Exeter College celebrated with the local Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths community this week with the presentation of its STEM assured status by the New Engineering Foundation. The award, giving national recognition for its work in these crucial subject areas was presented by Dr David Whan one of NEF’s Trustees and Scientific Advisers at the EXiST group meeting this month held at the Innovation Centre at the University of Exeter.

The prestigious STEM Assured status is the only outcome-based standard that quality assures providers of vocational education and training and ensures the provision meets the current and future needs of industry. It is only awarded to organisations which can demonstrate that they provide high quality and industry-led training and education in these key subjects and has an integrated, cross-curricular approach to STEM studies. NEF is an independent foundation, professional body and do-tank supporting innovation and the development of SciTech skills

“Iain Hatt, Assistant Principal at Exeter College, said on receiving the award “I am really pleased to be here at the ExIST group meeting to accept our STEM Assured award in the presence of others who share our enthusiasm towards this important sector. The STEM Assured standard validates the high quality of the College’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics provision, as well as our partnerships with employers and a range of industry sectors.”

“The College recognises the challenges to educate more students in these key subjects, which will be vital for the future growth of many important industries and the national and local economy. Achieving this STEM Assured award, our investment in state of the art facilities and the support of such valued industry partnerships will help to ensure that Exeter College is able to provide outstanding teaching, learning and training opportunities to the Scientists, Engineers and Mathematicians of the future.”

Dr Whan congratulated the college stating “The report from the external validation panel was very strong with comments such as “impressive submission” “the high levels of competence at the college in many important areas” “strong, responsive links to both local industries and learners” and “the drive of staff to continue to improve rather than rest on their laurels.”

The validation panel – a group of experts from the New Engineering Foundation and Cornwall College took evidence from the college staff, students and from local employers such as the Met Office, Alcoa Howmet, Flybe, Interserve Construction and Greenslades Garage and their report noted the broad portfolio of STEM related provision at the college.

Students studying as part of the Exeter College Reach Academy have been celebrating their achievements in a special awards ceremony.

Joining the students were key sponsors and contributors of the Academy from the Met Office, Michelmores LLP and the Exeter University Model United Nations group.

The Academy, launched in 2009 with an aim to support the most academically-able students to reach top university destinations, has had another busy year. 60 students on the programme commit to an additional 60 hours of extra-curricular activity each week in order to boost their skills, experience and knowledge. Reach Academy co-ordinator Martin Gilbert said: “The Reach Academy is designed to give unique and invaluable experiences to some of our most gifted and talented students. They are passionate about learning and reaching their full potential in their chosen careers. As always it has been amazing and rewarding to see the Academy students develop into confident, enthusiastic and ambitious young adults and they have got some great prospects ahead of them.”

The celebration saw 8 students receive awards for their dedication to the Academy, including two awards presented by the Met Office. Ralph James, Manager of the Property Management Team at the Met Office, has worked with a number of the students on special projects throughout the year: “As the main sponsor of the Reach Academy, the Met Office is giving some of the Academy's most ambitious science students the chance to work on a real-life scientific project. As an organisation, we find it very beneficial to have input from these young people as they provide a different perspective and some very original ideas. The students leave with a positive perspective on working for the Met Office and gain an insight into how the science and maths they learn at the college is used in the real world to provide useful information for them and their families.”

Also working with the students this year was Lily Noall from Exeter University, who has mentored the students as they have begun competing in the national Model United Nations debating competition. The team were successful in winning the award for ‘Most Outstanding Delegation' at their first conference earlier this year. Praising the commitment of the students, Lily said: “The Reach Academy group are the most energetic, dedicated and highly intelligent group of students – to work with them is an absolute pleasure; they are always eager to learn and ready to put in everything that they have and all of the skills that they have learnt in their lessons and through the Reach Academy.

The ethos of the Reach Academy is that nothing is out of their reach and that is a great thing to encourage in young people.”

Picking up the award for his contribution to the Model United Nations team, Joseph McShane, 16, from Exeter said: “I have loved being part of the Model United Nations and Debating society; getting to go to all different places and compete against other students. It's been fun and we've won loads of awards as well! It's pushed me to do the best that I can and has definitely given me a stronger university application to study Politics and International Relations.”

Budding future artists showcased their hard work in a final exhibition of the year as part of Exeter College's Summer Art Shows last week.

The college's Centre for the Creative Industries, off Queen Street, Exeter, was transformed into a lively exhibition space with some excellent top class work on display to include graphics, fashion and textiles, fine art, animation, film and video and photography produced by students studying A level, BTEC and ACCESS to Higher Education, many of whom are progressing onto prestigious universities to continue their studies.

Launching the event at a Private Viewing evening last week, over 200 parents, employers and art and design community leaders from across Exeter and the wider region joined the college in also celebrating the Art and Design Students of the Year Awards – given to those who had excelled in each of the programmes.

Leila Eddakille, 18 originally from Isca College, who won the A level photography award chose a topical and controversial subject for her final piece “I love the humour of the photographer Martin Parr so have based my piece -Tesco Horse installation – on a current issue. I've had lots of fun experimenting with ideas in the dark room and have been really inspired to carry my photography on – I'm taking a gap year travelling and taking photos before coming back to the UK to do a Geography degree.”

Being photographed amongst her own exhibits was Layla McCammon, 17 originally from West Exe, who won the BTEC level 3 art and design award “I really loved the course and it was great that I was able to try out everything at the beginning before finding out that I really enjoyed textiles, working with different samples and experimenting with new techniques. It's inspired me to continue at the college doing the Foundation Diploma before going onto University.”

Another student who wanted to encourage other students to do her course was Elise Jennings,19 from Umberleigh, who is finishing her Fine Art and Textiles level 3 course “I'd tell students to do it, it's a bit of everything and you get to discover what you really want. I've really enjoyed the course and I'm hoping to do a gap year then onto art college.”

Presenting the awards, Richard Atkins, principal said “We are celebrating the inspiring student work from the outstanding faculty of art and design here tonight. I continue to be impressed with the diverse range of work on display here at the show and this represents such talent from Exeter and, increasingly, from the wider Devon area.”

And it wasn't just current students who were honoured at the show. Dana Culkin, 21 from Teignmouth, who studied Art and Design BTEC last year was invited back to the college as a special star of the evening to be awarded her Commendation in the National BTEC Awards 2013 for Outstanding BTEC Creative Art and Design Category. Dana who is soon to appear in the Eva studios in Exeter said “I'm really happy to gain this award – it's like a pat on the back and a reminder to me to keep on with the artwork and not to forget what I'm good at. I've looked around this year's show and I think the art displays are fantastic.”

Another student who demonstrated that the college's role in lifelong learning was Ruth Carpenter, one of two Access to HE award winners celebrated during the show. Ruth, who was previously a primary school teacher before leaving work to start a family said “I can't chose a favourite bit of the course since I loved every minute of it. It gave me the chance to explore different areas and all the staff I came in contact with at the college were all fantastic. I'm now going onto do the Foundation Degree in Fine Art”

“This exhibition rounds off our month long programme of shows that have included higher education and foundation diploma course artwork,” said Nigel Watts, head of art and design. “Presenting their artwork to the public is an essential part of the assessment process and we're very proud of the range and standard of the exhibition from our students. There is fierce competition for creative careers but the commitment and quality here will help these students as they start their art and design futures.”

Keen would-be football coaches have got the chance to kick off their coaching careers with advanced qualifications with a ground-breaking partnership between Exeter City Football Club, Exeter College and the University of Marjon.

Enthusiastic students from Exeter City Football Club's popular Futsal programme are already signing up for the new Foundation Degree in Football Coaching and Development, starting this coming September, which will provide a football-focused university level qualification highlighting issues affecting the development of coaching, performance analysis, the essentials of sport science and coaching theory and methods.

“The course looks at academic, personal and professional development,” said Darren Goff course leader “and this exciting two year course is specifically designed to help successful graduates to be employer-ready in what is becoming an increasingly demanding and competitive career in football coaching and development. We're focusing on vocational training, industry links and putting theory into practice”

The partnership with the city's football club means that students will be able to utilise the football club's extensive expertise in football coaching and development gained from the community developments and their centre of excellence programme and will be delivered using the fantastic facilities at St James Park and Exeter College.

“We are very pleased to be able to extend our education provision with this Foundation Degree in Football Coaching and Development,” said Jamie Vittles, Exeter City FC's Head of Community. “With our first cohort of second year Futsal and Education BTEC students graduating this year, being able to offer this next step in their journey was a natural progression for us and one we were keen to offer.
“We are particularly pleased to be strengthening our ties with Exeter College and the University of Marjon and we believe our students will receive the top-class academic and practical coaching tuition that will give them a head start in a career in football coaching and development.”

“We are delighted that this new Foundation Degree is already proving popular, said Pete Chapman head of the college's sport, leisure and tourism faculty “it's an ideal mix of seminars, practical sessions and essential links with Exeter City Football Club. Students will not only gain the essential coaching qualifications and skills for employment but also experience the new sports facilities at the college with our new gym and sports hub developments.”

To find out more information contact the college's HE Adviser on 01392 400909 or headviser@exe-coll.ac.uk

Over 15 female students from Exeter College have been enjoying a summer of touch rugby at Exmouth beach as part of a project in partnership with the Rugby Football Union's O2 Touch Rugby programme.

The exciting project has enabled many of the students to challenge themselves to try a new sport and enjoy the recent spell of good weather.

The project forms part of the Exeter College “Active Exeter” programme which is being developed and delivered by the College Sport Maker Dan Pulsford. The college bid for funding from the Rugby Football Union following suggestions from a number of female students about how they'd like the sessions to be organised.

With comments such as “it was fantastic to take part in a new sport” and “it's great playing rugby in a new environment – love it!” it is clear that the touch rugby programme has been an outstanding success!

“The students have been great,” said Dan Pulsford. “All of them have enjoyed themselves trying something new and we are now helping a number of them find a local rugby club. We will now look to expand the programme to get more students playing sport across Exeter College. This is just one of a number of activities we are planning in our 'Active Exeter' programme. It aims to get more students taking part in regular sport and physical activity both inside Exeter College and in their local community.”

“The college is very proud of the fantastic achievements of our sports faculty but this Active Exeter programme is about getting a higher profile for sport and physical activity right across the college. Support and funding from important partners such as Rugby Football Union is very important to ensure we can cover all types of sessions.”

The city's college is celebrating being top of the world again, with two of its International Baccalaureate students achieving top spots of an outstanding 44 points out of a possible 45 in the international qualification results announced today.

The two were amongst the highly successful 37 students completing their two-year diploma this year who achieved average points of 34.2 out of a possible 45. Six of the elite group scored over 40 points with many gaining top marks in their individual subjects, with 30 top scores of grade 7, putting them in the top 10% worldwide.

IB students take six different subjects, as opposed to the three traditionally taken by A level students. In addition to studying core subjects, such as Maths, English, Languages, Sciences and Arts, candidates also complete an extended essay and voluntary work. Exeter College was one of the first in the country to offer the IB 20 years ago, and was the first in Devon to do so.

As an internationally recognised qualification, the IB is particularly attractive to students who may wish to continue their studies abroad and wish to keep their options open and is highly valued by the top universities here and across the world.

Alice Campbell, 18 originally from KEVICCS school in Totnes celebrated achieving 44 points with her IB colleagues and said “The course is really good for independent learning and I've met so many new people. The IB group at Exeter College is such a close knit group and all the teachers have been amazing. It has given me such independence and confidence in the subjects that I'm studying and it gives a great breadth of knowledge.”
“You never know how you've done after the exams, but I was hoping I would get enough to get in to Oxford – now I can't wait to have a holiday! I'm really excited about going to Oxford University and studying subjects that I really love – French and Italian – . I'd like to go on to work as an interpreter or work in international relations.”

Another of the top students, Laura Schubert, 18 from Churston Grammar has been following her sister's footsteps so far since Marissa Schubert was one of the successful IB group in 2010 and is now at Oxford university studying Medicine. But now Laura is going to be looking to Cambridge for her next move and is sure the usual University rivalry will not be a problem to the sisters.

“I'm so happy with my results – I'm amazed!” said Laura “I was hoping to get at least 41 to get to university and I've done even better with 42. I wanted to study the IB at Exeter College because my sister studied it 3 years ago and met some brilliant people. It gives you a much broader scope of learning and I think it prepares you really well for university. I like the fact you can do a wide range of subjects. The IB creates a kind of family feeling because of the number of subjects you study together. I couldn't single out one part of the course I've loved more than another – the teachers have been amazing and I've enjoyed all of the subjects. Getting in to Cambridge was kind of a challenge that I set myself and a goal to work towards – it is a lovely city and a university with a great reputation. I really liked the sound of the course and I can't wait to study and explore the subjects that I'm interested in. Eventually I want to work for the UN or an NGO (Non-Governmental Organisation) – I like the idea of conflict resolution or social development. I would definitely recommend the IB to other students – it is really well organised, there is really good support and the college is a great setting in the city – it may be much bigger than school but you still have a close foundation within your course and your tutor.”

Staying closer to home next year is Dani Schenk – celebrating with 41 points – who is keen to go onto the Foundation Diploma Arts course at Exeter College before then travelling to Germany. “I have really liked the international aspect of the IB,” Dani, 18 originally from Exmouth Community College said “The teaching and lessons have been very good quality and there has been a great atmosphere in the classes. The IB is an excellent qualification for going around the world and it also leaves your options open. When I go to Germany I'm thinking of either studying Film or renewable energies!”

Sam Dunbarvin 17 from Pilton in North Devon is celebrating being at the top of his game again since not only has he achieved one of the highest ever scores of 44 points our of 45 but he is also representing the UK in Beach Volleyball – a skill that meant he missed picking up his results at the college on Friday. Talking after the results came out he said “Thanks to Exeter College and all the teachers for great support throughout the IB, it was definitely worth travelling up every day for that! As well as that, I'd also say that the IB has given me a great platform to progress from, as I have been able to study more subjects than I would have been able to at A levels, and In general, I'm blown away by the results!”

Emma Fielding, Assistant Principal at Exeter College said: “The IB is one of the most rigorous and challenging qualifications in the world for this age group and we are enormously proud of our students' success. We are delighted that the average score for our students has risen yet again this year. This cohort have been hugely impressive in their dedication academically but have also engaged with passion and commitment in the broader opportunities afforded by the IB curriculum, such as community projects and personal enrichment. Their achievements today secure them a very bright and promising future and we wish them every success.”

Food producers, restaurateurs and chefs joined proud families to mark the end of the first cohort of Michael Caines Academy students at the college last week with a celebratory banquet reflecting the style and standard of the many Michelin starred establishments the students have experienced during their time in the Academy.

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And for the first time the talented chefs and front of house students were on the receiving end of world class hospitality as the younger first year Academy students were put through their paces in the training kitchen with the Academy's founder and mentor – Michael Caines.

The Academy, set up in 2011, between Exeter College and one of its famous alumni the Michelin starred chef Michael Caines MBE, nurtures the region's future generation of talented restaurateurs, chefs, restaurant managers, waiters and front of house. The celebration event, at the college's @34 restaurant, was marking the success of the first group of Academy students who, since starting in September 2011, have travelled across the country and abroad accessing a diverse timetable of culinary and hospitality activities from foraging to fine dining as well as honing their skills through workshops, visits and masterclasses, developing the must- have experiences that are sought after within the industry.

With all 13 second year students either ‘graduating' to jobs or taking up further hospitality training the event marked a review of the two year programme and honoured not only the students achievements but the essential contribution of the many food producers, sponsors and partners that make the Academy unique.

“The Academy offers a fantastic opportunity for young people seeking their career in hospitality who can demonstrate a real passion for the industry and the ambition to excel,” said Michael Caines addressing the 70 guests at the 4 course banquet. “Our aim is to drive and inspire these students to achieve the highest level of excellence and to raise the profile of all aspects of the hospitality industry. They have been challenged throughout their time at the college and I'm very proud of their continued ambition, they are shining examples and are now ambassadors not just for the Academy and the college but also for this important sector.”

Connor Saunders who is soon to leave college to start work at the prestigious Michelin-starred restaurant Le Jules Verne at the Eiffel Tower said ” It's been an elite experience and it opened up to me all about the industry and showed me what I wanted to do to further my career. I'm really looking forward to working in Paris and I hope in 3 years time that I will be working in the Plaza Athenee in Paris – one of the top hotels in France. The best bit about the Academy is working with people who love the industry as much as I do”

Staying slightly closer to home is Lucy Cockett who is now going to work at Hotel Terravaina in Southampton whilst Harry Grinstead is soon to be travelling to London to work in the Waldorf Hilton in London – having impressed the hotel on his 6 week final year placement.

Whilst Dan Lobb and Lauren Boston thoroughly enjoyed their placements at The Whatley Manor and the Greenhouse Mayfair respectively they have decided to continue at the college studying further hospitality qualifications “It's been a great experience to be on the trips that are one of a kind.” said Dan Lobb “I'd choose this course again! After doing more training I'm thinking of moving to London to get a job in the best kitchens.”

Lauren Williams and Amy Ward also cited the work placements and visits as the inspirational parts of the Academy and said “We had the chance to go to Le Manoir Aux Quat Saison and the Ritz in London and the work placements were really interesting. We also got really close to the tutors who worked with us throughout the last two years.”

“I am delighted to welcome everyone to this special event in which we celebrate our graduating MC Academy students” said Richard Atkins, Principal, “The new hospitality and catering building, opened in 2008 gave a new ambition and new energy to this area in the college and we are very proud that the MC Academy has continued this success. Other colleges have catering academies with celebrity chefs but none of them have a chef who spends as much time and gives such commitment and support to the Academy as we have in Michael Caines. This is our first group of graduating Academy students and we will never forget them. We wish them well in their futures.”

The diverse range of sponsors and partners who offer experiences to the Academy students were honoured during the event with the finale recognising the intense hard work of the first year Academy students who had spent the day working with Michael Caines preparing the VIP banquet. Taking a resounding round of applause at the end of the evening the Academy students were praised for delivering a mouthwatering menu of chicken terrine, pan fried Brixham scallops, veal fillet and sweetbread ravioli and raspberry mousse to a very appreciative audience including representatives from Otter Brewery, Quickes Cheese and Ashburton Cookery School.

A new apprenticeship in Clinical Healthcare is reaping rewards for both the apprentice and employer, Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Chelsea Crossman, 17, from Zeal Monachorum, is celebrating after being awarded the Apprentice of the Year award from the Faculty of Healthcare, Childcare and Public Services at Exeter College. She was one of two students taken on by the Trust last year and is proving that gaining on-the-job experience alongside studying can be valuable to both the learner and the employer.

Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust has employed more than 140 apprentices over the last five years and formed a partnership with Exeter College last year to offer the new apprenticeship in Clinical Healthcare. “We approached Exeter College for the first time in order to support our aims in developing a health apprenticeship programme; developing skills to support patients in our community hospitals” said Darryn Allcorn, Assistant Director of Workforce for the Trust. “This initial partnership has been a huge success; delivering two very competent and committed support workers at Exeter Community Hospital. The success of Chelsea Crossman and her achievements at Exeter College further reinforces the benefits and quality of personal development such a programme delivers. We are now looking to establish this within our wider portfolio of apprenticeships and encourage other community hospitals to consider apprenticeships in health as part of their continued recruitment strategies.”

Chelsea was nominated for the award by her Skills Officer and College Tutor for her natural ability to communicate, positive outlook and professionalism. She began the apprenticeship having gained a distinction in a one-year Health and Social Care BTEC course at the college. Her Tutor, Vanessa Ackford said: “Chelsea is a valued member of the apprentice group, contributing well to class discussions and bringing her experience into the classroom. Her positive attitude and vivacious personality is what makes Chelsea an excellent carer and valuable care professional.”

Chelsea's day-to-day role involves working on a busy ward at Exeter Community Hospital for patients with acute rehabilitation, medical and nursing care needs. She is learning vital care skills including how to monitor individuals affected by health conditions and using a person-centred approach to patient care. Cathy Weeks, Hospital Matron at Exeter Community Hospital, feels Chelsea's award is well deserved: “Chelsea is a real ambassador for the value of having modern apprentices on the wards as healthcare assistants. She has shown real hard work and commitment to the team effort here at Exeter Community Hospital, and the patients all benefit from her compassionate care.”

On picking up her award, Chelsea said: “I'm ecstatic and my family and work colleagues are so happy and proud of me, but I really would like to thank everyone at work and college because I wouldn't have won it without their help and knowledge.
My job as an apprentice at the hospital has lived up to every expectation and more! I could not imagine working anywhere else. When I first started my job at the hospital I just thought it would be a 'normal' day to day job but it's so much more – I get excited about going to work every single day and I always leave with a smile on my face!”

Chelsea now hopes to progress on to an Advanced Apprenticeship and on to university to train as a Registered Nurse or Occupational Therapist and feels her apprenticeship has given her the motivation and experience she needed to plan her future career. “I would recommend this job to others for the simple reason that it is the most rewarding job ever; it's fun, you learn great 'hands-on experience' and you are never bored. The best thing for me is getting to know the patients – it's amazing to hear about what they have done and achieved over the years and who they have met and I love to see them go home healthy and happy.”

Anne Oxborough, Assistant Principal at Exeter College for 22 years, has received an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday honours, for services to Further Education.

Anne, who joined Exeter College as an English teacher and went on to become a Head of Faculty and then Assistant Principal, retired from Exeter College In February 2013. On receiving the news of her honour, she said: “An OBE for services to education is the icing on the cake following 21 years of teaching and later managing at Exeter College. I have worked with inspiring, talented and dedicated staff over the years and have had the pleasure of encountering many, many truly amazing students. Seeing the college go from strength to strength, so that is now the college of choice for thousands of students from Exeter and from much further afield, is immensely satisfying. I am passionate about state-educated students receiving top quality education – and believe that is what the college delivers. To be personally honoured for my part in this is hugely gratifying – I am still pinching myself!”

Principal, Richard Atkins was delighted with the announcement of Anne's honour at the weekend and said “As well as being an excellent teacher and tutor who was highly rated by her students, Anne was a member of an exceptional College Leadership Team in recent years and her well deserved recognition is an accolade for her and for everyone at Exeter College.”

As the summer approaches, people of all ages have the chance to find out what Exeter College offers them.

The Higher Education and Adult Learning Fair, at Hele Road 4th July, 5-8pm, is the ideal opportunity for people 19 and over to find out about learning new skills, meeting new people and gaining new qualifications, as well as finding out about the university-level courses at the college. Visitors can also find out about the new 24+ loans to help with the cost of some courses. Click here to visit our dedicated 24+ Advanced Learning Loans page

The college's automotive, aerospace, engineering and construction centres for under 19s are on show at their dedicated open event 20th June – click here to book a place!

We will also be offering subject taster days for under 19s in healthcare, childcare, public services (click here to book your place) and hair, beauty and catering courses (click here for more information) – both take place on June 27th.

For more information on any of these events, contact the Customer Services Team on 0845 111 6000.