Adults thinking of re-training or learning something new and interesting will get help to pick the right course at Exeter's Adult learning enrolment event next Wednesday.

Exeter College is holding its dedicated adult 19+ learning enrolment event at the Centre for Creative Industries off Queen Street from 4pm – 8pm on Wednesday September 5th where visitors will be able to find out about the huge range of courses that can be taken at the College's facilities and in community and school venues across the city from this September. Adults will also be able to find out about the Government's changes to the funding for courses that means that some courses, particularly those designed to help with English and Maths, may be free to some learners.

Rachel Iles, head of advice and recruitment at the college says “There really is something for everyone from technical courses to leisure courses and from basic numeracy and literacy courses to GCSEs, NVQS and higher education qualifications.”

She continues, “Adults are asking us for courses that will help them retrain so that they can secure the career they're keen on or that they want to get further qualifications so that they can get the promotion they want in their current job. We have the experts on hand who can help adult learners choose the course that suits their ability and helps them with their next step – whether that’s a new job or career or a new hobby. We have many adults who are contacting us who want to learn new skills and discover new talents.

“We're particularly keen to encourage adults who perhaps feel they missed out on education during their school years to come and enrol on a course. We have a wide range of courses that help ease people back into learning – no-one needs to feel that they will not be able to cope with a course”.

Rachel notes that as adults with busy lives it is easy to put off further studies. She adds “Whether you'd like to train to become a teacher, improve your English, keep fit or learn cake decoration, we have so many adult learning courses. Even if you are unsure what you want to do next, it is definitely worth coming along to find out whats on offer”

For further information, call Sylvia Jarman on 01392 205585 or email sylviajarman@exe-coll.ac.uk

A glorious summer of achievements and the feel good factor continues with students from all over Exeter and Devon who are joining Exeter College staff this morning to celebrate an outstanding 99.4% overall A level pass rate.

Of the 628 16 – 18 year olds taking A levels this summer at the college, half gained grades A*, A or B across a wide range of 36 subjects.

Students taking the popular Maths, Science and English subjects particularly excelled, with 48% of the 101 Maths students gaining impressive A and A* grades whilst a remarkable 65% of students taking Further Maths gained these top grades. Economics, Biology, History, English Language and English Literature all recorded 100% pass rates with a third of Physics and Chemistry students gaining A* or A grades.

Other popular subjects included all four Art A level subjects at the college recording 100% pass rates with almost a quarter of students achieving the prestigious A* and A grades.

And it's not just the wide range of courses that are being celebrated but again students from all over Devon are amongst the very highest fliers at the college. Students from as far away as Holsworthy, Barnstaple, Axmouth and Paignton have recorded straight A* or A grades at the city’s college.

Richard Atkins, Principal said, “This year we've seen yet another excellent set of results with over 99% pass rates for our students. With the increased pressure on university places we are delighted that these results give individual students the best chance of entering the university of their first choice, as well as embarking on their chosen careers.”

Many students applying for places at the most prestigious universities benefit from particular initiatives at the College, such as the Reach Academy, providing additional master classes and opportunities for the academically gifted, and the Extended Project, which this year has seen over a third of the candidates achieving an A*.

With continued competition for university places being so fierce, Exeter College is providing additional support on the day for students anxious about university choices, opening its doors from 8am to ensure those students eager to find out their results get the support they need. The college's own dedicated team of information, advice and guidance specialists will be on hand to offer practical advice and support – enhancing the work done within the tutorial and progression programme at the college throughout the year. The college's own higher education team will also be providing help and a mini 'clearing' system of its own to ensure that students understand all the options open to them including the brand new higher education courses at the college including the BA in English and Creative Writing.

“I'd like to congratulate all the students and staff at Exeter College who have worked so hard this year,” said Richard Atkins. “Today is about A level results. The college continues to demonstrate inclusivity in the range of students we attract from across the county and the wealth of subjects these students can choose. We are also celebrating excellent International Baccalaureate results announced in July and there are approaching 600 students awaiting their BTEC vocational results that will be their essential passport to continue on to the universities of their choice. This continues to be an outstanding year for the college with our results and support, recognised by Ofsted, helping students in what is such a competitive university and job market. Once more individual students from across Exeter and Devon have fulfilled, and in many cases exceeded, expectations and we wish them all well in the next stage of their careers.”

Collaboration between Exeter College, @Futsal Group, Exeter City FC Community Trust and The Football League Trust will combine education excellence with the fastest growing indoor sport on the planet – Futsal …

A partnership involving Exeter College, @Futsal Group, Exeter City FC Community Trust and The Football League Trust will give young people aged between 16 – 19 years old a unique opportunity to learn, train, work and play the fastest growing indoor sport in the world – Futsal, alongside a number of professional clubs from The Football League Trust, in a national league and pioneering education programme.

The partnership will offer a number of funded Education and Futsal scholarships to young people both male and female in the region. From September, the students will begin a 2 year course improving their skills, learning to coach and referee Futsal, whilst studying for a BTEC national qualification in Sport. When completed, the programme offers a number of pathways ranging from a university education through to a career in the active sports and leisure sector.

The young people will have the chance to learn and train at St James Park and @Futsal arenas using innovative learning methods involving an on-line learning platform. They will then have the opportunity to play Futsal against other professional clubs as part of a National Futsal League with The Football League Trust.

Exeter College Principal, Richard Atkins, commented “Sport is a very important feature of Exeter College and we are delighted to be linking up with @Futsal, Exeter City FC Community Trust and the Football League Trust to develop this exciting new programme for 16 – 19 year olds based at St James Park. I believe that this partnership will offer a high quality educational and sporting experience enabling our students to progress to university degrees or employment”.

“Exeter College was recognised as Outstanding by Ofsted earlier this year, resulting from the first ever “no notice” inspection of a further education college in England. Sport is an important part of the college, with over 350 learners studying sports courses and many others taking part in the College's wide range of sporting activities. Futsal will be an exciting and growing element of this sports offer”.

Futsal is an official FIFA, UEFA and FA approved 5a-side variation of football, usually played indoors with an emphasis on technique and creativity, which has grown popular in recent years. Budding stars of the future will get to follow the same development path as global football stars like Messi and Ronaldo, who honed their abilities playing the game of Futsal.

Jamie Vittles, Head of The Community Trust at Exeter City FC adds, “We are delighted to be able to offer these scholarships to both girls and boys and would strongly encourage anybody that is interested to contact us urgently as places are being filled quickly. This is an excellent community based education and sports programme and we are over the moon to be linked-up with such leading partners”.

Frank Rodriguez, Managing Director of the @Futsal Group, commented, “We are delighted to be collaborating with all of our partners in the region on a programme that will enable such positive and far reaching outcomes for young people aspiring to careers or further education in football, sports or leisure”.

John Relish, from the Football League Trust comments, “The Football League Trust welcomes this new partnership with Exeter College and our other partners and looks forward to delivering a high quality education programme allied to an exciting match day experience”

The Education and Futsal programmes will also aim produce elite players that could represent Great Britain in time for Futsal’s proposed debut at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, pending the outcome of on-going discussions for its inclusion as a demonstration sport. With all of the home nations languishing at the lower levels of FIFA’s official world rankings, one of the programmes core aims is to develop the next generation of international players so that the home nations can rub shoulders with the world’s elite.

Young people male and female aged between 16- 19 wanting to join the Futsal scholarship programme should apply urgently through the Futsal web site www.futsaluk.net or by contacting Jamie Vittles at Exeter City FC Community trust at jamie.vittles@exetercityfc.co.uk.

Exeter College has secured a £4.1million finance package from Lloyds Bank's Wholesale Banking and Markets team, to support the development of its new world class Engineering, Aerospace and Automotive Centre.

Situated on a 3.16 acre site at Cumberland Way on the eastern edge of Exeter, the new £8.3million pound technology centre will offer workshops, laboratories and teaching space for more than 300 automotive, aerospace and engineering students aged between 14 and 19 years, as well as providing more advanced University-level courses and dedicated employer training facilities.

The building is due to open in September 2012 to coincide with the start of the new academic term, and will enable all students from the engineering, aerospace and automotive faculty to be educated together, rather than being spread across a number of sites across the City as they have been previously.

Featuring modern industry equipment, apprentices and full time students will learn advanced skills to assist in their career development across a range of industrial sectors, thereby having a direct benefit on the local engineering and manufacturing economy in the South West and the UK as a whole.

Established in 1970, Exeter College was the first tertiary college to open in the UK and currently provides further education to around 4,250 full-time and 8,000 part-time students. Exeter College has been a customer of Lloyds Bank since 1995, and has been supported by the bank's specialist education team since 1999.

Part of the £4.1million funding package from Lloyds Bank has been secured from the European Investment Bank's (“EIB”) 'Knowledge Growth Fund', enabling the college to complete the construction project using discounted funding over a longer term. Lloyds Bank is one of only four banks that can access EIB capital specifically for higher or further education customers looking to undertake physical upgrading projects, such as campus redevelopment, relocation, new build, science parks and student accommodation.

Rebecca King, Deputy Principal at Exeter College said: “This new purpose-built centre of excellence for our automotive, engineering and aerospace provision will meet considerable demand for advanced industry-standard training for young people, as well as employees and employers in the region who are keen to improve their skills and keep ahead of the global technological advances.

“Lloyds Bank has been instrumental in providing the financial support needed to complete the Technology Centre development project. Having worked with the local team for a number of years they completely understand our banking requirements, bringing together a combination of existing term debt and monies from the European Investment Bank.”

Ben Deverell, Relationship Director at Lloyds Bank Wholesale Banking and Markets said: “Our relationship with Exeter College has developed considerably over the last 15 years, during which time we have provided a complete core banking product range. The college has an important role in the UK's mid-market business arena, essentially acting as a skills provider to businesses that are so crucial for future economic development. This new centre will provide a world-class training infrastructure that will benefit businesses on a local level here in the South West and nationally.

“At Lloyds Bank, we recognise that education is an important sector to the economy as a whole. Our track record and expertise around the banking requirements of major educational institutions means that we are well placed to provide valuable funding for further and higher education development projects across the UK using a range of monies including EIB.”

The city's college is celebrating being top of the world again, with students achieving International Baccalaureate (IB) scores well above the world average.

The 26 students completing their two-year diploma this year achieved average points of 33.6 out of a possible 45, against a world average of 29.8. Many students gained top marks in their subjects, with 21 top scores of grade 7.

Emily Johnstone, 18, said on receiving the news that her impressive 39 points means she will be reading Law at Cambridge: “It's all been worth it, I'm really surprised with my results and really pleased. Doing the IB has meant that you get the whole two years to really get to know people and I've really enjoyed it.”

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 19 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.

Inga Steinberg, 18, has been studying in the UK for 5 years. Set to visit Chile to further develop her Spanish during her gap year, she then hopes to go to the Dutch University of Utrecht. “I want to focus on humanities, which I love, but want to improve my Spanish first.” Inga is celebrating scoring 39 points – one of the highest scores in her year group.

Maddie Edwards, 18 had two special celebrations in one day since she was not only picking up her IB results of 37 points but it was also her 18th birthday “This is a great way to celebrate my 18th,” she said “All the hard work has paid off. I love Biology and want to work with people so I'm going onto Oxford Brookes University to study midwifery – although I think I'll have a massive party to celebrate my birthday first!”

Anne Oxborough, Assistant Principal at Exeter College said: “Each year we are so proud of this group of students, who succeed on such a demanding and challenging course. This year, the average score for our students has risen again as they continue to excel. We are proud that this internationally-renowned qualification continues to attract high-calibre students who will be able to continue on to exciting destinations, whether that be to world-class universities, gap years or employment.”

PRESS RELEASE
April/June 2012

Catering students get a taste of France

Over 40 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, from all course levels and including apprentices and Michael Caines Academy students, spent 4 days in the Loire Valley region of France over the Easter break.

Staying in Blois, in the heart of the Loire Valley, famed for its wine production and fine food, the students were exposed to a variety of new techniques and experiences, including mushroom cultivation, chocolate production and wine making. They tasted local delicacies including Fois Gras, Escargot and Tartare du Beouf. Also included was a day trip to the French capital, Paris, and a number of students sampled a 1 Michelin Star tasting menu.

The visit was supported by a grant from the Savoy Educational Trust, who aim to advance and develop education and training. Deputy Head of the Hospitality and Catering Faculty at Exeter College, Huw Southcott said: “The educational visit was a fantastic success, the experiences the students received allowed them to gain first -hand knowledge of how artisan skills are still fundamental to the French way of life. All learners had the opportunity to taste a variety of produce, from wine and liqueurs to chocolate. Bringing to life the classroom based theory sessions they receive at college. These European Educational visits are extremely important part of hospitality vocational programmes, and these visits would not be possible without the support of the Savoy Educational Trust, to whom we thank.”

Student Milly Blakesley, who is studying the NVQ Level 3 Food Preparation and Cooking felt the trip was beneficial: “I learnt a lot of background information on everyday products that we use at home for example, mushrooms, when we visited a mushroom cave. The trip was fun, interesting and educational and I would love to do it again!”

Exeter College has beaten off the world renowned Eden Project to win the Building Controls Industry Association Awards for Energy Management announced last week at a glittering event in Solihull.

The awards are the highest acclaimed celebration of excellence in the building controls industry attracting some of the most influential names in the industry with 300 professionals at the event celebrating the achievements of the winners in 9 categories covering building controls, building energy management systems, energy efficiency, innovation, training and personal achievement.

The Energy Management Award, sponsored by Priva Building Intelligence was awarded to Exeter College for its new building energy system which has already recorded a staggering success of 40% reduction in energy use through the installation of upgraded plant and integrating the existing air conditioning units across the sites. Calling in energy experts Ability Controls and Energy Management Ltd the college co-ordinated multiple installations across the college’s sites which standardized equipment and also ensured effective use of existing wiring and equipment whilst minimising the disruptive impact on the college.

“The college continues an ambitious building programme and over the last 10years we have not only built new facilities but also refurbished much of the college estate” said Steve Strang, Head of Estates. “Saving energy is always key to our work and we now have a system that easily shows us how much energy each of the sites is using. It is much easier to ensure we provide comfortable working environments for all our students, staff and visitors. By renewing plant and centralizing the monitoring of controls we can ensure the plant only runs when it is needed and does so as efficiently as possible.”

“We are delighted that this work has now gained national recognition,” said Rebecca King, Deputy Principal, “particularly since we had been shortlisted with some real environmental leaders such as the Eden Project. We continue to invest in the college facilities – opening a new gym this Spring and completing the new Technology Centre by Autumn. This impressive accolade is a tribute to the important work that our technical teams do to drive effective practices and efficiency savings across the college.”

A level and BTEC art and design students got the chance to impress the city's newest high profile employer when they showcased their creative talents to John Lewis' Design Co-ordinator at the launch of their Art Show at Exeter College on Monday.

The college's Centre for the Creative Industries was transformed into a lively exhibition space for the top class talents of the 16 to 18 year old graphics, textiles, fine art and photography artists.

“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 the faculty 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 youngest 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.”

Nigel went on to say, “We were delighted that Graham Foote accepted our invite to the launch of the show. John Lewis has such a high profile nationally and particularly in Exeter and it was great to be able to show the students how important art and design is to this major organisation.”

The launch event attracted over 200 parents, employers and art and design community leaders from across Exeter and the wider region who joined the college in also celebrating the Art and Design Students of the Year Awards presented to those students who had excelled in each of the A level and BTEC specialisms showing particular artistic talent or determination to succeed. The winners were:

BTEC level 1 Art, Design and Media – Hayley Hunt
BTEC Level 2 Diploma Art and Design – Elysia Kerslake, Jo Bailey
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma Art and Design : Graphics Specialism – Charlie Beeson Fine Art Specialism – Dana Culkin; Print/Textiles Specialism – Corrie Burfoot; Photography Specialism – Jacob Ledger
BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Textiles – Sophie Loman,
BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary in Textiles – Mac Palima
A level Courses – Photography – Eloise Keatley; Elliot Watson; Graphics – Gillian Arend; Fine Art – Matt Hindle; Film and Video – Aphra Kennedy-Fletcher

Presenting the students with their awards, Graham Foote said “It's truly refreshing to see the amazing and diverse talent on offer in Exeter. It has been a real privilege to be invited to this event and it has given us an opportunity to build and develop what we hope at John Lewis will be a great working relationship with Exeter College, for years to come.”

Charlie Beeson, 17 from Tiverton, who was awarded the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma Art and Design (Graphics specialism) said “I've really enjoyed the course, the tutors have been so supportive and it's been a great environment to learn in. Exeter College has given me everything I would ever have wanted to prepare me for university and the future. I'm really excited about going to university now and I’m hoping in the future to go in to advertising and to set up my own studios.”

Richard Atkins, Principal of Exeter College said “we are very proud of the strong art and design history we have at the college and this exhibition proves that we continue to celebrate a very high standard. This summer we are investing further to develop a permanent exhibition area to showcase these exceptional talents. We are delighted that Graham Foote is here representing John Lewis and witnessing our students' achievements is a strong indication of the importance of the links between the college and employers.”

Two Exeter College Fashion & Textile students are celebrating scooping first and second prize in a footwear design competition which took place on Ladies Day at The Royal Bath & West Show.

The highly unusual fashion competition which was initiated by Michelmores solicitors and supported by Clarks and the Royal Bath & West Society, was designed to celebrate 60 years of British style on the theme 'Field to Fabulous' and called for entries that innovatively reflect British rural fashion.

Stephanie Kent's winning entry earned her two weeks work experience at Clarks and a Mulberry Bayswater handbag worth nearly £700 while runner up Dulcie Horn won a week long work experience shadowing the team at Tres Chic, the South West's most popular fashion magazine.

The panel of judges included Rose Jones, Business Unit Women's Design Manager at Clarks, Sally Rice, Partner, Michelmores solicitors and Anna White on behalf of The Royal Bath & West Society.

Sally Rice said: “We are long-standing supporters of county shows and the agricultural community in the South West but are more familiar with sponsoring livestock breeds rather than fashion and design.

“However, as part of our involvement at the Royal Bath and West Show this year we saw an opportunity to continue our support, promotion and encouragement of the Universities and Colleges of the South West and the talent they are working hard to develop. There were some fantastic entries and Exeter College has every right to be very proud.”

Fashion and Textile Tutor at Exeter College, Michelle Moinzadeh, added: “My students all had a great day at The Royal Bath Show and were delighted to be shortlisted and selected for first and second prizes. I would like to thank Michelmores for a wonderful day and the organizers for the fantastic opportunities for Stephanie and Dulcie.”

Senior staff at Exeter College have been sharing the story of their recent pilot Ofsted experience with colleagues from across the country. The Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) Conference, delivered as part of the Prepared for Inspection offer from LSIS titled “A Whole Organisational Approach to Excellence – Exeter College's Journey” was held at the Rougemont Hotel in Exeter and attracted over 120 delegates from across the Further Education sector.

In March, Exeter College was the first college in the country to be tested in a 'no-notice' inspection process being piloted by Ofsted. The college was graded 'Outstanding' overall and was the first college to receive an outstanding grade for Teaching and Learning for two years. Keen to hear about the experience first-hand, delegates travelled from as far afield as Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Liverpool.

Exeter College Principal, Richard Atkins said: “The conference was an opportunity for us to share with other providers the improvements and investments we have made to ensure our students' teaching, learning and development is at the forefront of everything we do. We were able to highlight to others the impact that our Learner Voice, Tutorial programme and wide range of support services has on the learner experience and how our focus on ensuring each student is studying the right course for them, ensures that they reach their potential and get great results.”

After hearing about the inspection, delegates had the opportunity to attend workshops run by staff from Exeter College before putting their questions to a panel. Anne Duke, Quality Improvement Manager at Sussex Downs College in Eastbourne found the conference useful: “It's been a fantastic day and Exeter College have been very generous in sharing details of their approach for us to consider how we can adapt it for our own colleges. They are encouraging innovation and have given me some great practical ideas.”

Elaine Nicholls, Quality Improvement Manager at Liverpool Community College agreed: “It was so nice to have someone talking honestly and genuinely about their own experiences first hand. Exeter College have obviously worked really hard and deserved to get recognition for it. It was clear to me that they had a whole college approach and worked as a team and demonstrated to me that staff here feel valued and have an opportunity to participate in decisions.”

Debbie Farley, LSIS Regional Development Manager for the South West co-ordinated the event with John Laramy from Exeter College. She said: “This partnership event with Exeter College has been a huge success with attendees from across the FE and Skills sector; the messages are relevant to all providers, not just to colleges.

“Many colleagues travelled far to hear the key messages from Exeter and the key theme running throughout the day and which was mirrored in the evaluations from the event was the “journey to outstanding” and the need for a whole organisational approach to Excellence as modeled by Exeter College.

“LSIS has recently conducted an audit of its work and we found that one of the three areas that we are providing support is improving the quality of the sector, of which the conference at Exeter College is an example.”