With the New Year just started, some of last year's greatest success stories were being celebrated in style at the Exeter College Student Awards 2012- 2013 event held at the Thistle Hotel last night.

The real stars of the evening were the 28 award winners whose high achievements – academically and personally – were honoured in the presence of their families, VIP guests including community and business leaders from across Exeter and Devon, and college staff.

The award categories spanned across the College's broad curriculum, ranging from Higher Education, Adult Community Education, 14-16 Student, Apprentice of the Year to Sports Academy Student of the Year, and many more.

Presenting the awards to all the winners, Richard Atkins, Principal of Exeter College said “Throughout the year faculties and departments hold a wide variety of events and award ceremonies but tonight we have invited the 'very best' – the winners of the winners in many cases. Each year, Exeter College touches thousands of households in the local area and, in many cases, transforms the life opportunities of those who choose to study here. Our winners reflect our unusually broad curriculum, incorporating academic excellence, outstanding vocational skills and foundation learning for young people and adults from right across Exeter, Devon, Torbay and West Dorset. What makes Exeter College such a great place are our students, who are our best ambassadors. They are overwhelmingly interesting, well behaved, hard-working learners who enjoy being at college in the centre of Exeter. Tonight's award winners represent all of our students and we are very proud of their successes.”

Academic successes included James Roberts, 18, originally from Isca College of Media Arts, who scooped impressive 4A* A level grades last summer including an exceptional 599/600 for his Maths A Level. Receiving the Maths and Science Student of the Year Award James, now studying Engineering at Cambridge University with plans to study to masters level and then onto aircraft design, was described as “using his intellect in a gentle manner, never looking down on others or trying to boost his own ego.”

Another student honoured particularly for her academic prowess was Louise Williams, one of three award winners originally from Queen Elizabeth's Crediton celebrating last night. As Reach Academy Student of the Year Louise, who is now studying Geography at Jesus College, Oxford, not only gained A* grades in Biology, Chemistry, English Literature and Extended Project but also was a fantastic ambassador for the college's Reach Academy integral to the Met Office research Science Group, co-ordinating student-led research – work which as presented to HRH Duke of York when he visited Exeter last year. Picking up her award on stage with Ralph James from the Met Office she said “Having teachers who care is so important and I think that perhaps one day I might like to teach too, because I can now really see the value of it.

Harry Leitch, 18, was one of three St Peter's C of E School award winners at the glittering event, and was nominated for the English and Languages Student of the year award for her contribution to both the academic and enrichment activities in her faculty. She not only recorded an impressive 120 out of 120 for one exam paper leading to an A* grade in English Literature but was also a vital member of the Colleges debating team, being awarded 'Outstanding Debater' at the regional Finals in Bristol.

Alice McAndrew is one of 12 students from the college last year now at one of the prestigious Oxford or Cambridge colleges and, as Art and Design Student of the Year was described as “greatly inspirational to her fellow students” scoring a remarkable 100% in her Fine Art A level last summer. Returning from Oxford University for the Awards ceremony Alice said “I am particularly grateful to my tutor for all the encouragement she gave me during my two years at college.”

Kasha Potter from Bovey Tracey was one of the many remarkable students praised for her motivation, enthusiasm and commitment to learning, progressing from level 1 qualifications to Fast Track GCSE and now studying one of the college's Access to HE courses with plans for a future at Bath University. Presented with her award by Saxon Spence, her tutor noted “Her essays were impeccably crafted often of A level or undergraduate level – a very gifted student.”

Whilst there were stand out academic achievements on show at the event there were also awards for students who contributed to the important Academies and enrichment activities at the college – described as crucial to college life, providing that essential added experience.

Emma McLean, formerly from Colyton Grammar was nominated for the Enrichment Student of the Year award particularly for the way she embodied the ethos of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme supporting local girl guides and deaf and blind children as well as learning Sign language and excelling in archery and piano. Now studying medicine at Clare College, Cambridge after achieving straight A* grades in her A levels, she was joined on stage by Richard Bagwell from Foot Anstey sponsors of this important award.

Award winners from the Michael Caines, Reach, Music, Journalism and Sports Academies were also honoured with Kate Gardiner, formerly from Clyst Vale winning the Sports Academy award for her commitment to the college's Netball Academy and for juggling the sporting demands of playing for British Colleges Netball team as well as focusing on her A level programme enabling her to progress to the University of Manchester.

Playing of a different type was the strength of Joanna Cartwright who won the Music Academy Award, who was described as 'totally committed to music combining enjoyment and achievement through the appreciation, performance and creation of music.” Formerly from Queen Elizabeth's in Crediton this student joined the Chamber Orchestra, Jambassadors, Inspiration Choir and Chamber Choir and said that “Studying at Exeter College was the best two years of my life.”

Many of the award winners were nominated not just for their academic and technical achievements but often for their support for their peers with many of them being congratulated for team work and their positive contributions to class discussions and project work. The highest standards of vocational achievements were also celebrated with winners recording top class industry standard achievements in Business and IT, Construction, Engineering, Health and Social Care, Beauty Therapy, Media and Performing Arts and Tourism and Leisure – many of the Awards being sponsored by local and national industry partners.

Former St Peter's School pupil, Shannon Small, is now studying at the Florence Nightingale School of Nursing in London and won the Healthcare, Childcare and Public Services Award for achieving triple Distinction stars in her BTEC course as well as being offered employment in every placement she worked at during her time at college.

Another former St Peters' pupil, Emma McLarin, won the Hospitality, Hairdressing and Beauty Award and is destined for a career in Spa Management being described as having an enthusiastic and engaging attitude, becoming an effective team leader during her BTEC programme.

Karl Schultze, formerly from Axe Valley Community College, won the prestigious Flybe Student of the Year and was described as an outstanding student giving 100% in all aspects of his work, gaining triple distinction stars for his Extended Diploma in Engineering in the innovative partnership between the airline and the college and was congratulated by Matt Roach, Managing Director of Exeter's International Airport as he collected his award.

A student celebrating success and progression nearer to home was Habib Rahman, winner of the Business and IT Student of the Year who achieved triple distinction stars in his BTEC programme leading to a BA Hons in Accountancy and Finance at the University of Exeter. Nominated for taking on additional responsibilities with the Young Chamber of Commerce and with the Lloyds Money for Life Programme Habib, formerly from St Lukes School, was described as a fine example of a hardworking, conscientious and reliable student.

Another winner proving that employability is key to success was Chelsea Crossman, another former Queen Elizabeth star student, who was awarded Apprentice of the Year. After excelling in her BTEC Healthcare course, Chelsea became the first Clinical Health Care Assistant taken on by North Devon NHS Trust and is praised by her deputy matron for her enthusiasm and commitment to the role whilst continuing to update her training at the college.

Exeter Chamber of Commerce were at the glittering event sponsoring the Spencer Dale Economics Student of the Year Award but unfortunately the winner Emily Daugherty, originally from Maynards, was unable to be at the event since she was already living up to her lecturers' predictions of a future in the corporate environment since she is working at Barclays HQ in Canary Wharf before going to University in October.

Whilst young people 16-18 featured greatly in the 'honours list' the college also showcased its breadth of provision with awards for 14-16 Students, Adult Learning and Higher Education Awards.

Laura Cutting, 16, originally from West Exe of the Year, was the youngest of the winners and after completing her NVQ1 Hairdressing one day a week at the college whilst at school is now continuing training as she hones her skills as an apprentice at Head Start salon in Exeter.

Many of the adult learning success stories spoke of determination and positivity. Sino Bennett from Exeter juggled the demands of the Access to Higher education courses as well as raising a young family and a new job in care but as her tutor described “her commitment and determination to achieve her full potential were impressive.” Worthy winner of the Access to Higher Education Student award she is now at the University of Bath studying social work.

Also recording impressive progress was Nicola Hall from Exeter who joined the college's level 1 ITQ course but quickly moved onto level 2, gaining confidence and self-esteem and as Adult community Education and employability Student of the year proved a true role model gaining success with her first job interview as NVQ assessor during her course.

Sophie Simmons, from Exeter, also gained confidence as a result of adult learning at the college citing 'meeting new people and lovely staff' as one of the many reasons for her success in achieving English and Maths qualifications and winning the Adult Essential Skills Student of the Year Award.

The sponsors joining the college at the glittering evening were: Alcoa Howmet, Balfour Beatty, City and Guilds, Devon County Council, Exeter International Airport, Exeter Chamber of Commerce, Exeter City Council, Exeter City Football Club, Express and Echo, Foot Anstey, Jones Lang LaSalle, John Lewis, Met Office, Pearsons, and Saxon Spence.

John Lee, High Sheriff and guest speaker continued the praise of the achievements of the winners saying “Exeter City is a vibrant and young city and Exeter College plays a huge part in that.” Comparing the impact of college students as similar to the positive impact of the Olympic Gamesmakers he went on to say “We can see on our doorstep the difference students make and the real gems we often miss.”

For more information about our 'winners of the winners' including photos, videos and quotes from the event pleck here

Exeter College retained the Devon Schools Under 18's Cup for the third year running with a hard fought 12-3 victory over Exeter School in front of over 400 Exeter School pupils!

Tries by Zac Ponsford and Matt Harris and a conversion by captain Billy Searle was enough to seal victory in difficult playing conditions against a well drilled side.

Man of the match for Exeter College was impressive hooker George Gosling who carried extremely well and whose line out throwing was accurate.

Exeter College's route to the final included victories over Queen Elizabeth’s (Crediton), Devonport High School (Plymouth) and Bicton College, and now the focus for the team turns to the Natwest Vase with a game against Wycliffe College in January 2014.

A national award winning charity with aims to improve standards of care in the health and social care sector got the chance to challenge and influence young healthcare students at an inspirational session at Exeter College last week.

Jill Fraser, Co-founder and Director of the healthcare charity 'Kissing it better' took the opportunity of speaking to over 130 students from the college who are keen to work in health and social care careers, with the objective to outline the role of the charity and to encourage the students to utilise their talents and skills to make a positive difference to the care of patients and their carers within hospitals and care homes.

The Kissing it Better charity, winner of the Nursing Times 2012 Award, offers hundreds of simple ideas that can make the world of difference to a patient's care through training, advice and consultancy for healthcare professionals, providing a voice within major health organisations and by engaging with local communities to lift patents' spirits in hospitals and care.

Anna Rawles, health and social care lecturer at Exeter College said “We are hoping to create a close working relationship with 'Kissing it Better’ and to highlight the good work of the charity to the health and social care students and the wider college. We would like to build on today and get more students involved from the college to encourage all students to give something back to the community. It is really important that all students have the opportunity to gain work experience and develop the vital communication skills needed for the world of work, whilst making a valuable contribution to society. We're also really keen to celebrate health and social care careers – there is a tendency to focus on the negative stories nationally but we also know of the pride and passion our students have for this important sector.”

Jill Fraser from the charity highlighted how simple ideas can create a big change and said on meeting the students

“We are delighted to be here because the enthusiasm and energy of Exeter College is fantastic. We are excited to be working alongside health and social care students who share our passion of linking the community together in a sustainable way. We are hoping it will be mutually beneficial and are looking forward to learning from the students too.”

Among the students at the event was Kathryn Hargreaves who is in the process of applying for social work at university and wants to get as much work experience as possible. She said “I am very keen to get involved and will do whatever I can to help.” Lily Geraghty- Morris was also very positive adding “I would love to get involved and will happily sit and talk to patients. I could read the newspaper to them as I used to read the newspaper to my nan.”

Business ideas ranging from low cost fudge, surf clothing, coffee houses and wood turning were among those pitching to local business experts to mark Global Enterprise week at Exeter College last week.

Local entrepreneurs, Ann Holman from Toucan, Adam Stone from Rokk Media and James Eyre of The Lifestyle Group (which includes Tiger Bills) put the college's Enterprise Academy students through their paces as their business ideas and plans were tested for innovation, sustainability and potential success.

“The Enterprise Academy was set up a year ago to provide budding entrepreneurs with the skills and contacts they need to take their ideas to the marketplace,” said Rob Bosworth Assistant Principal. “Like all of our Academies at Exeter College the local industry partners are the essential ingredient to ensure the students have a clear line of sight to the real world. I am grateful, as always, for the commitment and dedication from our local business partners. The students have really benefited from their feedback and support.”

Will Price, 16, originally from Chulmleigh Community College, is hoping to take on local fudge producers by creating his own sweet sensation for a lower price while Drew Thackary, 19 is looking to set up his own surfing clothing range.

“It makes me hugely proud to play even a small part of Exeter College's inspirational and powerful Enterprise Academy.” said James Eyre, “For me, personally, as an ex-student of Exeter College I really engage with the power this process and journey can do so positively for the student. What really defines the programme is the quality of the students and the potential outputs they each inspire! Well done Exeter. ”

“It was clear to see how much work and research the students had put in,” continued Adam Stone from Rokk Media “They understood their markets, how to target them and what made their business viable. It's seriously impressive to see such talent coming out of the Academy.”

Emily Wilson, 16 is focussing on enterprise and business but is also a skilled woodturner so was looking to see if her business plans to sell her own product as well as provide tutoring to novice woodturners got the thumbs up from the demanding panel of experts. “The session has helped me think about branding my products and my business,” said Emily “I'm thrilled that the experts thought my idea was unique in taking a 20th century trade into the 21st century. It's a very male dominated trade but I'm keen to help other young people take up woodturning. I now feel that I've got the confidence to be selling my products at craft fairs and then on the web – they thought it was reasonable and feasible!”

“If the quality of the students we met today are indicative all I can say is we have some fantastic business champions for the future right here on our doorstep! Said Adam Stone from Rokk Media, “I'm so proud to be involved with the Academy.”
Emma Ackrill Enterprise tutor said “The Academy has been focussed on market research and pitching this term and the presentations to these successful local business mentors not only marks the Global Enterprise Week but is also key to ensuring that the students continue to challenge their ideas and understand the competitive nature of the current economic climate if they are to be successful.”

Last up for the business mentors' scrutiny was Sadie Lyon, 16, who has plans to take the concept of the English coffee house over to the States and pitched her idea hoping for approval and first hand business advice that will take her new business across the pond. “I was really nervous to start with in front of the business experts but hearing their feedback and their faith in my idea has been great. They gave me very interesting and helpful advice on how to break into the market in the States – the States are obsessed with anything British and the mentors really think my idea will work.”

“I feel very privileged to be part of The Enterprise Academy,” said Ann Holman from Toucan, “It's been an inspiring and enlightening experience hearing students pitch their ideas. I hope I've been instrumental in helping them refine projects and provide feedback that's added value. Seeing some of the business ideas has assured us all that our entrepreneurial future is very promising.”

A local apprentice swapped garage overalls for a smart suit for an appointment with royalty when he beat off national competition to be honoured with Outstanding Achiever of the Year Award in the National IMI Awards this month.

Richard Mitchell, 20, attended the prestigious ceremony in Herefordshire where he was presented his award by HRH Prince Michael of Kent in recognition of his work with local garage Vanborn and Radford as an Apprentice with Exeter College.

“We were delighted to nominate Richard,” said Tim Laye, Skills Officer from Exeter College, “His achievement, resourcefulness, enthusiasm and teamwork has been exemplary. At work he is always finding the next job to do and he's able to interact with colleagues and staff in a very professional and friendly manner. His employer has explained that Richard was further ahead with his knowledge and skills than he is given credit – he's not afraid to attempt all jobs seeking advice if he comes across an issue he cannot overcome. He is conscientious, methodical, great with customers and at college is keen and works through his assignments with enthusiasm.”

The Outstanding Achievers Awards is a special event in the IMI calendar designed to bring together the best of the best to recognise and celebrate success. Staff from Exeter College were also at the glittering event after being shortlisted for the Approved Centre of the Year.

In presenting Richard Mitchell with his Outstanding Achiever Award in Light Vehicle HRH Prince Michael of Kent commented “I am delighted to present these awards as they provide an opportunity to showcase the hard work, dedication and true passion that exists within the automotive sector today. I would also like to offer my personal congratulations to individual and training providers; you should all feel extremely proud of your outstanding achievements.”

“What makes Richard's nomination extra special is not just his passion for additional car projects but also his amazing commitment to a range of other community, youth and music projects in his spare time,” continued Tim Laye. “His friends tell me they can never meet up with him since he is always busy working, childminding or being a youth tutor for 'Joined Up thinking Projects Music'”

Richard's passion for vehicles doesn't finish at the end of the garage day since he is working on building from scratch a Caterham 7 style car that he hopes to enter in a hill climb event and has a passion for old British cars such as MGs, Minis and Morris Minors. He is also currently restoring a 1969 Mini as well as previously completing a frog eye Austin Healy Sprite, 1963 Morris 1000 and 1959 Morris 100 convertible. And it's not just vintage vehicles that gets Richard racing – he also races competitively in Go Karting.

While vehicles are his passion they're not his sole distraction since Richard admits that music comes a close second. He currently plays 6 instruments, sings as part of Counterpoint Chamber Choir, Buckfast Abbey Choir and the Starling Octet. He has recently been part of the Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra as well as organising singing groups. His bugling talents have been in demand across the south west particularly for recent remembrance ceremonies including the Battle of Britain Parade at Exeter Cathedral.

“We are very proud of Richard,” said Iain Fitzpatrick, Head of Engineering, Aerospace and Automotive at Exeter College “His technical achievement both in work and in his spare time car projects and his all round personal and community commitment deserve national recognition. We are delighted that this important national event has given us the opportunity to showcase his talents!”

Christmas shoppers at Exeter's Princesshay Centre will get the chance to be entertained and captivated by pop up dance performances designed to 'light up' the festive season on the 5th and 12th December at 6pm and 7pm.

The group of dancers, all second year full time Extended Diploma and Subsidiary Diploma students from Exeter College will be promenading with late night shoppers in an initiative with the Princesshay Shopping Centre designed to add a touch of Christmas Dance Wonders to late night shopping.

“The project is three-fold” said Emma Wyke dance tutor for the group, “This is a great way to work on a site-specific choreographic piece as part of their BTEC work and secondly, the students have been physically exploring areas old and new – the city's Roman wall, the ruins as well as the more open areas and modern structures of the Princesshay centre. We wanted to do something exciting and approached Princesshay to see if we could choreograph 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 are continuing the old and new theme with dances and a look that is inspired by the 1950's. “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 the college. We were delighted to be chosen to perform for the Queen in Princesshay during her Jubilee visit last year and 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 at 6pm and 7pm on December 5th and December 12th 2013.

Busy shoppers in one the city centre's supermarkets last week not only had extra help in bagging their purchases but also learnt about the importance of the Exeter Foodbank in a partnership between the supermarket and the local college.

Positive Pathways students from Exeter College volunteered to help members of the public pack their weekly shopping in Sainsburys in the Guildhall Centre as part of their two weeks of learning about the community. As well as easing the queues at the till, the students also handed out flyers they had designed to encourage customers to add an extra food item to their shopping an donate this to the Exeter Foodbank.

Exeter Foodbank is an emergency service, providing three days of emergency food to people in crisis who have little or no food and little or no money to buy food and have been referred by one of the 75+ agencies they work with in the city. As part of the students' community project, they also spent a session this week working at the Foodbank's storage unit, helping to weigh and sort food ready for delivery to Exeter Foodbank's food distribution point in the city centre.

Exeter College lecturer Beth Bramble commented “These volunteering opportunities provide students with a range of experiences they could talk to an employer about and can include on their curriculum vitae. The opportunity for the young people on the course to work directly with the public and a local employer whilst helping within their community is immensely valuable. Both Guildhall Sainsbury's and Exeter Foodbank have been incredibly supportive of this partnership work.”

“The College's Positive Pathways is a part-time 12 week engagement course which involves students working in small groups of up to 8 learners. They work on a range of tasks and activities designed to enable them to practice their team work, social, communication and time keeping skills whilst boosting their self-awareness, confidence and self-esteem. As part of their course, the students will have learned about some of the causes of poverty – this project really helps them understand the role of the Foodbank.”

Joy Dunne, Exeter Foodbank Manager, says “We are so pleased to be partnering with the college in highlighting local needs to the wider public. Sainsbury's are very supportive of the Foodbank's work and we would like to thank everyone who has already donated food or finance in store and also those who add to those donations during the event”.

For further information, call Sylvia Jarman on 01392 400585 or sylviajarman@exe-coll.ac.uk

Over 50 dedicated students set off for destinations across Exeter, the south west and further afield raising funds for Make-A-Wish Foundation® UK during the Exeter College Jailbreak 2013 this week.

Contestants dressed as animals, superheroes, film characters and fairies were all trying to travel as far away from the college as possible without spending a penny of their own money. Organised into registered teams and armed with collection buckets, the students from across the college were keen to beat last year's record destination of London.

“Each year the students choose a charity that we support throughout the year”, said Sarah Davies, Learner Engagement Officer for the college, “and the Jailbreak is just one of the ways the students raise awareness and money. This year they've chosen Make-A-Wish and we're delighted that they've raised over £700 from the Jailbreak event, which will help support the charity that grants wishes to children and young people aged between 3 and 17 fighting life-threatening conditions.”

Many of the groups had spent hours planning their routes and costumes which were designed to create an impact in the city encouraging visitors and shoppers to fill the students' collections boxes. All the students had gained sponsorship from family, friends and classmates for the worthwhile cause.

Setting off at 9.30am many of the students headed for the train and bus network – all of whom had been prewarned of the charity event. The winning team was a group of students from the catering department at the college who reached Worcester before heading home with over £90 in donations from the day and over £200 sponsorship money.

Wishing the students well as they set off, Josie Taylor from Make-A-Wish said: “We are thrilled that Exeter College have chosen to support us this year by taking part in events such as the annual Jailbreak. Each year more and more children are turning to us to have their magical wish granted. This year we hope to grant over 1,000 wishes, so their support really is invaluable.”

Dressed in Hawaiian outfits to counter the grey October skies Sydney Atifeh, Jess Roberts, Elena Howes, Will McCaughan and Jack Chamen set off from the college saying “It's going to be freezing but it's for charity so will be for a good cause.” Joining them was A group of students from the college's Health and Social care course dressed as fairies with Tiffany Laveridge, Lauren Smith, Leah Broad and Tuesday Street – all students from the college's health and social care course who, dressed as fairies were hoping to raise a lot of money from their journey “We're planning to go down country – everyone else is planning to go up-country. We're doing this since one of our friends did it last year and said it was great fun and we really feel the charity relates to our course so it's important to us.”

And while some students were heading off to all points north, south, west and east other student representatives were focusing on their cooking skills with Bake-a-Wish cake stalls across the college raising nearly £100 to support their colleagues on the Jailbreak.

Around 185 Exeter College Higher Education students will don their caps and gowns on Friday 25th October and take to the streets to process through the city for their Graduation Ceremony, which is being held at Exeter Cathedral at 3.00pm.

With the Cathedral providing the stunning backdrop to the formal ceremony, the College's largest cohort of graduates to date will be joined by over 750 guests to celebrate their achievements at this spectacular event, including the Lord Mayor, representatives of Exeter College and its Board of Governors, VIPs from Devon's schools, colleges, business and community partners and the graduates' families and friends.

The guest speaker will be Matthew Coffey, National Director, Further Education and Skills and Regional Director South East Ofsted, and former student of the College. Also attending the ceremony will be senior representatives from the College's partner Universities of Exeter, Plymouth, Kingston and St Mark and St John as well as the Edexcel and City and Guilds awarding bodies who, along with the Principal, Richard Atkins, will officially acknowledge the graduates of 2013.

The students, of all ages and from all over Devon and the South West, will be awarded qualifications ranging from BA to Foundation Degrees, HNCs and HNDs in a range of subjects offered at the College. Exeter College's Higher Education provision includes Business Management, Health and Social Care, Performance Production, Graphic Communication, Sports Therapy, Early Years, Engineering and Construction, amongst others.

Speaking of the ceremony, Exeter College Principal, Richard Atkins, praised the graduating students saying “I am delighted that we are celebrating the graduation of our highest number of university level students to date. We are very proud of our university level courses at the College which, in partnership with the universities and awarding bodies, provide exciting and challenging experiences to a range of students each year. Many of our students are juggling work and home commitments with their academic studies and this prestigious occasion, our sixth Ceremony at the Cathedral, truly reflects their achievements. I am also pleased that this year's success is set to continue with increased number of students choosing the excellent range of excellent higher education courses at the College each year.”

Julie Skinner, Assistant Principal who oversees the university level provision said “This is one of the highlights of our year for our university level students and I am delighted that we have our largest cohort celebrating this special occasion with colleagues, families and friends. The day marks many individual successes such as Mary Pearson, our graduate who has been selected for the Academic Partnership Prize from the University of Plymouth, to our group of Post Graduate Certificate in Education students who have recorded 100% employment as well as 100% success rate for this course. We wish all our graduates all the best in their future.”

Students on the International Baccalaureate course at Exeter College have been raising the awareness of the International Peace Day – September 21st – with a set of activities based on the theme 'Who will you make peace with'.

The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly to coincide with its opening session devoting the day to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. In 2001, the general Assembly established it as an annual day of non-violence and cease-fire.

The three IB volunteers spearheading the local profile-raising event at the college first found out about the International Peace Day when they attended the IB Student World Conference in the summer.

Maddy Ridgley 17 from Exeter said “The curator of Peace One Day, Jeremy Gilley, was the key note speaker at the World Conference and he encouraged us to organise our own activities for Peace Day, and that's exactly what me and two other Exeter college students did!”

Maddy was joined by fellow International Baccalaureate students Alondra Vera Marino 17, and Caspar Sayany 17, both from Totnes to create a Peace Tree encouraging students to write messages on 'leaves' about how they would act more peacefully today – with comments such as 'I will smile more at people I meet' showing how simple and special many of the messages were.