Building on having successfully hosted last year’s event, Flybe and the University of Exeter will again be the centre of attention for the aviation-themed Future Engineers’ event on Thursday 23rd September when they bring together 200 teenagers from 20 schools across the region as they become aeronautical engineers for the day.

Future Engineers’ is this year jointly organised by Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline, the University of Exeter, Exeter College and the Royal Navy, and students taking part will divide their day between Flybe’s Engineering Headquarters in the New Walker Hangar at Exeter International Airport and the University’s Streatham Campus.

The combined drive to highlight the opportunities open to young people within engineering was the original brainchild of Stephen Payne, QM2 and the Carnival Corporation architect. It has been designed to give students aged 14-17 the opportunity to get up-close to aircraft and their various components and inspire them with hands-on practical learning experiences in encouraging them to consider an engineering career.

The visit to Flybe’s state-of-the-art engineering hangar will allow students to meet engineers at work, view the airline’s Central Workshops and see Fleet Air Arm displays from the Royal Navy that will enable them to witness first-hand engineering in action and its varied career applications. During their time in the Hangar, students will be tested on their ability to identify various aircraft components and battle it out to win Flybe’s Future Engineers’ trophy that has been made by Flybe engineers in the hangar workshops.

Andrew Strong, Flybe’s Chief Operating Officer, says: “Flybe understands the importance of attracting and retaining a skilled and qualified workforce and is committed to supporting young people, especially those from our local region. We are looking forward to once again showcasing the apprenticeship opportunities we can to offer enthusiastic and talented young people in this exciting field of work.”

Students visiting the University of Exeter will discover more about the science behind aeronautics and aviation, and enjoy a taste of the range of engineering studies available. Using the University’s 3D visualisation suite, they’ll also see how propellers and wings can be designed, prototyped and then tested in wind tunnels and flow visualisation channels – and then have the chance to test out their own models ‘to destruction’!

Professor Ken Evans, Head of the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences at the University of Exeter, comments: “Events like this show that engineering isn’t just about maths, mending and maintenance – it’s a fascinating and complex subject that can lead to a very wide range of exciting careers. We’re committed to encouraging young people to consider a future in engineering, and hopefully this event will inspire the students’ imaginations in considering potential study and career paths in the subject.”

A Careers’ Fair, organised by the host organisations, will provide students with hands-on information about the various engineering opportunities available.

Exeter College Assistant Principal, Rob Bosworth, adds: “Engineering has, and always will, play a pivotal role in shaping the local and global economy. As technology continues to advance at a rapid rate, it is a subject which never fails to excite those who work in the industry. Exeter College has recently created a new Aerospace division of Engineering and continues to work closely with Flybe and the University of Exeter to inspire the next generation of engineers.”

Mr Strong concludes: “The overall aim of Future Engineers’ is to inspire young people and encourage them to see engineering as an attractive career option, particularly within the aviation sector. It offers solid, well-paid career progression to sought-after engineering graduates. We are all looking forward to inspiring their imagination and their future studies – and to sending their engineering careers soaring.”

THE BRITISH Summer may have been unpredictable, but that hasn’t stopped creative students from Exeter College making the most of it, rain or shine.

Those photographed are among 51 in total from the College’s Centre for Creative Industries (CCI) who entered the Deckchair Project competition, organised by the College in conjunction with Exeter’s Habitat store in Queen Street.

As part of the first-year of their course working towards their National Diploma in Art and Design, students study a range of specialist areas, including Photography, Graphics, Fine Art, Life Drawing, Contextual Studies, and Print and Textiles, in order to identify their own particular areas of strength and interests before taking them forward into their second-year to develop further.

The Deckchair Project was incorporated into their Print and Textiles studies this year with the aim of allowing students to develop their skills in designing and producing fabric prints using a variety of screen-printing methods, as well as gaining an understanding of professional practice in this field.

The overall winner (pictured centre with her winning Deckchair Project design) was Amber Doran, aged 19, of Bridport, Dorset.

The runners-up were Felix Howitt, aged 19, of Exeter, Evalynn Wills, aged 16, of Exeter, and Emma Harris, aged 17, of Tiverton. Additionally, Emma is soon to have a selection of her photography work displayed at another Queen Street venue, the fashionable Juice Moose café.

Their tutor, Helen Burak, says: “I devised the project and then introduced the idea to Habitat management in Exeter who were very keen to support it from the beginning.”

In fact, the management at Habitat were so delighted with the results that, in addition to having displayed the winning deckchair in front of the store for several days this summer, they are now in talks with Habitat’s buying team, who have expressed an interest in seeing the finalists’ work for themselves.

“Consequently, the students are extremely excited,” says Helen, adding: “The students embraced the project really enthusiastically from the outset and many mastered quite difficult screen-printing processes to achieve such excellent results.”

She continues: “They gave Habitat staff a difficult task when it came to selecting their favourites, but in the end the winning designs were chosen for their strong design concepts, demonstration of professional printing and presentation skills, and their commercial viability. They serve as a superb example of the many talented Art and Design students we have studying with us here at Exeter College.”

AROUND 90 members of staff from Exeter College’s Foundation Studies faculty spent their Staff Development Day as volunteers at Castle Drogo in preparation for the Autumn term.

In addition to proving to be a fun day out for the department, and a good way of team bonding, the one-day trip to the tourist attraction was also seen as a great way to boost the skills of those who will be leading a new programme from October onwards called Positive Pathways.

Designed especially to meet the needs of NEET learners, in other words those who are not in education, employment or training, Head of Foundation Studies Chris Petherham explains: “We have realised that a lot of individuals who fall into this category do not like to be in classrooms, as those are the kinds of environments that may not have suited them in the past. Instead, it is better to engage them through plenty of outdoor activities.

“When the opportunity came for us to volunteer at Castle Drogo for the day, it seemed to be one which would bring double benefits to the faculty as part of their staff development, at the same time as being a very enjoyable outing for everyone.”

The College staff worked alongside National Trust staff and fellow volunteers from the Teign Valley and Lydford Gorge on a number of projects – among them, clearing up an area around Bunty House in preparation for conservation work, building a fire pit, and helping to build a temporary shelter for visiting school groups. Rustic crafts they picked up along the way included wood-whittling and wall-weaving.

Chris continues: “In addition to improving teamwork across the Faculty, it gave those involved in the Positive Pathways programme a chance to pick up additional skills which they will be able to pass on to young people for their own use and benefit in the future.”

As the College’s newly-formed Sustainability Group has just received £25,000 of funding from the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) to proceed with its proposed Exeter Urban Garden Project (see Editor’s Notes below), Chris says skills picked up at Castle Drogo will be employed there too.

“The funding we’ve received for the garden means that we will be able to engage students on other courses and programmes in horticulture too, whether they have specific educational or special needs or learning difficulties associated with emotional or behavioural problems,” continues Chris.

“It is very exciting to think that we are going to be able to involve them in a number of new outdoors projects on campus and involving the local community.”

To find out more about Exeter College’s Positive Pathways programme, call 01392 205640.

STUDENTS and staff are celebrating this morning as Exeter College has again broken all previous records with its A level results – this year achieving an outstanding overall pass rate of 99.2 per cent.

Over half of the 600 16- to 18-year-olds sitting their A levels this year obtained grades A*, A, or B across the 38 subjects taken in total. In 28 of these, the pass rate was an exceptional 100 per cent.

Subjects in which the pass rate was 100 per cent spanned across the board, ranging from Biology, Business Studies, Physical Education, and Drama and Theatre Studies to Classical Civilisation, Psychology, and Economics.

For English Literature, which saw the highest number of entrants this year, all 127 candidates entered passed – including 12 who gained the new A* grade.

Mathematics, also a very popular subject, recorded an impressive A* grade for one in five students. Meanwhile, almost three-quarters of Law students gained grades A*, A and B.

It was a good year for Modern Languages too, with 100 per cent pass rate in all subjects. Over half of students studying French and German attained either A* and A grades.

Dance students were also jumping for joy, having secured a 100 per cent pass rate. Their good news follows on from the recent announcement that the College’s existing Media and Performing Arts facilities are to be expanded with the opening of a new Music and Performance Academy on Queen Street in early 2011.

Principal Richard Atkins said: “This is yet another outstanding achievement for Exeter College and I’m really pleased for all our students and staff who have worked so hard towards obtaining such a stunning set of results.

“In this particularly tough climate, where university places are becoming increasingly difficult to secure, it is very gratifying to think that students from all backgrounds are achieving such excellent standards.

“Whether through our Reach Academy for gifted and talented students or our team of specialist Progression advisors, throughout the year we ensure they are well-prepared for considering their future options, be that entry into higher education or employment.”

EXETER COLLEGE can proudly boast a history of high-fliers in its Sports, Leisure and Tourism Faculty and at its recent Awards ceremony 26 students were presented with awards in recognition of their achievements during the last academic year.

Amongst the students were five that also won national support from the awarding organisation NCFE who sponsored their awards.

They were as follows: Julia Newberry (NCFE Airline Cabin Crew); Lloyd Tucker (NCFE Resort Representatives); Hannah Lambell (NCFE Airport Passenger Services Agents); Mica Evans (ACES) and Sophie Garton (Sports Academy).

“Our students have worked really hard this year,” said Head of Faculty Peter Chapman, “so it was difficult to single out those for our annual awards, but the winners really shone out for dedication and motivation.

“We’ve had a very successful year,” he added, “with many of our sports stars in regional and national teams, and our leisure and tourism students achieving high accolades in their demanding industries.”

David Graley, Chief Executive of NCFE, commented: “We were delighted to sponsor these awards and see the learners excelling in this way”.

As well as receiving their awards and a selection of vouchers, winners were among the guests who enjoyed a three-course dinner as part of the glamorous celebrations at the Thistle Hotel in Exeter.

IT’S NOT every day you come across Cream Tea Ice Cream, but this year it will be just one of around 1000 deliciously delightful entries into the region’s 2010 Taste of the West competition, which begins today.

Water Buffalo Fillet Steak, Chilli Fudge, Pigs’ Ears and Jostaberry Jelly – a jostaberry is a cross between a blackcurrant and a gooseberry in case you are wondering! – are also among the many weird and wonderful submissions to this year’s contest.

The hugely prestigious event is being hosted for a second year by Exeter College in its state-of-the-art Lawrence Building, home during term-time to the Hospitality, Hair and Beauty faculty.

Annually, the event attracts literally hundreds of food and drink producers from across the South-West, and this year is no exception.

With approximately 240 competitors submitting their wares from as far afield as Gloucestershire and the Channel Islands, competition for the much-coveted awards is expected to be especially tough.

Under the watchful eye of a top secret panel of judges who are a mixture of industry experts, food technologists, and top-rated chefs, a vast range of goods will be tasted, tested, and marked on their merit over the course of this week until Friday.

And with 200 entries in the bakery categories alone, and 50 different types of sausage to be sizzled up by staff in the kitchens of Exeter College’s @34 student training restaurant, there will certainly be no time for mincing words.

Looking forward to what has now undoubtedly become one of the highlights of Taste of the West’s annual calendar, Chief Executive John Sheaves says: “It’s great to be back at Exeter College for a second year, where we are privileged to be able to use the excellent facilities for our premier awards programme.

“This is such an important event for regional producers and the South West economy as a whole, as it provides top quality benchmarking for over 1000 regionally-produced products.”

The very best will then go on to the next round – to be judged by BBC Radio 2 food critic Nigel Barden – to find the Taste of the West’s Champion Product for 2010.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

EXETER COLLEGE is on the lookout for a Project Manager to oversee the establishment of an environmentally-friendly garden within the grounds of Exeter College’s Hele Road campus as it forges ahead with plans to become an accredited Green College by the close of 2010.

The exciting news follows confirmation that its newly-formed Sustainability Group has received £25,000 of funding from the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) to proceed with its proposed project, to be known as The Exeter Urban Garden Project.

Situated within mature, walled grounds behind some of the College’s oldest buildings to the front of the main site, the aim will be for students and staff to regenerate an area of disused land, transforming it into a vibrant, sustainable garden and outdoor learning space. It will be accessible not only to those who use the College on a regular basis, but the community at large.

Led by the Foundation Learning Faculty, the Exeter Urban Garden Project will be a focal point of the College’s ambitious Sustainability Programme and it is hoped will become a replicable example of sustainable living for Exeter as a whole.

To be primarily used by entry level, Level 1 and 2, and Skills For Living students, and pupils attending College through its 14-16 programmes for local schools, it will also provide an ideal open art space for students’ creative media and design projects. Completion is expected in May 2011.

Chris Lorimer says: “We are delighted to have received funding for such a valuable and worthwhile project from LSIS. The idea is to be able to provide an educational resource which will be used in a variety of ways to demonstrate how we can all do our bit to protect the planet.

“For example, the vegetables grown in the garden will be used in nearby student kitchens on campus, waste will be composted on site, and rain water collected and used for irrigation.

“In addition, once sheltering and seating have been installed, it will also make a great setting for an outdoor classroom and will be the centerpiece for a number of innovative programmes for College students and schools across the city.”

Friday, June 16, 2010

THE REGION’S arts, theatre and entertainment sector is to be given a much-needed boost with the help of a new training provision, it has emerged today.

From September, Exeter College is to offer the new Creative Apprenticeship in Technical Theatre to students across the South West.

Apprentices now have the chance to study for formal qualifications to support their career choice at the College’s Centre for Creative Industries (CCI), while gaining hands-on practical experience working for an employer.

The new course can be completed in 15 months, or sooner depending on an applicant’s previous experience, and offers training in a diverse range of subjects invaluable to anyone working in a theatre, arts centre, or other entertainment venues.

Judy Lye-Forster, Head of the Faculty of Media and Performing Arts at Exeter College, says the decision to offer the EDI Creative Apprenticeship in Technical Theatre at Level 2 and 3 to young people aged 16 upwards was made in response to demand.

“We’re delighted that we are going to be able to offer this apprenticeship,” she continues. “There are certain areas of the performing arts and theatre industries that lend themselves to on-the-job training. Technical theatre is one of these, which is where a Creative Apprenticeship comes into its own.

“An awful lot of people go into this kind of work through working voluntarily at a theatre as casual labour, gradually building up a reputation until they are given a job. But this can take a number of years, during which time they may be giving up a lot of their free time, on low pay, with low job security, and no qualifications.

“The advantage for apprentices is that they are employed while learning, so they are being paid as they gain a recognised qualification and the practical experience and networking opportunities needed to become known within the industry.

“At the same time, they can build up a relationship with their employer which will hopefully lead to either permanent employment upon completion of their apprenticeship, or allow them to leave with a good reference when they move on elsewhere.”

While the news of this new Creative Apprenticeship opportunity will undoubtedly be welcomed by students across the region, it will also offer the many theatres, art centres and other live performance venues across Devon, Dorset and Somerset an exciting opportunity to get involved in bringing new blood into the industry – particularly as they may be eligible for financial incentives currently on offer.

The deal is simple: the apprentice attends their College course on day release to hone their skills through studying in their chosen field; the rest of the week, they apply their knowledge practically while working for the employer who has agreed to take them on.

Judy says: “At all levels, from the West End theatres to smaller regional venues, there is a real shortage of individuals with the skills and experience required to work in this particular area of the industry. While many have qualifications gained at colleges or universities and are quite knowledgeable about the subject, they may lack practical experience.

“Taking on an apprentice can be hugely beneficial to an employer,” she continues. “In addition to any financial incentives which may be available to help fund initial outlay costs, they will be gaining a young and enthusiastic employee who will be working with them the majority of the week and gaining a qualification at the same time.

“While they will be able to learn best practice from the existing workforce, through their College studies, they could also prove to be a breath of fresh air to a business by bringing in ideas of their own.”

Exeter College offers a large range of apprenticeships across the following sectors: Automotive and Engineering, Business and IT, Construction, Hairdressing, Health, Social Care and Childcare, Hospitality and Catering, and Technical Theatre. For further information, call the Apprenticeship Hotline on 01392 205595.

Wednesday, July 14

EXETER College’s departing International Baccalaureate (IB) students have good reason to end their final summer term on a high.

The 33 students who completed their two-year diploma this year have achieved average points of 33 – well above the worldwide average of 29.49.

Meanwhile, the average grade obtained at Exeter College was 5.26 compared with 4.65 globally.

Breaking these results down into subject areas, for English at Higher Level, for example, the average grade at Exeter College was 5.33, compared with 4.71 internationally. In Chemistry at Higher Level, it was 5.00 compared with 4.36; in Standard Level Film, 5.80 to 4.63; and in Visual Arts at Higher Level, 6.00 to 4.92

In addition, a number of students also attained the highest grade possible – 7 – across a broad spectrum of subject areas, among them English, Spanish, Geography, Biology and Maths.

Out of a total of 14 History students, five gained a grade 7 and a further six a grade 6.

Students who excelled included Marissa Schubert, aged 17, of Paignton, who will begin reading for a degree in Medicine at Oxford University in the Autumn, having scored 41 out of a maximum of 45.

A German national, who grew up in Berlin, Marissa studied at the Gatehouse School in Dawlish, and the Steiner School and Redland High School for Girls in Bristol, before enrolling at Exeter College in 2008.

She says: “I chose to take the IB for so many reasons, but particularly because I liked the fact that it covers such a large variety of subjects, and because of the international aspect of the course.

“Not only is it a qualification that is recognised everywhere, but it means I’ve now met people from so many different backgrounds. That was something I was not really aware of before, and something I really enjoyed about the IB while I was doing it.”

She adds: “Obviously, I’m thrilled to be going to Oxford later this year; at the moment, it all seems a bit surreal.”

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 17 years ago, and was the first in Devon to do so.

Assistant Principal Anne Oxborough says: “Once again, we are delighted to hear of the IB students’ success, particularly as this recognises the enormous amount of work which has been put in by both teaching staff and students to achieve these results.”

Jane Russell, Head of English Languages, Communication, Classics and IB, adds: “The IB also attracts a number of students for whom English is their second language. This enriches the cultural experience of all the students and, in doing so, reflects the international nature of the qualification.”

STAFF at Exeter College’s recently-opened new nursery have good reason to celebrate, having received a glowing report from Ofsted.

Examining the overall effectiveness of its early years provision, for children aged from birth to five years, the quality of its provision was described as Grade 1 ‘Outstanding’ in all areas.

The report went on to state: “All aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage have been implemented in an exemplary way across all age groups within the nursery.

“Babies’ and children’s individual needs are met exceptionally well due to the effective grouping, dedicated, well-qualified staff, and excellent organisation, leadership and management.

“Inclusive practice is paramount in everything they do,” it continued, “with a commitment to working in partnership to ensure children are very well-supported.”

Other highlights included praise for safeguarding, with staff being described as “extremely vigilant about safeguarding issues’, secure premises and security procedures, promotion of equality and diversity, healthy eating, hygiene and the general nursery environment.

Further observations included the following:
• “The organisation of the nursery is exemplary”
• “A highly stimulating and welcoming environment promotes children’s learning across all areas and for all ages.”
• “…excellent management with a commitment to driving improvement and outcomes for children”
• “…excellent [staff] communication at all levels”
• “…wonderful resources and activities”
• “Children show a strong sense of security and feel safe in the setting.”
• “Babies and children are extremely happy, settled and engaged with their peers and staff.”

The original Exeter College Day Nursery opened in 1989. It moved to its current, purpose-built premises, which are on campus close to the Centre for Creative Industries (CCI), off Queen Street in Exeter, last year.

In addition to its provisions for the staff who work there, the new nursery houses three main classrooms for different age groups, a milk kitchen, toilet and changing facilities. Outside features include an enclosed garden and outside play area, and the nursery even has its own full-time cook.

Sarah O’Shea, Head of Safety, Tutoring, Equality and Well-being (STEW) at Exeter College, said: “We are all so pleased to hear that Exeter College Day Nursery, which provides for children in their early years of students and members of staff, has received such an excellent report from its recent Ofsted inspection.

“To be rated as outstanding in any category is an achievement, but to be rated as outstanding in all seventeen categories is fantastic news and a huge credit to the staff and management who run it.”

Speaking on behalf of herself and her staff, Nursery Manager Di Eveley added: “We are absolutely delighted with the good news about the Ofsted report. To be given ‘Outstanding’ accreditation in not one but all areas is testament to all the staff who work here to ensure that it is such a pleasant environment for the children, parents and guardians who use it. It is their enthusiasm and dedication on a daily basis which makes it so successful, and we will continue to build on this in future.”