Today Exeter College received a visit from Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education, Children's Services and Skills, Sir Michael Wilshaw.

Sir Michael chose to visit the college to find out more about their experience of participating in a pilot inspection as part of Ofsted's consultation on changing the way further education and skills providers are inspected.

During the visit, Sir Michael spoke to students and staff to gather their views of the proposed changes as well as directly observing the good work that the college is doing to help students gain the skills they need for their chosen career. Sir Michael was also given a tour of the Centre for Creative Industries where he saw students' work from the Arts and Design department as well as Engineering, Automotive and Aerospace.

Thanking the college for its participation in the pilot inspection, Sir Michael Wilshaw said:

“Learning and skills providers have such an important role to play in supporting the economic recovery of our country. Good education and training is vital if our young people are to be equipped with the relevant skills that will not only help them to secure a good job but also compete in a global market.

“I am very grateful to Exeter College for taking part in the pilot process. We are currently consulting on important changes to the way we inspect and visiting the college and other providers has given me the opportunity to meet those within the sector to gain their views.

“It has been a real pleasure to see first-hand the impressive work of students at the college. Both teaching staff and students have been incredibly welcoming and I have learned a great deal from the day.”

Welcoming Sir Michael's visit, Principal of Exeter College, Richard Atkins said: “We are delighted that Sir Michael was able to see for himself some of the outstanding work of the college and to talk to students and staff. As the first college of further education to undergo a no notice pilot inspection in March we are keen to help Ofsted further develop the way education is assessed. We are very proud that the pilot inspection process was tested on us first and that his team of inspectors graded the college as outstanding in all areas. It is a sign of the confidence and hard work of our staff and students that such a spot check revealed outstanding teaching and learning and we hope that this further visit will help influence the way inspections in the future drive up education standards.”

Exeter College stormed to the British Colleges League title with a convincing 27-7 victory over the Sale Sharks Academy Side (Myerscough College) at Sutton Coldfield RFC on Wednesday (25th April). To be crowned British College Champions having beaten opponents such as Truro College, Coleg Sir Gar and Swansea College is a fine way to sign off what has been an extremely successful season for the College side and a very talented group of individuals.

It is seven years since the College were crowned the best Rugby College in England having won the prestigious Daily Mail Cup Final at Twickenham. The performance on Wednesday however, was deemed the very best yet, in what coaches Jon Hill and Chris Brown described as a 'near close to perfect performance'. Exeter raced into a 19-0 lead after 25 minutes starting the game with purpose and intent. Captain and Player of the Season Ben King raced his way to the try line from 30 metres following a line out move, for fly half George Meadows to land a touchline conversion. England Colleges Back Row King then doubled his try tally with a powerful burst off a maul after a neat kick to the corner from Meadows and an excellent line out from the forwards. Meadows added another touchline conversion.

Exeter then defended in their own 22 for a ten minute spell, before counter attacking from their own try line through England Colleges scrum half James Bath, and England Under 18's International Linford Brock. After a number of quick rucks, Exeter found themselves 15 metres from Sale's try line and prop Will Norton set up a maul, which involved 10 Exeter players for England Colleges fly half George Meadows to be credited with the try to take the score line to 19-0.

Sale responded with a converted try from impressive prop Conor McGrath to leave the score line 19-7 at half time. The introduction of flanker Paul Davis at half time added more of a physical presence in the College back row, and this seemed to be a key change as the first 20 minutes of the 2nd half, the impressive Sale side, bombarded the Exeter try line with wave after wave of attacks. The spirit and excellent defensive work of Exeter paid off, keeping their lively opponents out in what was a crucial stage in the match.

Exeter College finished the last 15 minutes the stronger of the two teams, where it was evident the College side had superior fitness and conditioning levels. This led to a number of try scoring an penalty opportunities. Fly half Meadows put in a long pin pointed pass to Flanker Davis, over the top of a rushing defence to put the game beyond doubt, and in the closing stages, Meadows added a long range penalty to seal the win and the British Colleges Elite League Title.

Exeter College has certainly had an excellent year on an individual and team level. Victories over London Irish and Truro Academies and taking bonus points off all the other academy sides played is a remarkable achievement for a side who often played with only two or three AASE players against a full squad of 22. To finish top of the Wales and West section of the BCS Elite League and to then win the British Colleges League via the play off, and to win the Devon Under 18's cup is tangible reward for all of the hard efforts and indicative of an impressive rugby programme.

On an individual level Linford Brock represented England Under 18's clubs and schools, and Ben King, George Meadows, Alex Priest, Will Norton, and James Bath all represented England Colleges Under 19's. On a club front Will Norton and Paul Davis were selected to play for the Exeter Chiefs 'A' xv, and those two along with King, Meadows, Priest, Brock and Back rower Will Hodgetts have all trained on a number of occasions with the Exeter Chiefs, benefitting from the input of coaches Ricky Pellow, Rob Gibson and Robin Cowling. The same seven have also trained with Plymouth Albion and King, Brock and Meadows are set to go there for pre season training with a view to next season.

Sam Dunbavin will get a sneak peek at the London 2012 venues next month – and he cannot wait.

The 16-year-old from Barnstaple has been chosen to represent the South of England at the Sainsbury's School Games, which will runs at the Olympic park from May 6 to 9.

Having missed out on tickets for the Games, Dunbavin said it will be a few days to remember for his family.

“It's an incredible opportunity,” said Sam. “I went up there for one of the test events, so I do have an idea of what it's like, but I never dreamt I would get an opportunity to play there.

“It's going to be wonderful to be able to do so.

“Mum and Dad are coming to watch, which is going to be great for me and them.

“We didn't get any Olympic tickets so it's an added bonus for us to be able to experience a little bit of it.

“I'm really proud I've got the opportunity to play there and I feel very privileged.”

Sam, a student at Exeter College, has volunteered as an official at the last two School Games.

“I have an idea what it is like but this will be a completely different experience,” he said.

“Not only will there be the experience of the venue but also the experience of being an athlete – actually being part of it.”

The Sainsbury's 2012 School Games is being held in the Olympic Park and other venues from 6-9 May 2012 with school-aged elite athletes competing across 12 sports. Visit www.2012schoolgames.com for more information. Article featured on thisisnorthdevon: http://www.thisisnorthdevon.co.uk/Sam-excited-Olympic-experience/story-15921508-detail/story.html

Staff and students at Exeter College are toning up after celebrating the opening of their brand new college gym last week.

Around 50 invited guests, including staff, students and college governors came together to formally open the new facility last Friday. Named after its location in the centre of the college's city sites and opposite the Central railway station, the new gym is called 'Central Fitness' and will provide an invaluable on-site fitness facility for students and staff.

Officially opened by Julian Tagg, Vice Chairman and CEO of Exeter City FC, the gym which underwent a £1 million refurbishment features a range of cardiovascular equipment, toning zone and free weights area in addition to a purpose built spinning room.

Julian, who was a student at Exeter College and later as one of the sports lecturers, praised the college's developments: '”I am very grateful for what the college did for me as a student and I am delighted to still be connected, and in a small way, to be part of this new facility. Given these outstanding new facilities and the totally professional and dedicated staff I can only imagine the further success that can be achieved. “

“This establishment is providing opportunity and success in bucket loads on a daily basis, the proof being the recent dynamic spot check inspection by Ofsted, but if you really want to know how good the college is, don't ask the staff, the Governors or the management, ask any student.”

Primarily utilised by learners studying sport, fitness and exercise programmes, the new gym will also prove a popular facility for students across the college keen to improve their fitness levels. It is a significant asset for the expanding range of enrichment and extra-curricular activities on offer that supplement students' academic and training programmes.

Additionally, 'Central Fitness' will host a variety of part time courses on offer to the general public responding to increasing demand for Spinning, Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer programmes.

Head of Faculty for Sport, Leisure and Tourism, Peter Chapman is thrilled with the new gym: '”We're delighted with the new facilities and equipment on offer at 'Central Fitness'. This investment complements the staff resources and commitment we are putting into our sports provision at Exeter College. We are already enjoying some fantastic local, regional and national results particularly in our football, rugby and netball performances. Our students will now benefit further by being able to train in their own dedicated gym, in a facility that meets industry standards.”

Guests at the opening were greeted by Travel and Tourism students from the Faculty before being given demonstrations of the equipment by current Sport and Fitness students. Hospitality was enjoyed from the college's own Michael Caines Academy students. Amongst the VIPs at the event was Tom Cross, a current Foundation Art student, whose logo design was chosen for 'Central Fitness'.

Students at Exeter College are to see at first-hand the effect of sun damage on their skin, thanks to NHS Devon's award winning campaign to encourage young people to love their skin.

As part of the 'love your skin' campaign beauty students at the college will offer other students a free skin consultation with an ultraviolet (UV) facial scanner.

It clearly shows brown spots, freckles and redness, which can occur as a result of overexposure to UV rays even from an early age.

The campaign was piloted last year at the college and it has already changed many students' attitude and habits in the sun.

Devon has the fourth highest incidence rates of malignant melanoma in the country, due partly to its high number of sunshine hours, an older population than the national average and a high percentage of the population of white ethnicity (people with fair skin are at higher risk of the disease).

There are about 250 cases of malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, and 40 related deaths each year in Devon. About 2,100 people in the county are diagnosed each year with other types of skin cancer.

Overexposure to UV rays can lead to premature ageing, including wrinkles and coarse, leathery skin, or worse, skin cancer.

The sessions will take place between 12.15pm and 1.15pm across Exeter College's student sites – at the Hele Road site on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, the Victoria House site in Queen Street on Wednesday, the automotive workshops on Marsh Barton on Wednesday and Construction Training Centre at Sowton on Friday.

Natasha Stanbury 19 fromOkehampton, beauty therapy student at the college said “I think it may shock some people to see how much damage they may have done to their skin, as I know plenty of my friends that have used sun beds and have burnt in the sun without realising the dangers”

Leah Rogers 17 from Okehampton, another beauty therapy student said “It will be interesting to see the common areas affected by sun damage and the reaction of people when they look at their skin under the UV scanners; I was fascinated when I looked at my skin under the UV scanner during our training session.”

“We're really pleased to be involved in this project again” said Tracey Bennett, Beauty Therapy lecturer and co-ordinator of the project “The Beauty Therapy students are able to see how their work can affect the whole of the college. This is such an important issue and is just one of the many ways the college helps to support and educate students about their health and wellbeing.”

Hannah Litten 18 from Exmouth said “Hopefully by doing these workshops it will make teenagers more aware of the dangers of sun bathing and encourage them to use alternative tanning methods, and to use the correct sun protection for their skin”.

Dr Virginia Pearson, NHS Devon's director of public health, said:

“We are pleased that Exeter College is taking part in the award winning 'love your skin' campaign.

“We know that young people are more likely to respond to warnings about their appearance than their health.

“I would encourage people of all ages to embrace their own skin type – it's not worth burning to get a tan.

“We all enjoy the sunshine – it makes us feel happy and helps us get enough vitamin D. But little and often is best, and you would never need to burn to get enough.”

Rubbing shoulders with Michelin starred chefs, MasterChef winners and the region's leading food producers and restaurateurs was top of the menu for a group of hard working would-be chefs and front of house staff at the Exeter Food Festival this weekend.

The group of Michael Caines Academy first year students were joined by other catering students from Exeter College providing essential kitchen support for the Festival's packed line up of gourmet stars in the Cookery Theatre that saw the likes of Nathan Outlaw, Peter Gorton, Ian Webber, Jackie Kearney and James Nathan, as well as their own mentor Michael Caines, whisk up culinary specialities under the focused gaze of packed crowds throughout the weekend.

Lauren Boston, 17, one of the Academy students from Chudleigh said, “It was quite nerve wracking to start with since many of the chefs we were helping on stage are the people we really look up to, but they were all really friendly and Michael always kept a eye on us! We were there to help clear the kitchens, fetch ingredients and provide any last minute help and it meant we had a grandstand view of how they prepare and cook their signature dishes”

A special treat was being able to provide specialist support to Michael Caines MBE who provided the mainstay of excellence on the Cookery Theatre stage. Michael, founder of the Academy which was launched at the Food Festival only a year ago said, “It has been great to see the team of Academy students helping at the event and seeing them absorbing at first hand how the region's top chefs prepare food under such pressure. This is exactly what the Academy is all about – nurturing the next generation of chefs and waiting staff by providing unique experiences to this group of keen trainees – something that will really complement their practical and theory sessions back at college.”

Huw Southcott, head of the college's catering department, said “We're very proud of the students and how they have performed throughout this busy weekend. Not only have they seen dedicated chefs at work but they have also been able to see the vast range of food producers in the rest of the Festival – all the essential ingredients in their training which is designed to encourage them to understand the importance of excellence whether that is cooking dishes, serving customers or managing a hotel or restaurant. This Festival is such an important part of the Academy calendar – we're hoping we will be invited again next year to provide this support in the Festival's 10th year”.

The MC Academy students' involvement in the Food Festival kicked off with a black tie event at the city's Abode Hotel with the 7Chef's gourmet meal. Seven of the region’s star connoisseurs of fine dining were each challenged to deliver a tasty course to an audience of invited guests from across the region with the MC Academy students supporting in both the kitchen and front of house. Martin West, 17 said “I really enjoyed being in the kitchen with all the chefs – they'd done a lot of preparation before hand in their own kitchens but it was great to see and hear all the banter and team work between them.”

Particularly nerve- wracking for the MC team was the Saturday cookery Theatre cook off with two teams of four students in competition with each other to prep and cook a meal in front of hundreds of spectators. With standing room only in the Cookery Theatre, the students in the black kitchen prepared pork tenderloin, pan fried scallops, stuffed Portobello mushrooms and caramelised apple whilst their rivals, the red kitchen concentrated on cooking duck breast, plum sauce, stuffed Portobello mushrooms and buttered spinach. Not only were the students challenged to prepare under the watchful eye of their mentor Michael Caines but also to commentate to the packed audience about the dishes!! The resounding applause at the end of the demo and the eagerness of the audience to sample the dishes were a sign of the success of this, the first public demonstration of the MC Academy progress and skills.

College and airline leaders were celebrating today when they were presented with the prestigious national Beacon Award for Practical Teaching and Learning – sponsored by Edge- in a ceremony at Flybe's Training Academy.

The Beacon Award – one of only 14 awarded this year – was won by Exeter College's pioneering aerospace Engineering Diploma set up in partnership with Flybe, Europe's largest regional airline and which was recognised as providing outstanding practical teaching and practical learning as key ingredients in the programme. The Diploma creates a pathway to licence new aircraft engineers and some of the first cohort of engineers took a break from their training workshops in the Flybe hangars to be present at the ceremony.

Presenting the award to the college, Association of Colleges' Chairman, John Bingham said “This is a national award recognising excellence throughout the UK. The rigour and robustness of the assessment make these awards very prestigious. They are outstanding exemplars to demonstrate to everyone the many and varied ways that we teach though further education and how collaboration with private employers can help deliver a far better economy and higher skilled workforce.”

Jane Samuels, project and operations manager at Edge said “It's particularly welcome to see such a close and mutually beneficial partnership between a college and a major employer. This enables students to work alongside real experts on real planes. This award is most deserved and you are going to be one of our shining examples going forward.”

“This is a great time to be Principal of Exeter College”, said Richard Atkins, Principal “We are not only celebrating this national award for our innovative partnership with Flybe but we have only just recently celebrated our Ofsted success – gaining Outstanding grades in the country's first no-notice pilot Ofsted inspection.”

The Beacon Award, originally presented to the college by the Rt Hon John Hayes Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning in a ceremony in London, follows two previous Beacon Awards for the college for excellence in school partnerships and for excellence in e-learning resources.

The links between local hotels and restaurants and Exeter College were further strengthened this week with the offer of financial support to enhance the training offered at the college.

The Exeter and Heart of Devon Hotels and Restaurants Association represents the leading hotels and restaurants in the area. Derek Phillips, Honorary Secretary said “Our Association believes that a professional hotel and restaurant recognises the importance of having staff that flourish with excellence. We strongly believe in investing in the staff of tomorrow and we are presenting a cheque for £500 to the hospitality and catering department at Exeter College to support their work in training the students who we hope will be an asset to this important local industry.”

The hospitality and catering department at the college trains on average 200 full time students and apprentices per year in a range of industry standard courses from food preparation to front of house management. “We have very strong links with the local restaurants and hotels in the area”, said Huw Southcott head of hospitality and catering, “We deliver training programmes that depend on being truly relevant to the demanding hospitality and catering industry and students benefit already from work placements and in many cases part time work with the local hotels and restaurants. The Exeter and Heart of Devon Hotels and Restaurants Association is an important business network for us and we are delighted that such a prestigious group of experts are keen to further support the training at the College.”

The money presented to the college last week will help the students attend regional and national competitions that help hone their skills as well as support trips and visits to ensure that their real work experiences are not just confined to the highly acclaimed public restaurant at the college.

Beauty Therapy lecturers and graduate therapists at Exeter College gained internationally renowned specialist training from one of the leading electrolysis companies with a visit of Sterex International to the H2B spa and salons at the end of March.

The Sterex 2+1 day Advanced Cosmetic Procedures training is only delivered in salons with the most up to date equipment and facilities and those at H2B on the Exeter College Hele Road site attracted the international company to deliver its most advanced course. The course teaches electrolysis techniques for 21 different unwanted skin blemishes including thread veins and moles and is designed for those wishing to diversity and specialise in these highly skilled electrolysis techniques. In the past surgeons, doctors burses nurses and other medical practitioners have attended the training as well as beauty therapists.

“The facilities are wonderful,” said Elaine Stoddart, Director of Education for Sterex Electrolysis, “and the staff were so very helpful and kind. We were truly looked after which made our jobs so much easier and the course was a resounding success.”

The college ensured the trainers and trainees had a queue of willing models who were eager to take advantage of the free treatment that is usually charged at over £200.

Joan – one of the models for the day said “I have had skins tags removed and a wart, a very caring and comfortable treatment with lovely students who are very professional and efficient.”

“It is essential that we provide industry-standard training in techniques that are in demand in the salons and the beauty industry” said Tricia Pugsley head of faculty “We are very proud that our equipment and facilities and our reputation for high expectations of our students and staff have attracted Sterex here – an international leader in their field. This is exactly the sort of advanced training and recognised accreditation that our graduate students need in today’s beauty industry”

Sterex were so impressed that they plan to run another course at the college so if interested get in touch with Sterex on 0121 708 2404 email training@sterex.com www.sterex.com

Luke Hutchings has been named winner of the South West heat of Dulux Decorator Centre's Apprentice of the Year competition.

The budding painter and decorator fought off stiff competition from ten other apprentices in the heat, which was held at City Plymouth College on 23rd March. Luke, aged 24, successfully completed a practical work piece, which included elements of wallpapering, stencilling, waterborne glosses and special effects all within a set time.

Luke, who is currently completing his apprenticeship at Exeter College, commented: “I am over the moon to have finished first. The competition was a real challenge for us all but one that I enjoyed immensely. I'm sure the final will be just as demanding. I can't wait!”

The finals are taking place at Accrington and Rossendale College on 13th and 14th June and Luke will be competing against seven other regional winners and the highest runner up to be named the 2012 Dulux Decorator Centre's Apprentice of the Year.

Luke's College lecturer, Stephen Elwell, also commented: “It is fantastic that Luke has got through to the final, as this is an extremely professional competition and recognises that painting and decorating apprentices need continuous support, especially in the current climate. I would urge all colleges to put forward their star apprentices next year, as it really does provide them with a platform to showcase their work and talent.”

At the final, Luke will have to complete a further set of practical demonstrations, which will test his painting and decorating abilities. The final will then be followed by a presentation evening in Accrington where the winners and runners up will be announced.

Beverley Whitehead, marketing communications manager at Dulux Decorator Centres – the UK's leading painting and decorating specialist, said: “The competition is now in its fifth year and the quality of the apprentice's skills get higher each year. We've had a record number of entrants this year so all those through to the regional heats should be very proud of themselves, with the talent on display here the future of the industry looks very bright!

“Luke did a fantastic job in the south west heat and we wish him all the best in the final.”

For winning the heat, Luke collected £100 worth of Dulux Decorator Centres vouchers, received a certificate and a goody bag full of decorating materials donated by the company's suppliers. The final will see the seven regional heat winners and highest runner up competing for the coveted title 2012 Dulux Decorator Centres Apprentice of the Year which will also include winning £1,000 cash and a variety of other prizes donated from suppliers as well as a host of prizes for their college for all painting and decorating students to use.