and guidance offered by our tutors and specialist teams who support them with their journey from Exeter College to their next destination”.

Of the 17 students who have been offered Oxbridge places, 10 are members of the college’s Reach Academy programme. Now in its 5th year, the Academy is set up to support academically gifted students reach the top class universities. Sixty-five students commit to a minimum of two additional hours per week on top of their course programme to work on research, attend specialist seminars and master-classes and develop their skills.

Caitlin Adams, aged 17, originally from St Lukes School, Exeter has an offer to read Mathematics at Robinson College, Cambridge. She credits the college’s superior facilities and opportunities offered to take part in a variety of extra-curricular activities as an integral part of her success. “I also liked the fact that Exeter College was relatively large with a diverse range of students. It bridged the gap between school and university.”

And for the first time students from the local Exeter secondary schools top the list with 11 out of the 17 originally coming from St Lukes, Isca and St Peters schools.

The month of March sees the Exeter College Music Academy presenting its third music festival. This year the focus is on Three Big Gigs! All happening in one week, this is set to be a terrific collection of music highlighting the music enrichment ensembles at Exeter College.

• Orchestra and Traditional Ensembles Tuesday 25th March 7:30pm St Davids Church £5 (£3) On the door
• Exeter College Big Band with the Darius Brubeck Quartet Wednesday 26th March 7:30pm Barnfield Theatre Exeter £14.50 (£9.50) Box Office 01392 271808/270891
• Jazz Toast! Featuring Jazz Project and Jambassadors Friday 28th March 8:00pm Barnfield Theatre Exeter £5 (£3) On the door

The festival opens with Chamber Orchestra, Student Choir, Toot Sweet flute group and Brass Group presenting a collection of music to include Berlioz 'Symphonie Fantastique' Mov 4, Beethoven 'Symphony 5' Mov 4, Mozart’s 'Mass in C Minor' K427 plus a selection of ragtime and jazz music.

Exeter College Big Band featuring Darius Brubeck is a rare and wonderful opportunity to see internationally renowned pianist, composer and jazz educator Darius Brubeck, son of jazz legend Dave Brubeck. Darius will be working with Exeter College Music Academy students to present a collection of South African Jazz inspired music, featuring a set from The Darius Brubeck Quartet, a set from the Exeter College Big Band plus pieces combining the two ensembles. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear this one off collaboration – world class musicians sharing their wealth of experience with our up and coming jazz musicians of the future.

Jazz Toast continues the Music Academy's local community links with this gig also being part of the new music series 'A Message From' – supporting musicians making original music in Devon. Enjoy a night celebrating youth music at its most funky and dynamic featuring Exeter College ensembles Jazz Project and Jambassadors. You can expect some grand music from these terrific young musicians – Cuban, funk, fusion, contemporary, West Coast jazz and bop sounds for starters. Showcasing original compositions and arrangements alongside some of the biggest grooves around!

Laura Wright Exeter College Music Academy coordinator states: “This Festival is a celebration of music: its diversity and its firmly rooted place in our society, culture, economy and education. Our music students are full of enthusiasm for live performance and for the creation and sharing of good music. They are all excited to be part of our third music festival”. Roz Harding Exeter College Music Academy administrator adds “It's a real joy to help arrange this music festival for our students. Each gig is going to be exciting and individual, not to mention of a great standard. These three big gigs are a superb selection of just some of the music this busy department produces throughout the year.”

Over 400 students study music at Exeter College and many progress to working in the industry as professional performers, composers and in other related fields. A high proportion gain entry into the country’s most prestigious music colleges, conservatoires and universities. Come along to our Festival performances and find out why!

www.exe-coll.ac.uk and www.facebook.com/Exetercollegemusicacademy for further details on these festival gigs and all forthcoming gigs – including the new Music Academy series at Mama Stones venue, Exeter.

Exeter College students and staff are celebrating as the first college in Devon and Cornwall to be rated as Outstanding by Ofsted using its new enhanced framework, even more remarkable given that the college was rated as Outstanding in a no-notice pilot by Ofsted less than two years ago. This makes Exeter College the only provider ever to gain this highest accolade in two different inspections in less than two years.

The team of 14 Ofsted inspectors, who visited the college in early January, have published their report this week which awards the highest 'Outstanding' grade for Overall Effectiveness as well as across each of the aspect grades of Outcomes for Learners, the Quality of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and the Effectiveness of Leadership and Management.

“I am delighted that the hard work and dedication of the staff and students has again been rewarded by this national recognition,” said Richard Atkins, Principal “Following our success with the pilot in 2012, I was confident that the Ofsted inspectors would see again evidence of our outstanding teaching and learning and exceptional practice across our curriculum areas. The new inspection places a high emphasis, rightly, on hearing the views of students and college users and seeing at first-hand training and academic sessions. This makes for a very rigorous and thorough view of the college and whilst we are not perfect, I am very proud that this report makes such positive reading.”

The inspectors scrutinised nine curriculum areas visiting over 100 classroom and training sessions during the week, talking to learners, apprentices and staff about their college experience as well as testing the support given to students by tutors, skills officers, subject lecturers and the range of support services at the college.

The report highlights the impact of the relentless focus of the college on raising standards of teaching and learning, particularly important as the college has recorded successful growth over the last two years. The inspectors praised this approach stating 'As a result of highly motivated and experienced staff, the quality of teaching, learning and assessment is outstanding … and has led to the improved and very high outcomes for learners' and it continues to note 'Lecturers provide learners with challenging work that prepares them extremely well for further education, training and employment'

In each of the curriculum areas reviewed inspectors highlighted good practice particularly in how the classroom sessions and active partnerships with local organisations ensured that 'lessons stretch learners of all abilities (Art and Design)' and 'Learners' progression to science degree courses is exceptional and many learners obtain places on the best university courses (Science)'

The college's ambitious property and resources investment, business partnerships and specialist academies were celebrated with the report noting 'specialist vocational courses, using exceptional facilities provide learners with outstanding opportunities to work alongside, and learn from, industry leaders and specialists.'

“The success of the college,” continued Richard Atkins “is a direct result of the continued development of strong and committed partnerships between the college and local and regional businesses, schools, and community organisations. I am pleased that the strength and range of these partnerships are recognised as a real feature of the college with the inspectors praising our 'excellent links with schools, employers and other agencies'; that our values and priorities are viewed as fostering 'excellence, innovation and a commitment to educating and training the local community' and that the College's provision makes an 'excellent contribution to the educational, social and economic development needs of the region'.

The range and contribution of the College's governors was also recognised with the report stating 'the board of governors possess an exceptional wealth of relevant expertise and comprehensively represent the interests of the region and local community.' Philip Bostock, previously Chief Executive of Exeter City Council and now the College's Chair of Governors said “On behalf of the board I am delighted that the college's passion and commitment to outstanding teaching and learning has been recognised by this fantastic outcome. This Ofsted report is a great result for the students and staff, for the city and the wider community the college serves.”

Please click here to view the Ofsted report

Please click here to visit Exeter College on the Ofsted Website

The Exeter College Rugby squad have beaten the Worth School in the quarter finals of the Natwest vase and are now only one game from Twickenham.

This was an entertaining game at Allianz Park this week with the college side winning 28-27, with a magnificent man of the match performance by captain and fly half Billy Searle, who certainly stole the show. Searle scored three tries, two penalties and a conversion to finish with a 23 point haul, and many spectators from Saracens, and coaches and parents from Worth School commented how this guy should definitely be playing for England under 18's!!

Second Row Brad Cooke capped a remarkable few days with a try, only three days after making his senior rugby debut in National Two with Exmouth RFC, to complete the scoring.

Searle, along with prop Matt Harris, and Second Row Matt Handford, are currently in the England South West under 18's squad, and prop Will Ellis has made the England Colleges Under 19's squad. For partially sighted Handford, this is also an unbelievable achievement!

Having only had one home game in the whole of the vase cup run, Exeter College's team has certainly done it the hard way and are now set to be on the road again in the semi final when they return to Allianz Park for the semi final on Sunday March 9th.

Exeter College's Yard Art Gallery hosted its first collaborative Schools Art competition at the end of January with nearly 40 young exhibitors from ISCA, St Peters, Southbrook, Axe Valley and Queen Elizabeth's Academy displaying a wide range of artwork including fine art, graphics, multi media and photographic pieces.

“We're delighted with this first Schools Art Show,” said Rob Bosworth, Assistant Principal. “It was designed to engage and motivate creative school students and give them the opportunity to experience their work in a public space; to raise their aspirations, to experience Exeter College and to meet and work with some of current art and design students. The standard of work shown by these young students is amazing.”

Molly Edwards from Axe Valley Community College was the overall winner with a stunning mixed media piece including her own art shirt and jigsaw pieces “Because my art is all about making a puzzle” Molly took 6 weeks to create her art work Ephemeral using a mixture of ideas.

Esme Peck from Queen Elizabeth Academy in Crediton was voted best graphics illustrator exhibitor and her thought provoking photo of her sister Hetta was based on the style of famous photographer Loretta Lux. Currently in Year 9, Esme would like do something with photography and dance as a career.

James Bentley from St Peters proudly showed off his beautiful photo of a rain soaked road saying “I've applied to Exeter College to do photography – I really hope it's like all of this and more!”

Carmen Garcia de Marina from Queen Elizabeth's Academy in Crediton displayed a painting based on the style of Van Gogh – a portrait of her Maths teacher “I love art!”

The exhibition which was displayed for one week in the college’s new art gallery off Queen Street. Further exhibitions are planned with the local schools.

Fashion and Textiles students collaborate with National Trust in latest Killerton exhibition

'Nature of Fashion' exhibition opens 15 February to 4 November 2014

For the first time at Killerton the National Trust is collaborating with the Centre for the Creative Industries at Exeter College to present an innovative show which will include historic pieces from the Killerton collections as well as contemporary work by students and practising artists and designers.

Natural fibres have been the raw materials for some of the most glamorous clothing, costume and couture through the centuries. Floral patterns and other designs from the plant world have also been the inspiration for designers and craftsmen.

To celebrate the use of natural fibres in fashion, and the extraordinary metamorphosis they undergo to reach the wearer, Killerton House in Devon presents the 'The Nature of Fashion' exhibition from 15 February 2014.

Colourful gowns, coats and waistcoats from the 1700s to the 1960s will be on display, many decorated using a variety of techniques with materials and motifs derived from the natural world. The exhibition will not only feature the more common natural plant and animal fibres, linen, cotton, wool and silk, but will include more unusual examples made from plant fibres such as aloe and pineapple.

Michelle Moinzadeh, textiles tutor at Exeter College says:

“We're delighted that our textile students have got this great opportunity to work so closely with one of our important local partners supporting this major installation project.

“The students will benefit from the challenges of a live project and they are working hard to ensure their own exhibits enhance the other exhibits from local artists and designers. It will be an exciting show illustrating the links between historic and contemporary pieces and costumes.”

Killerton's costume curator Shelley Tobin also comments:

“We hope that visitors will enjoy discovering the amazing and sometimes surprising stages which natural fibres go through as they have been transformed into fabulous, colourful clothing over two centuries.

“Yet, fashion is about looking forward as well as looking back, and so we are delighted that the textile students from Exeter College are designing and creating pieces inspired by some of those in the collection and which will showcase exciting up and coming talent.”

'The Nature of Fashion' runs at Killerton House every day from Saturday 15 February to 4 November 2014. For further details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/killerton or telephone 01392 881345.

Please click here to view the poster

Exeter College's Michael Caines Academy has been featured in a best practice case study jointly released today by Ofsted and the Commission on Adult Vocational Teaching and Learning (CAVTL). The feature has been published on the Ofsted website, as part of a package to promote examples of excellent practice in vocational teaching and learning.

The case study shines a spotlight on the Michael Caines Academy founded by Michael Caines MBE – a past student of the college and now governor as well as Michelin starred chef and restaurateur, an initiative that has been running since 2011.

This features as one of ten case studies from across the vocational education and training system, to highlight key characteristics and distinctive features of vocational teaching, learning and leadership. A panel of experts selected the organisations to feature comprising of commissioners from CAVTL, Ofsted, the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, and the Institute of Education in London.

This resource provides practical materials for colleges, training providers and employers looking to embed innovative approaches to their delivery of vocational teaching and learning and improve learner outcomes.

Richard Atkins, Principal of Exeter College said “We are delighted to have been selected to be included in this best practice showcase. We work hard to achieve the best possible outcomes for our learners and we hope that by reaching a wider audience this example helps others to achieve similar results. We are committed to recognising the expertise of our teaching staff- it is a dual profession – teachers are expert trainers and also specialists in their industry, which brings benefits because it helps to create a learning experience with a clear line of sight to work. We are proud that this case study demonstrates the benefits which this brings to learners”.

Tricia Pugsley, head of Hospitality and catering said “The students not only gain vocational skills from this training, but because of the way we work with employers and industry they come away with a clearer understanding of the skills needed for the work place and a genuinely more visible route into employment”.

Commenting on the national profile of the Academy, Michael Caines said “I'm delighted that the Commission were able to see at first hand how this Academy provides a fantastic opportunity for young people who can demonstrate a real passion for the hospitality industry. The Academy drives and inspires the students to achieve the highest level of excellence and they gain experiences like no others, making this a unique experience for the most passionate and ambitious.”

The case studies were compiled in response to It's about work…, the CAVTL report on excellent vocational teaching and learning, which identified the sophisticated processes of design and delivery which characterise excellent vocational provision, based on the importance of ensuring a clear line of sight to work.

Jenny Williams, Director of Vocational Education and Training at The Education and Training Foundation said “The work we do at the Foundation is sector led. We are driven by a set of principles to ensure we meet the needs of the workforce, focus on the impact on the learner and learning outcomes, and build on existing good practice and resources. This case study enables us to work towards our commitment to implement the recommendations highlighted in the CAVTL report. I hope that the case studies support organisations to develop their vocational teaching and learning practice and help to improve outcomes across the sector”.

For more information click here

A select group of local food experts, education leaders and media experts were treated to a personalised masterclass and cook-a-long session from the local Michelin-starred chef, Michael Caines, to launch Exeter College's new student-based Skills Kitchen this week.

The new Skills Kitchen, created by the College with Michael Caines and In-toto Kitchens at the helm of the design, provides a demonstration-style kitchen that complements the large industry-standard kitchens that already exist in the College's hospitality and catering facilities at the College's Hele Road campus. The elite Michael Caines Academy students have been testing out the new facilities during the term and the college is now planning a series of short courses for visitors of all ages to experiment and develop a range of culinary skills.

“We are delighted to be officially launching our Skills Kitchen today” said Iain Hatt Assistant Principal, “with this exciting cook-a-long of business, media and hospitality and catering experts with our catering Academy students – showcasing not only these great facilities but also the culinary skills of our students. This is another landmark in the important partnership between the College and one of its famous alumni and mentors – Michael Caines – who has not only helped us design these first class facilities with In-toto Kitchens – but also provides the inspiration and watchful eye for our Michael Caines Academy students ensuring this elite programme generates the next generation of restaurateurs, chefs, front of house staff and managers for this important sector.”

Challenged to cook recipes from Michael Caines' own cook book, the competitors included Gordon Bates, Director from In-toto Kitchens and one of the recent sponsors of the Academy together with media and food experts from BBC Spotlight and Devon Life; James Dart – local champion of fine and local food from Darts Farm; a student governor – herself an ex Michael Caines student; Vice Chair of Governors and the Principal of Exeter College, Richard Atkins. Donning aprons, the visitors were each supported by a Michael Caines Academy student working together against the clock to produce either pan roasted chicken dish or risotto to a standard then judged by the two Michelin-starred chef himself.

“If there is one chef in Britain that most of us would love the chance to cook with it is Michael Caines so I was expecting this cook off to be fun and inspiring and I was not disappointed” said Susan Clark Devon Life and author of The Sunday Times Vitality Cookbook. “What I didn't expect was to be cooking in such a fantastic purpose-built training space or the support of the Academy's current crop of students whose talent and professionalism made us amateurs look good! The Michael Caines' Academy at Exeter College – complete with its new 16 station training kitchen – is a real asset to Devon's foodie scene and I, for one, can't wait to be invited back to cook there again!”

“Installing the skills kitchen for Exeter College and the Michael Caines Academy has been an extremely rewarding project for In-toto Exeter, said partner and director, Gordon Bates” We were delighted to work with Michael and the team at Exeter College to create a kitchen that matches the requirements of this exceptional training establishment and are very excited to see the kitchen in use by the chefs of tomorrow!”

Iain Hatt explained the investment in the new facilities “Whilst the college was already proud of its professional industry- standard kitchens that supports the training of over 300 hospitality and catering students and our commercial fine dining restaurant @34, our continued growth and specialism training created the need for a bespoke demonstration kitchen worthy of all the best TV Cook shows. What better way to celebrate the talents of our students and the close working partnership of our industry and media colleagues than joining together in a unique Masterclass with Michael Caines!”

Finding out that the construction industry is open for all – not just males – was the order of the day for over 20 Year 9 pupils from schools across Devon who attended the Women in Construction event last week at Exeter College.

Challenging many misperceptions of the industry, Exeter College construction teaching staff and existing female construction students, showed the pupils, all girls aged 13 and 14, from Honiton Community College, Cullompton College, West Exe and Southbrook, the broad variety of study and career options open to them.

In a series of workshops they were treated to taster sessions in everything from brickwork and carpentry and joinery to professional careers such as surveying.

They were also given a tour of Exeter College's Construction facilities at the faculty's Sowton-based skills training centre. Presented with certificates at the end of their visit, prizes were then awarded to those who performed best over the three subjects experienced.

The event, organised through the Devon Education Business Partnership aims to provide an enjoyable experience so that some of the girls may feel inspired to take up construction as a career at all levels.

Now in its eleventh year, Chris Whitaker, Head of the Construction faculty, said: “While there are more women going into construction now than perhaps a decade ago, there are still not enough. Female employees do very well within the construction industry. This may be either working on building sites, in households, or for large construction organisations as part of their design or management teams, covering topics such as quantity surveying, structural engineering, or site management. It was great to see female students already here studying, who are not much older than the visitors today acting as ambassadors for Women into Construction and offering them such positive encouragement and support.

“We hope this extremely popular event has stimulated the young pupils' interest in construction and will enable them to make more informed decisions about their future education and careers.”