THANKS to a partnership between Exeter College Business Solutions and training provider Formative Consultancy & Training Services Ltd, over 20 security staff at the Exeter City’s St James’s Park home ground are celebrating – having gained their Level 2 NVQ qualifications in Spectator Safety.

In order to gain the qualification, they each had to complete six units of the course, which covered topics ranging from preparing for spectator events and dealing with accidents and emergencies to crowd monitoring, controlling entry and exit, and conflict management training.

Deputy Safety Officer Chris Easterbrook, meanwhile, has completed his Level 4 NVQ in Spectator Safety Management.

Iain Hatt, Assistant Principal at Exeter College, said: “The College, Formative Consultancy and Exeter City Football Club worked highly effectively together and, as a result, ensured that the safety stewards were able to successfully work towards achieving these qualifications. Not only will this benefit the staff and Club, but also all the supporters who regularly cheer on The Grecians at every home game.”

Congratulating all those who completed their qualifications, Ian Reed, Training Director for Formative Consultancy & Training Services, said: “It doesn’t matter what event is taking place, stewards are there to ensure people do not get injured. At the same time, they must also be prepared to deal with any eventuality on the terraces.

“The fact that all the security staff have passed these qualifications is great news for Exeter City Football Club.”

No stranger to providing training to well-known football and rugby clubs across the UK, as well as to the NHS and other major clients, Ian added: “Working with both the club and the staff at Exeter City Football Club and Exeter College has been brilliant and we found ourselves working in a really nice atmosphere. We are delighted to have been involved in this partnership with Exeter College and Exeter City Football Club to provide the training.”

Speaking on behalf of the club, Vice-Chairman Julian Tagg added: “The continual challenge to improve spectator safety and experience is very much at the forefront of thought and consideration at Exeter City Football Club. This successful training initiative, overseen by Formative Consultancy and Training Services Ltd, underpins the exceptional longstanding relationship that Exeter City has with Exeter College, bringing further considerable benefit to so many aspects of the community that both organisations serve.”

He continued: “Exeter City was recently announced by the Football League as the Family Club of the Year, the report making mention of the professionalism and friendliness of our stewards. This underlines the importance and the success of the high quality of the training.

“Our stewards are the frontline of our business, dealing first-hand with our own fans and away supporters, and the award is a fitting accolade to the success of all the parties involved.”

The Killers’ anthem Mr Brightside was among the songs performed by Music students during the first in a series of free lunchtime concerts taking place this Spring at Exeter College’s new Centre for Music and Performance.

Following on from yesterday’s debut gig, similar events are being held throughout March with a 12.15pm start at 26 Queen Street, and music lovers are being encouraged to come along and listen to the performances and offer their support. Additional ticketed concerts will also be taking place in the evenings as part of the students’ course studies and development.

Laura Wright, Head of Music, says: “It is important for students on performance courses to have as many opportunities as possible to give informal presentations of their work to a relatively small audience in preparation for their live performances to a wider public. It is also beneficial for Music students on different courses, as it enables them to see how others are progressing and share ideas and inspiration.

“Now the new building is open, there is a real buzz about the place. The Music students are really making the most of its facilities.

“We now have this great performance space which we wanted to open up, not only to them, but to students across the College as somewhere they could come at lunchtime, either to listen to their friends’ bands or to use as another meeting place on campus for relaxing and socialising. At the same time, they can enjoy listening to music they love as well as music they may have never heard before.”

While yesterday’s students are in their first year studying towards their Level 3 Certificate in Music Performance, Music students from across the range of courses offered at Exeter College and those studying Music as part of their International Baccalaureate will also be given the chance to play live gigs at Music faculty’s city-based live performance space in future.

Among those also set to play at some of the Lunchtime Music Performances over the coming weeks are those studying towards their BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Music Performance. They will do so in preparation for two Radio One-style Live Lounge evening sessions, open to the public in addition to staff and students on the evenings of March 23 and 24, starting at 7pm.

After these, any fans they have gained will also be able to hear them play live on Phonic FM’s Local Seen and Heard show, between 2pm and 4pm, on Wednesday, March 30, (on-line and 106.2FM).
Scene
Their lecturer Martin Cartwright says: “For my students, the lunchtime concerts will be a build-up to the Live Lounge concerts for which they will be performing acoustic covers in their own particular styles, as well as some of their own material.”

AS PART of Exeter College’s Green and Fairtrade Fortnight and national Fairtrade Fortnight (February 28 to March 12), Exeter College Students’ Union set up shop on the campus lawns this week and handed out Fairtrade products for students to taste for free.

ECSU President Gemma Toy said: “The aim was to encourage students to think carefully about making ethical choices when buying products in the future. At the same time as raising awareness as to which foods are Fairtrade, the products we offered them served as a reminder of how delicious they are too.

“The students loved the free food and drink, and said that they would now be more inclined to look out for Fairtrade labeling on such items when they go shopping.”

She continued: “It is important that Fairtrade options are offered to students, because it shows them that they do have the opportunity to make a positive choice about what they buy. It also helps them understand how, by using Fairtrade-approved products, they are helping people all over the world.”

As well as Fairtrade orange juice, tea, coffee, and hot chocolate, six varieties of Fairtrade chocolate and Fairtrade-approved fresh fruit were given away to passers’ by during lunch period.

Of the ECSU-led initiative, Sustainability Task Force member Jo Crocker, who leads on the project to earn the College Fairtrade status by the end of 2011, said: “Exeter College is working towards achieving Fairtrade status and, certainly, any event that promotes the Fairtrade values and raises students’ awareness is a worthwhile cause.”

AS EXETER College celebrates Green and Fairtrade Fortnight (February 28 to March 12), with the help of city-based vehicle dealership Exeter Diesels, students and apprentices have been exploring new technology – some of which could shape the future of the automotive industry and how our vehicles are powered and designed.

Exeter Diesels staff scoured the country to locate a Toyota Prius hybrid car – designed to run on both electricity and fuel – which was then presented, together with a Smart car, to students in Exeter College’s Automotive Faculty at Marsh Barton for use in their training.

Lecturer Mark Tully says: “The cars are of great value to us, as they incorporate the very latest technologies available in the automotive industry.

“It is exciting to know that our students and apprentices are now going to be able to gain a practical as well as theoretical understanding of the engineering science behind a Smart Car construction and hybrid vehicles.

“With the help of Exeter Diesels, students across all our Automotive programmes – ranging from light vehicle to body repair – will now be able to learn about these emerging technologies at an early stage in their careers. We are both delighted and grateful for their support.”

Gary Herrington, an Automotive lecturer and a member of Exeter College’s Sustainability Task Force, adds: “The Toyota Prius represents the automotive industry’s commitment to developing sustainable transport. The College’s Automotive team recognises that this commitment is essential for growth and development of all communities and caring for the environment in future.

“For this reason, we are investing in green technologies, as we are aware that we should train our students with our community’s current and future transportation needs in mind.”

The Prius created a quite a stir when first launched in 1995 at the Tokyo Motor Show back in 1995 and Exeter Diesels were delighted to have been involved in securing one for their city’s College.

Sean Barber, Company Secretary for Exeter Diesels, said: “Exeter Diesels was delighted to play a role in securing these vehicles for Exeter College. The technology behind the Prius hybrid, with its use of electricity as well as fuel, is likely to be of particular interest to students and staff, as this may well be one of the ways forward for the industry in future.”

The new additions to the garage follow the expansion of the College’s Automotive training faculty to a second site on Marsh Barton last year when it leased the Clifton Garage site in response to a sharp increase in the students demanding industrial standard workshops.

The College is already planning further growth and developments, with plans to combine Engineering, Aerospace and Automotive disciplines at a new Technology centre near Exeter Business Park.

IT WAS both a day of poignancy and of celebration as Sebastian Turner, Student Liaison Officer for Exeter College Students’ Union, handed over a cheque for the money raised by students for The Eddystone Trust in recognition of the invaluable work they do for those affected by HIV in the local community.

As part of this year’s Being Healthy and Sexual Health Awareness and Guidance Week, £4027.85 was presented to the Trust’s Business Manager Grahame Flynn, representing last year’s Exeter College chosen charity, as voted for by the students – then known as Positive Action South West.

Fundraising took place in a number of ways throughout the academic year ending 2010. This included the annual Jailbreak, which required students to travel as far from the College in fancy dress as possible for free in one day while collecting for the charity at the same time, and the public Carol Festival, held at Exeter Cathedral at Christmas. Additionally, many smaller activities were organised by various faculties and tutor groups across the College.

While students continue to work hard to fundraise through such events for this year’s chosen charity, (ELF) Exeter Leukemia Fund, looking back on how well they did last year for The Eddystone Trust, Sebastian said: “It was a hard year with the country facing financial difficulties, but I am amazed and pleased at the amount of money that the students and staff of Exeter College managed to raise. The Students’ Union would like to thank all those involved in running events that helped raised this money last year.”

Grahame added: “We were delighted to be nominated Exeter College Charity of the Year for 2010. I was impressed by the enthusiasm of the then Student’s Union President Kurtis Schofield, and by the range of events that the students held. It was incredible to see staff and students taking up the challenge, particularly around World AIDS Day, and the Christmas Carol Concert at Exeter Cathedral was truly a night to remember.

He continued: “A particular high point for me, however, was working with the first year BTEC Media Production students to produce HIV awareness advertisements. The results were very engaging and demonstrated that the students had grasped the fact that HIV cannot be transmitted through everyday contact.

“On behalf of our Trustees, staff and clients, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to all
those who participated.”

Between my finger and my thumb
The squat pen rests.
I’ll dig with it.
Seamus Heaney, Digging

READING and a love of the spoken word might not always be a favourite of everyone. Indeed, in an age where txts may b the way 4ward (lol), some traditionalists worry that literature is an art form that increasingly needs protecting.

However, every year, World Book Day – which took place today – is held to celebrate the vast array of literature at our fingertips in all its shapes and forms, written, spoken or electronic, from the ancient classics through to the works of the 21st Century poet laureates.

Annually, this is also a day celebrated locally by Exeter College’s English, Languages and IB Faculty, and this year was no exception.

At lunchtime, new collections of Seamus Heaney poetry were given away to students from across the College from the foyer of the Tower Building in Hele Road on a first come, first served basis in the Great Book Giveaway.

Other activities planned to take place during lessons included the 40 Books in 40 Minutes challenge, during which volunteers read a favourite extract from their favourite book to an audience of fellow book lovers in class, and the Fiendishly Difficult Quotations Quiz, for which the top prize was tickets to see Hamlet at the Northcott Theatre, with all donations received to be given to the College’s chosen charity this year, ELF (Exeter Leukemia Fund).

English Lecturer Richard Davies arranged the Great Book Giveaway after seeing it advertised during a BBC Four promotion for World Book Night, a UK-wide initiative taking place this year as part of World Book Day.

Speaking after the last copy of Seamus Heaney New Selected Poems 1966 to 1987 had been handed out, he said: “All our lessons are about capturing and encouraging our students’ enthusiasm for literature. Today’s events were our way of recognising people’s passion for it, not only here in the Department, but across the College.

“At the same time, a day like today gives us an opportunity to open up poetry and literature to a new audience, for example those who may have chosen to study very different subjects. It is our big chance to show them what literature can offer them.”

The first student to collect their free poetry book was Lauren Boston, aged 16, of Chudleigh. She said: “I’m really lucky to be able to have this book for free today. I love poetry and I already have a collection of poetry books, so this will be a nice addition to them.

“I think World Book Day is really important, as it is a way of letting everyone experience the joy of reading. You don’t need to be studying English to enjoy reading.”

Jane Russell, Head of the English, Languages and IB Faculty, added: “We embrace all kinds of modern technology here at Exeter College, but there will always be something special about reading from a book, from its texture, feel, and appearance to its content, which has the power to let us explore words through our own imagination.

“For centuries, books have helped us to transcend our thoughts beyond our worries and the daily trivia of our lives. Today has been a fantastic celebration of the power of literature, and we look forward to celebrating World Book Day again next year.”

Combining a passion for reading with a spot of environmentally-friendly recycling as part of the College’s ongoing Sustainability programme, a Big Book Swap is planned for later in the term where students and staff will be able to bring in books they have already read from home and exchange them for someone else’s ex-reads for free.

WHEN FOUNDATION Studies students were asked to think of subjects for which they would like to raise awareness, lecturers were overwhelmed by their response.

As well as coming up with a hugely diverse range of subject matters to become the focus of their projects, those working towards their Fast Track GCSE in Citizenship Studies set about interviewing around 200 of their peers in total as part of their extensive research.

Aged between 16 and 18, their findings were presented to staff and fellow students during a Citizenship Awareness Event held at the College yesterday.

Divided up into 14 groups, the issues the students had investigated as part of their coursework were as follows:
• Media’s Representation of Size 0
• Lesbian/Gay/Transgender and Bisexual Awareness
• Bus Services in Rural Areas
• Breast Cancer in Young Women – Why is Breast Screening for Women Over The Age of 50 Only?
• Eco Superstores
• Transport Costs for Students at Exeter College and Implications Next Year
• The Effects of the Recession and Encroaching Chain Stores on Small Rural Businesses
• Racism
• Why is the Government Stopping EMA?
• A Greener College
• Transport Costs for Students at Exeter College and Implications Next Year
• Animal Conservation
• Safeguarding Children and Young People
• Effects and Psychological Ramifications of Computer Games

Tutor Katie Fry, who co-organised the initiative with colleagues Jennie Hamilton and Molly Puckey, said: “This has been a huge learning curve for the students. They have learned a vast range of skills, from research and interviewing techniques to information analysis, preparing reports, and designing promotional material to raise awareness and offer advice as to where to seek help, which they handed out at the Awareness Raising Event”.

“Beforehand, we urged them to choose a subject matter which they felt was either not spoken about at all in society, or was not spoken about enough, and that they felt passionate about. As a result, students either chose issues close to their hearts, or ones in which they had a genuine interest.

“From devising questionnaires to interviewing senior level staff at a number of large organisations, including the College, Devon County Council, and the NHS, the students have done brilliantly. The results are fabulous. My colleagues and I are really pleased.”

Among those involved was 19-year-old Gemma Crocker of Crediton who – together with Lauren Cox, Michelle Shaw, Max Warren and Charlotte Williams- focused on the Media’s Representation of Size 0.

She says: “I was really interested in the subject, because I think there is too much pressure being put on young girls by the media. When I asked people about it, I was quite surprised to learn that they didn’t find Size 0 desirable. That was really encouraging.

“We also interviewed a Head of Mental Health within Social Services locally, because quite often mental health problems arise as a result of someone becoming a size 0. We found out a lot about eating disorders too, and for our display, I made a metal ring to demonstrate just how small a Size 0 waist really is. I don’t think you realise until you see it.”

Speaking on behalf of all the groups which have taken part, she adds: “I think we’ve learnt a lot more than we anticipated at first, and I think it’s good that we are able to realise that we are happy with who we are. It’s nice to think we are raising awareness for other people too.”

Thursday 3rd Feb 2011

THE OUTSTANDING achievements of students based within Exeter College’s Construction faculty are being celebrated tonight at its annual awards ceremony, which is this year being held for the first time in its recently expanded Falcon House centre.

Following around £1 million worth of investment, adding to existing space and facilities at the site on Sowton Industrial Estate, the new extension to the building seemed the perfect venue for a celebration of some of the Faculty’s greatest success stories during the last academic year.

The winners across the year groups will be presented with certificates in recognition of their hard work across a broad range of courses at the event, which has been sponsored by construction industry companies MIDAS, Cyril Sweett and Tool Care Hire and will also be attended by the students’ invited guests, teaching staff and employers.

During the ceremony, students will be picking up titles ranging from Painting and Decorating Student of the Year to Plumbing Apprentice of the Year, National Diploma (Construction) Student of the Year, Higher National Certificate Student of the Year and Key Skills Student of the Year.

Speaking beforehand, Head of Exeter College Construction faculty Chris Whitaker says: “We are looking forward to acknowledging our students’ achievements tonight and also the essential support of local employers who continue to provide vital employment opportunities for young people as they enter a career within the Construction industry”.

Five winning employers will also be presented with awards in acknowledgement of the invaluable support they provide to the apprentices they take on during the course of their studies at Exeter College. They are: Okement Property Development, Delve Electrical, CP Conversions, JH Cheffings & Son and Interserve.

Delighted to be receiving the award for Professional Studies Employer of the Year on behalf of Interserve – a global leader in the support services and construction industry with a revenue of over £1.9 million and a 50,000-strong worldwide workforce – is South West Director Richard Ellis who says: “We have supported Sam Boggis for over two years now, providing paid work experience during term holidays and breaks while she was studying for her National Diploma in Construction with Exeter College.

“We were delighted with her commitment and attitude and therefore happy to take her on permanently as of August last year as a trainee surveyor and to sponsor her through university where she is now studying part-time while working on one of our projects and gaining valuable experience.

He continued: “As a former bricklaying apprentice myself, I feel passionately about supporting trade and technical apprentices and giving them the best help and start possible on the career ladder. I would thoroughly recommend other employers do the same as it is very rewarding.

“I am delighted to be receiving this award both personally and on behalf of Interserve and to be officially recognised by the College for supporting apprentices. I hope the award will encourage others to follow suit and to actively commit and help develop the future life blood of the industry.”

Monday 7th Feb 2011

WHAT better way to celebrate the achievements of Exeter College’s present-day work-based learners than with an awards ceremony hosted in the flagship restaurant of one of the College’s most famous former students, top UK Michelin star chef Michael Caines MBE.

With Michael himself as the guest speaker at the 2010 Skills Awards at aBode Exeter on Monday evening (February 7), from 7pm, this is how the week-long celebrations surrounding national Apprenticeship Week at the College will begin.

With around 80 guests attending – a mixture of award winners, their friends and family, their skills officers and their employers, as well as a number of leading figures from the Devon business community and senior College staff – the night, which includes a presentation ceremony and meal at the award-winning restaurant, will certainly be one to remember.

In addition to Michael Caines, who will be presenting the certificates and awards, other special guests will include Fiona Parsons, Employer Services Manager for the National Apprenticeship Service, and John Chudley, who is the South West Regional Director for the National Apprenticeship Service.

As well as 13 awards, ranging from Advanced Apprentice in Engineering Maintenance to Advanced Apprentice Professional Cookery Student of the Year, an additional award will this year go to Apprentice Employer of the Year, Okehampton-based Quinns Hair Salon.

Paul Champion, Head of Business Solutions, says: “Each year, Exeter College hosts the Skills Awards to celebrate the success of our Apprenticeship and Train to Gain learners. All of these students have gone that extra mile in working towards their qualifications, and this event recognises and rewards them for all the hard work that they have put in.

“The support that these learners have received from their employers has been crucial in them obtaining their qualifications. Our Apprentice Employer of the Year Awards goes some way towards recognising the effort that employers put into the process too, as without their continued support and training, the apprenticeship programme would not continue to grow at Exeter College.”

He adds: “Michael Caines originally started his career as a student with us here at Exeter College and his achievements clearly show how far you can go, through hard work, dedication and commitment. Hopefully, some of tonight’s award winners will, like Michael, one day become hugely successful employers and pass on their skills to the next generation of apprentices.”

DID you know that taking the stairs to the fourth floor of a building rather than the lift could burn off an extra 50 calories a day?

This and many more facts were among those promoted to students at Exeter College during this year’s Being Healthy and Sexual Health and Guidance Week, which took place last week to promote the importance of health and wellbeing to students across the College.

At the same time, the 2011 programme of activities – organised by Health and Wellbeing Manager Nick Bridge and Student Welfare Officer Sammy Davies, together with the College’s nurses and members of Exeter College Students’ Union (ECSU) – were designed to encourage student involvement as part of the College’s Every Child Matters agenda. This is the second year that Exeter College has run this particular awareness week.

Nick says: “Activities took place across all our campuses throughout the week, involving everyone from staff to students of all ages. We even had specialist dance and fitness classes for our children who attend the College Nursery.

“To encourage healthy eating, we offered everything from free morning porridge to free yoghurts in our refectories and free fruit at the Marsh Barton Automotive centre.

“Meanwhile, to promote physical wellbeing, we arranged a mass body combat class open to all students, health screenings for students aged 16 to 19, adult learners and staff, and a dance workshop.”
A number of tutor group-based activities were also planned, he added, including a healthy picnic lunch, for which members of staff and their students brought in one item of healthy food or drink each to share with the rest of their class.

In addition to staff and student involvement, external partners such as the NHS Devon Chlamydia screening team were brought in to give out flyers and other useful information.

Asked why it is so vital that students understand the importance of being healthy and of sexual health issues, Nick says: “The health and sexual wellbeing decisions which our students make now have the potential to have an impact on the rest of their lives. The idea of the week is to ensure that they have the information to make informed and positive choices about both.

“The message we want to put across most of all is that even small changes can make a huge difference to how you can live your life now and in the future.”