Over 60 lucky Hospitality and Catering students from Exeter College got the chance to experience French cuisine first-hand, thanks to funding from the Savoy Educational Trust. The students, which included full time, apprentices and Michael Caines Academy, spent 4 days in the Champagne region of France during May.

Based in Reims, the heart of champagne production, famed for its numerous champagne houses and kilometres of caves. The students got the chance to see at first hand a variety of new hospitality and catering techniques and experiences. These included cheese manufacture at Brie de Meaux, the production and manufacture of biscuits at Biscuit Fossier, farming of snails and of course the cultivation and production of Champagne. They tasted local delicacies including Fois Gras, Escargot and Tartare du Beouf. The weeks visit wasn't confined to just the champagne region with the country's famous capital Paris warranting a visit with some of the students sampling a Michelin starred tasting menu at the famous Le Foch restaurant.

The visit was supported by a grant from the Savoy Educational Trust, who aim to develop education and training. Deputy Head of Hospitality and Catering at Exeter College, Huw Southcott said: “The educational visit was extremely well received by our students who have gained first-hand knowledge of how artisan skills are still fundamental to the French way of life. They had the opportunity to taste a variety of produce, from wine and biscuits to snails. These European Educational visits are an extremely important part of hospitality vocational programmes, since they bring to life the classroom based theory sessions they receive at college. These visits would not be possible without the support of the Savoy Educational Trust, to whom we thank.”

Student Lauren Boston Michael Caines Academy Student, who is studying the VRQ Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cooking felt the trip was beneficial: “This was the second time I travelled to France with my college and it was absolutely superb. We focused on so many different sectors of hospitality with trips to distilleries, snail farms and brie makers, it was the very essence of France. It couldn’t have been done without the sponsorship from the Savoy Educational Trust. I hope there will be another chance to repeat this experience and learn the French ways of culinary arts!”

We may all think we know all about the Darling children who were whisked away to Neverland by the impish Peter – the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up' – and his friend Tinkerbell – but the magic and originality of the story can be reinterpreted afresh for every generation.

This year, Exeter College’s Performing Arts students are taking their very special interpretation of the classical tale around the primary schools of Devon before bringing it to the Barnfield Theatre for six unique performances. This is not just a platform for talented and energetic young people to showcase their musical and dramatic skills; it is a fully engaging show for a family audience.

While the show represents the climax of a year when the students have been working towards a valued and respected qualification, the focus is very much on engaging with young children, to inspire, amaze, delight and entertain.

“This year we've concentrated on creating and making theatre for a children's audience – something the students are passionate about,” said Nigel Paul, programme leader at the college.”J M Barrie's classic tale of Peter Pan is brought to life and provides the ideal platform for the students to understand this genre of theatre and they're really excited to work with an audience with vivid and creative imaginations.”

The story starts with the Darling family, traditional in many respects, the scenes are poignantly played in costumes created in partnership with the Northcott Theatre’s wardrobe department. This dynamic, colourful and magical piece of theatre will captivate audiences as Peter and Tinkerbell explore Neverland with Wendy and her brothers John and Michael.

“This project provides a brilliant opportunity for us to show what our students are capable of,” said Jonathan Domaille, deputy head of media and performing arts at the college. “It also allows us to engage, capture and inspire future performers, designers, writers and most importantly theatre goers. We know that this will be a magical and enchanting experience for us to share with friends, family, colleagues and the public. We can't wait!”

Full of swashbuckling pirates, lost boys and Indians – fantasy and storytelling of the highest quality – enchanting performances that the children in the audience – and all those adults who have never grown up – will never forget. They really will believe!

And whilst the original stage performance was in 1904, the college's performance has used a truly 21st century phenomenon with a social media campaign of web and twitter messages driving up the promotion plans with a 'Find Tinkerbell' competition.

With live music, energetic dancing and a large cast of some of Exeter's most vibrant young performers we know you'll be Hooked!!

More information: Barnfield Theatre 13th – 16th June Performances – Thursday 10am, Friday 10am and 7pm, Saturday 1.30pm and 7pm and Sunday 1.30pm. Adults £7 Concessions £5 (Family Ticket 2 Adults/2 Children £20) Barnfield Box Office 01392 270891

UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design student Helen Street is on cloud nine after her logo design was chosen to represent local outdoor adventure and fitness training business 'Adventurecise'

Helen Street was one of 24 students to produce logo designs for 'Adventurecise', she said “I was delighted to take part in the project and really surprised to have won! The idea of my design was that it incorporates a mountain and wave to show the variety of activities the company offers all in one image”. Fellow student Joshua Wainwright came up with the strap line for Adventurecise: “Exercise Your Sense of Adventure”.

Tutor, Nigel Lowe was really pleased that his Art Foundation Diploma students were given the chance to take part in the 4 week long project to design a logo for 'Adventurecise'; he said “it gave them a fantastic opportunity to gain some experience as part of their specialism in graphics, working on a real project for a client – designing a logo which will actually be used by a company is very motivational for the students and inspires them in their work”

Nigel described Helen's winning logo design as “strong, distinctive and effectively (but subtly) communicating the nature of the activities offered by Adventurecise – i.e. mountain biking, climbing and canoeing”

Tom Howe, founder of Adventurecise, was really pleased with the quality of the work produced by the students; he said “It was not an easy decision to make as all the entries were really strong. I'm really impressed with Helen's winning design and it is now on our website and t-shirts and we're hoping to win a Big Lottery Fund grant to be able to commission the logo design on the company's cars, drinks bottles and much more”.

Helen received a certificate, vouchers to buy materials to help with her course and an activity voucher for 'Adventurecise' to take part in outdoor adventure activities with friends over the summer.

Helen has received several offers of places at universities to further her studies in Art and Design and has accepted her place at Leeds College of Art.

To find out about Adventurecise visit http://www.adventureciseuk.co.uk

Press Release by Exeter College Journalism Academy student Kieran Lewis

Exeter College's new student radio station, Spark Radio, was launched on Tuesday by students Ellie Thomas and Kerenza Teague. Ben Clark and Paul Nero from Radio Exe cut the ribbon at the event, while other industry professionals came along to give their support to the station, which will start broadcasting regular shows from 10th June across the college.

Students taking part in the radio enrichment programme have been busy preparing shows since November and have worked with Ben Woodhouse, Media Lecturer at the college, at the studio which is located in the Centre for Creative Industries.

As the Programme Controller, he said “Spark Radio is a really positive thing for students. If we are to train the next generation of journalists and broadcasters, we need the latest equipment and connections to local industry professionals to develop talent.”
At the launch event, students asked the college Principal, Richard Atkins, what he thought about creativity and the new station.

“Creativity is an important part of life and the college. The Centre for Creative Industries is a great place to host the radio station.”

He also thinks that the practical experience gained from using the studio will allow students to develop their talents while also learning more about the industry.

“The radio station will be able to bridge the gap between education and industry.”

The station is being supported by partners in the local media such as Radio Exe. Managing Director Paul Nero gave tips to students on how to get into the radio industry and stressed how important experience is.

“If you want to be a professional broadcaster you need miles on the clock. Now there's the facility to do this and to progress, for future students at Exeter College.”

Ashley Jeary, a former Exeter College student who now presents at Radio Exe, said that the station is a positive addition to the college. He thinks it will be “a fantastic experience, especially for the college and students involved. It's going to be a great facility for students. I would have loved it when I was a student here!”

The studio features industry-standard equipment, following significant investment last summer.

Radio Exe breakfast presenter Ben Clark described it as an “absolutely fantastic facility. For all students it's definitely something to be proud of.”

Student Representative Committee Officer Ruaidhri Horgan said that “it's quite impressive to see [Spark Radio] come together as something that will really contribute to student life at Exeter College. The launch is a momentous occasion which signals the start of something exciting.”

Michael Chequer from the BBC said that radio stations like Spark Radio allow students to get a real taste of what radio is like.

“It's fantastic. Student radio is where I got my passion and background from – in a competitive industry it gives you the skills and experience that will make you stand out.”
Enrichment students, who attend a weekly session where they are taught presentation and production skills see it as a great opportunity.

Ollie Stone, 17, said that Spark Radio gives students the chance to build their confidence in a relaxed environment.

“The station allows students to come out of their shells and express themselves.”

Steph Herbert, 17, said “Exeter College needs a radio station to spread announcements around the many different departments – improving cross college communication.”

Kerenza Teague who launched the station with Ellie Thomas initially felt daunted by the responsibility of opening the station.

“It was nerve-wracking but it was very enjoyable in the end – it’s a real step forward for me and a milestone for the college, it was great to be involved! Being part of the Radio Station means I can demonstrate my communications skills whilst sharing my passion for music.”

Katie Wild, Head of the Media and Performing Arts Faculty at Exeter College, is optimistic about the future of the station and confident that it will be something students will find useful in the future.

“I'm absolutely delighted, not just in terms of enrichment, but also in the potential to expand the curriculum and available progression routes. Practical experience is essential and it's brilliant for students to develop their skills with professional support.”

Sam Bigwood, 18, said that “it's all been very well organised.” “I can't wait to get started with shows next month!”

Young people from across the region took part in a series of tests on Thursday as Exeter College hosted the inaugural South West CYQ Fitness Trainer Competition. Students from Exeter College's Exercise and Fitness and Personal Trainer and Sports Massage courses were joined by competitors from Petroc to decide who would be the South West winners and go through to the National final.

The 12 competitors battled it out in two competitions which ran throughout the day. Judged by experts from Cornwall and London, the competition involved giving a fitness consultation and designing and delivering a fitness programme, in the college's brand new Gym facility Central Fitness.

Winner of the Level 2 Fitness Instruction competition, Liam Marillier, 17, from Exeter, who is studying the Exercise and Fitness course at Exeter College said “I’ve really enjoyed taking part and competing against people from another college and the scenario has helped my confidence with giving consultations and instructions in the gym – I can’t wait to go to Birmingham and try and win at the final!”

Craig Prophet, CYQ Co-ordinator at Exeter College, who organised the event, was impressed with the students’ efforts: “Hosting the event was a great opportunity for our students to compete on home ground and put their skills to the test. They were able to demonstrate all of the skills and knowledge they have developed and put it in to practise in realistic scenarios. We were delighted to be asked to host the first regional competition for CYQ and invite students from other colleges in to our fitness facilities.”

After beating off some stiff competition, there were two winners. The CYQ Fitness Instructor (Gym) competition was won by Liam Marillier from Exeter College and the CYQ Personal Trainer Competition was won by Toby Williamson from Petroc. All participants were awarded with certificates at a ceremony at the end of the competition. Both winners will now go on to compete in the CYQ Fitness Trainer Competition National Final during BCS College Sport Week 29th April – 3rd May 2013.

While most young people are thinking of Easter eggs and Easter bunnies, students at the Centre for the Creative Industries at Exeter College have been welcoming their special Easter gift – that of a life sized Gorilla sculpture.

The Easter arrival is Exeter College’s support for Paignton Zoo’s celebration of 90 years of conservation, aimed at engaging communities with a mass exhibition of public art to raise awareness and funds to help the Cross River Gorillas of Nigeria -t he world’s most threatened species of gorilla and in danger of extinction, and marks the culmination of a focused art project in the college.

“It was great to see the gorilla sculpture arrive at the college since it really brought our art project to life,” said Helen Burak, deputy head of art and design. “ Our level 1 and level 2 art and design students have been working hard on their designs for the gorilla which will take pride of place later in the year as Exeter welcomes the Gorilla trail. It’s very exciting to be part of this public art project. Many of the other artists have been showing off their designs and paintings in the Guildhall Shopping Centre but we were delighted to be able to host our Gorilla in our Centre for Creative Industries. We’re looking forward to a very tense judging competition after Easter and then the pressure will be on the students to translate their winning design onto the Gorilla.”

As well as researching designs and the background to the conservation project in Nigeria the students also got the chance to visit Paignton Zoo and see the live gorillas in action as well as welcoming Paignton Zoo’s education officer to the college to give a background to the project.

“The students listened to the talk from Paignton Zoo and used research to gather as much information as possible – we’ve challenged them to think creatively and imaginatively, their design ideas do not need to link to conservation if they feel another design will help engage the public. I can already tell that it is going to be a very hard decision to judge the winner and we are going to be asking all the students and staff at the college to help us with an online competition after Easter and to choose a name for him!”

Whilst the competition after Easter will pick only one design to adorn the large sculpture each student will get the chance to translate their designs onto a mini-gorilla 2D version as part of the artwork project with plans to display these designs in the college as a way of celebrating their collaborative work.

The college’s Gorilla will join others from the Exeter area on a planned Great Gorilla Flotilla in July with the various gorillas being located around the streets, parks and open spaces of the city during the summer before being auctioned in November to raise further funds for conservation projects.

Matthew Hancock, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Skills, who studied at Exeter College, Oxford University, got the chance to find out more about the success of Devon's own Exeter College when he visited the city's further education college as part of his fact-finding tour to the South West.

Talking to staff and students during his visit the Skills Minister, who includes further education, adult skills and apprenticeships in his long list of responsibilities, was able to hear at first-hand how the College continues to be focused on excellent teaching and learning, as formally recognised by being awarded Outstanding in the first ‘no notice' Ofsted pilot inspection and by being voted TES Outstanding Provider of the Year.

Welcoming the Government Minister to the College, Richard Atkins Principal said, “We're delighted that Matthew Hancock has been able to accept our invitation to visit the college so we can show him the inspirational work of our students and staff that is such a fundamental part of Exeter College's success story for further education and skills. The work we do here has a national profile and it is important to us that our students and staff get the chance to meet with Government leaders who have a direct influence on the policies that affect them.”

In particular, the Minister heard from students about the ways in which the College's A level, International Baccalaureate and Reach Academy initiatives support them for the challenges of the competitive higher education and job selection environment they face. Based in the newly refurbished Centre for Creative Industries for the visit, the Minister and students were able to discuss the positive impact of the College's continuing investment programme in IT and facilities with a short tour showcasing the College's new art gallery and radio station., with the students themselves able to challenge the Minister of the coalition Government's recent A level reforms

Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said: “It was fantastic to meet students at Exeter College and see them learning in the state-of-the-art facilities at the Centre for Creative Industries. It is always good to hear first-hand from students who are clearly passionate about their studies and can learn in an environment that inspires them to achieve their very best.”
Rebecca Rose, 17, from Holsworthy, one of the students the Minister met stated, “It was interesting to see someone who has a say in the education policies that affect us. It was good to debate the reasons behind the A level changes and how these are being planned to mirror the International Baccalaureate style.”

Discussions in the visit also included how the Community Learning Trust is encouraging community engagement in learning projects across the city as well as news about national and international aspects of the successful college. The Minister heard how the Government's plans for a regional specialist Maths School in the city are being developed by the College and the University of Exeter and how the work of the skills staff, in association with the Association of Colleges' India Office, is planning to deliver skills training to the Indian subcontinent.

The Minister's visit to Exeter College rounded off his tour of three other further education colleges in Cornwall and Devon.

Exeter College, Oxford and Cambridge Universities celebrate 10 years of working together for South West students

Exeter College hosted its tenth annual Oxford and Cambridge Information Day this week, bringing admissions tutors and undergraduates from both universities to Devon so that local students can hear direct from the experts.

Downing College, Cambridge and Exeter College, Oxford have been working with the further education college in Exeter to organise this event every year since 2003.

Free to attend, the Information Day offered up-to-date information, advice and encouragement to local students about aiming high in their HE choices. The day is part of both collegiate Universities' commitment to being as open and accessible as possible to talented young people in all parts of the UK.

John Laramy, Deputy Principal of Exeter College, Exeter, said: “We are delighted to host the valuable Information Day for the tenth year at Exeter College. “The day is an important part of the comprehensive progression programme that we offer all of our students in order for them to make informed and appropriate choices for their future – whether that be higher education or employment.”

“This Information Day offers students the chance to gain up to date information from the experts. We are pleased to welcome interested Oxford and Cambridge applicants from across the county to join our own students at this event.”

Former Clyst Vale Community College student Tom Chudley attended the Information Day when he was in Year 12. Tom now volunteers as Access Officer at Downing College and was looking forward to coming back to the event to share his experiences of Cambridge: “The Information Day was the first opportunity I had to see that applying to Cambridge was a viable option for someone in my position. “It really helped to strip away misconceptions about what the University is like – misconceptions that would have otherwise stopped me from attending open days at Oxford and Cambridge.”

“For this reason, it's essential that Oxford and Cambridge come to Devon rather than the other way around. “I'm returning as Access Officer to show that these events really work, and that everybody attending the Information Day has a reason to give applying to Cambridge or Oxford a chance.”

Frances Cairncross, Rector of Exeter College, Oxford, said “Exeter College, Oxford has been welcoming students from the West Country for nearly 700 years. We look forward to welcoming many more as we head into our eighth century.”

Dr Guy Williams, Admissions Tutor at Downing College Cambridge, who led sessions at the event, said: “Too many bright students from the south west are put off applying to Oxbridge because they feel somehow that it isn't for them. These events are crucial to our recruitment process both in explaining our applications procedure and demonstrating that Oxbridge is open to the academically able, wherever they come from.”

The Exeter College Oxford and Cambridge Information Day is one of a series of similar events taking place across Devon, Cornwall and Dorset. Each Information Day is hosted by a state school or college and open to Year 12 and Year 11 students. During the days, Admissions Tutors, School Liaison Officers and current undergraduates hold talks, discussions and workshops covering admissions, student life, personal statements, interviews, and finances. The goal is to inform students about the opportunities available to them at both universities, and to encourage those who may not have previously considered Oxford and Cambridge to think about applying.Exeter College, Oxford and Cambridge Universities celebrate 10 years of working together for South West students

Nine young would-be MasterChefs battled out for a place in the first finals of the Great Schools' Cook Off at Exeter College this week with Ruth Maddicks, 14 from Uffculme and Bethany Baines, 14, from St James School, Exeter celebrating as worthy winners through to the challenging final.

The young contestants, drawn from schools from Exeter and across Devon, were fighting for the unique opportunity to show off their culinary skills in the Cook Off final that will be live in front of the packed crowds of food enthusiasts expected at Exeter's South West Food and Drink Festival after Easter.

Tasty treats created by the committed young chefs at the challenging competition held in the training kitchen at the college included pigeon wellington, cider pork, seafood tagliatelle and spicy smoked fishcake with Ruth's choice of chicken stuffed with goats cheese and mushroom with lemon and mascarpone tart and Bethany's rack of lamb and chocolate fondant taking top spots.

The competition, organised by the 14-16 department at Exeter College as part of the 10th Anniversary celebrations of Exeter's South West Food and Drink Festival and sponsored by Stagecoach, originated from an idea with Michael Caines, one of the Festival's founders, governor at the college and founder and mentor for the college's elite hospitality training academy – Michael Caines Academy.

“Working in partnership with the schools we devised this challenge to show the public that flock to the Food Festival each year the massive talent we have in the county for the high standard of catering and hospitality in our young people.” said Rob Bosworth, Assistant Principal Exeter College, “We are very proud of the achievements of all the catering and hospitality students that join the college, and we felt it was important to celebrate the talent of even younger students in the schools in the area. And what a competition!”

The young pupils, all of whom had already won heats in their separate schools, were challenged to prepare and cook a two course meal not costing more than £7.50 in 90 minutes with the criteria of good organisation and management, good food hygiene and health and safety management, cooking and presentation skills and minimal waste of ingredients being judged by the college's top lecturer chefs.

Proud winner Ruth Maddicks said “Being put through to the final was a privilege and I am very honoured I was chosen to take part in such a good experience. Using a commercial kitchen was definitely daunting, but it was interesting to see and use the facilities. I am excited and nervous about cooking at the food festival, but am definitely looking forward to it! Thank you for letting me have the experience, I very much enjoyed it.”

The winners of this weeks competition will now be gearing up for a head to head battle in the professional cookery theatre on the first day of the Exeter Food Festival where they will be judged by Michael Caines himself as well as guests from Stagecoach in a pressurised performance that mirrors the popular TV Cook Off series. Watched by all the semi finalists who will be congratulated by the Michelin starred chef and Food Festival VIPs, the competition is just one of the new features of the Food Festival this year marking its 10th Anniversary showcasing the regions' top food and drink producers.

Bethany Baines is looking forward to the final saying, “I have really enjoyed the experience and I am really excited to be working with MIchael Caines. It was thrilling to work in a real kitchen environment. I have always wanted a job in the catering industry and this experience has encouraged me further to pursue this as a career.”

Derek Phillips, Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink chairman said “The Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink is pleased to be involved with the Great Schools' Cook Off competition. Not only does it encourage more children to cook, but this competition also makes the students aware of some of the great food and drink our region has produced. We know how enthusiastic everyone involved has been and how much hard work they have all put into creating some really interesting dishes. It was a very close competition, so we'd like to thank everyone who took part and urge supporters to come along on Friday 26th April to cheer the finalists on!”

Contestants:
Lauren Penney – St Peters
Megan Humpfries – St Lukes
Bethany Baines – St James
Tommy Law – West Exe
Georgina Babbage – Exmouth Community College
Archie Jenkins – The Kings School, Ottery St Mary
Ruth Maddicks – Uffculme
Megan McCarron – Cullompton
Brianey Skinner – Southbrook

Many thanks to Flybe for this story

'A picture is worth a thousand words'….. to show that it really does matter and to mark the Easter star of its new summer route from Exeter International Airport and Barcelona, Flybe, Europe's largest regional airline, teamed up with one of the Exeter College's young up and coming artists to create a unique piece of art in the heart of the city's Princesshay shopping centre.

Artist-in-residence was 20 year old Raymond Linklater, a student on Exeter College's UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design course used his extraordinary talent to delight many thousands of weekend shoppers by creating a specially designed one-off visual masterpiece – and be inviting visitors’ help to make it particularly poignant.

When complete, the large colourful Exeter-Barcelona-themed canvas will initially take pride of place at Exeter International Airport and later, carrying personal messages of welcome to the people of Barcelona, will feature in a planned summer 'pop-up' tour of the Spanish city, also famous for its wealth of history, cultural attractions, magnificent architecture – and shopping.

Flybe's Director of Marketing, Simon Lilley, says. “We are delighted that Exeter College Art department and Princesshay have been so enthusiastic in helping us create this unique piece of art to mark the start of this new route and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved. Raymond has designed a magnificent canvas that portrays beautifully the many attractions of our cathedral city. We hope it will also grab t eh attention of many Saturday shoppers who will be given the opportunity to send their own personal message to the people of Barcelona.”
Concludes Mr Lilley: “Our new summer route to Barcelona has already been well received by our South West customers and we look forward to welcoming them on board in the very near future. While we await patiently the first Spring sunshine, we thought this the perfect weekend to share some colourful Spanish cheer and to prove that a picture really is worth a thousand words!”College students help Flybe to say 'Hola' to Barcelona