With farming and food security whistling up the political agenda, a special breakfast next Thursday (28th January) will be celebrating the perfect pasture to plate partnership between two Devon colleges – Bicton and Exeter — one training food producers and the other caterers.

The National Farmhouse Breakfast week event to be staged in the restaurant at Exeter College, organised by Devon YFC and sponsored by the NFU, will feature a locally sourced menu prepared for a group of VIP guests including the chairmen of Devon County Council, Devon YFC, Devon NFU and the boards of governors of both colleges.

Richard Atkins, Principal of Exeter College, said:

“I am delighted that Exeter College is hosting this event as it gives us a chance to showcase the work of our hospitality and catering students and celebrate our close relationship with Bicton College and the farming and food producing community.

“Exeter and Bicton Colleges are planning to become a federated partnership this year and can work together to provide the education and training facilities for the food production and catering industries so vital to the economic well being of the South West in general and Devon in particular.”

New Devon NFU chairman, Roborough, near Plymouth, tenant dairy farmer, David Horton, himself an old Bictonite, said:

“The financial pressures on educational establishments are immense and Bicton was vulnerable in terms of scale, but for an agricultural powerhouse county like Devon to have been deprived of a land based skills training college would have been unthinkable which is why the NFU has campaigned so hard to keep it going and why we are so pleased that its future, in tandem with Exeter College, should be assured.”

Devon YFC chairman, Mark Davis, said:

“Farmhouse Breakfast week is a great chance to promote Devon’s produce and the dedicated people producing it. Farm structures are changing and it’s a really tough industry to get into, but there are hundreds of young people out there with the vision, motivation and, thanks to colleges like Bicton, skills who are passionate and proud about farming, food production and the future of their county and its countryside.”

The event comes in the closing stages of National Farmhouse Breakfast week, promoted by the Home Grown Cereals Authority on whose behalf children and teenagers and young adults were surveyed on food awareness.

The 3,000-response poll showed 26 per cent thought bacon came from sheep and 29 per cent that oats grow on trees.

Scientists in America have found that a chemical in pork products like bacon and in eggs can help boost the intelligence of unborn children. The micronutrient, choline, is critical to helping babies in the womb develop parts of their brain linked to memory and recall.

http://www.youtube.com/nfutube

STAFF and students had good reason to celebrate this week, having learned that Exeter College was ranked the best performing further education College in Devon in the latest league tables released by the Government.
According to the Department for Children, Schools, and Families Achievement and Attainment Tables 2009, the average points scored per student topped the ratings for College students taking A levels, AS levels, or equivalent level qualifications across the county in 2009.
This is a particularly admirable achievement given Exeter College offers a choice of 40 different A levels and around 20 BTEC diplomas at this level, spanning the entire curriculum – significantly more than any other institution.
The league table also demonstrates that, individual students do significantly better at Exeter College than their entry qualifications would predict, thus helping the college to meet individual aspirations of students.
The fantastic news follows on from the College’s huge success in last year’s A level results, having broken all its previous records to achieve an average 99 per cent pass rate among the 600 students who sat their A levels at the College last year – and a 100 per cent pass rate in 29 out of the 40 subjects taken. Half of all 16- to 18-year-olds who had sat their exams last summer obtained grades A to B.
Principal Richard Atkins said: “I feel immensely proud of Exeter College’s achievements, and these statistics demonstrate continued progress. Of course, this outstanding result could never have been achieved without the hard work and dedication of our lecturers, and of course, the students themselves. “We are also proud of how this reflects the strong working partnerships we have with schools and agencies in the learning communities of Exeter and the Heart of Devon.”
He added: “While we are delighted with the latest league table results and the examination results, we are not complacent. Our students may be highly ambitious and equipped with a will to succeed, but entry to the UK’s top universities remains tough, and competition for the best jobs in today’s climate is also high.
“Through our high level of teaching expertise and our specialist academies, we will continue to help our students aim for the top, excel in their chosen fields, and realise their greatest aspirations.”

Exeter College students Eryn and Xophie Hooper attended a county awards ceremony in January at County Hall to celebrate having achieved their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, as part of a group who in the last two years have gained four gold awards in total.

They, together with a third student, Kate Hunter, have been invited to go to Buckingham Palace in the Autumn as a result of their achievements. We hope they have a wonderful time and congratulate them on their success.

Please click here to read the Express & Echo’s article about Eryn and Xophie’s visit to County Hall.

Nail tattooing, sports massage, arts and media exhibitions, and interactive engineering exhibits will be among the live demonstrations to be seen at Exeter College’s next Open Evening, on Monday, January 25.
While a team of Exeter College’s hair and beauty students will be offering taster manicure and pedicures sessions to lucky passers-by in the Lawrence Building, a selection of its catering students will be cooking up some delicious haute cuisine to tempt prospective students through their kitchen doors on the Hele Road campus.
Meanwhile, there will be a chance to get involved in activities organised by the construction, engineering and motor vehicle faculties at Victoria Yard, off Queen Street, or to tour the neighbouring Centre for Creative Industries (CCI) where examples of work by present students will be on display.
Taking place between 5pm and 8pm across the city centre campuses, this will be the College’s last open event of the year before July.
Find out more from lecturers, students, and members of the College’s elite academies which course is right for you.
Whether it’s a full- or part-time course you are after, an apprenticeship you are interested in, or you would like to find out more about higher education opportunities, this will be the ideal opportunity to come along and see Exeter College’s facilities and learn more about your options at the College – this month rated in the latest Government league tables as the top FE college in Devon.
What’s more, this will be the first time that students will be able to apply for their places online. For further information call 0845 111 6000.

AS part of Make a Contribution Week, Exeter students are appealing for people to donate unwanted Christmas gifts to a city charity.

The students from Exeter College Students’ Union are collecting unwanted goods in a bid to raise money for Positive Action South West, a charity which assists people in the region with, or affected by, HIV.

Students’ Union president Kurtis Schofield said: “We thought that rather than seeing all these lovely Christmas presents go to waste, it would be far nicer and much more fun for them to go to good homes.”

After the items have been collected they will form part of a charity auction with the proceeds going to Positive Action South West. The auction will take place later this year.

Unwanted presents can be left at Exeter College’s Hele Road reception, marked ‘Exeter College Students’ Union Gift Amnesty’.

10th December 2009

EDUCATION in the community is the key message behind the services which are being provided by Exeter College’s Foundation Studies department from within its newly-refurbished facilities at the Guildhall from today.
Only a few minutes’ walk from Exeter College’s other city centre campuses in Exeter, its refurbished rooms will be the new HQ from which the College will provide a number of specialist educational opportunities it offers in addition to the many already provided to Foundation Studies students aged 14 upwards on the main Hele Road site.
As representatives of local authority, business, and community organisations took a tour of its provisions this afternoon at the official launch, Chris Petheram, Head of Exeter College’s Foundation Studies faculty, said: “Our aim is to engage people from within the community who are non-traditional learners, or who may find that they have barriers which hinder their learning. We can do this by working with partners who buy in our services.
“For example, we are currently working with the Youth Offending Team, to whom we are offering an outreach service where we go out to them to give maths lessons to young offenders.
“We are involved in the Learn To Work scheme, engaging Year 10 and 11 school pupils who need an alternative option to the national curriculum. We are also working with Connexions to help encourage people neither working, studying, or in training at present back into education so that they can boost their chances of finding work in future, and open up more opportunities to them in life in general.
He added: “We are also working on some special projects alongside Youth Service Exeter and Connexions too, and are hoping to engage young individuals in returning to education through taster sessions. We hope these will generate enthusiasm and a desire to become involved in something new from which they will reap huge benefits should they choose to stick with it.”
The refurbishment for the buildings and their outfitting cost around £75,000 and was completed over the summer. As well as a mixture of formal and informal study areas designed to create a relaxed and friendly environment that veers away from that of the traditional ‘classroom’ layout, there are ICT suites and smaller tutorial rooms where one-to-one interviews or coaching sessions can be carried out.
Summing up why such services are an essential part of the city of Exeter’s make-up, Chris said: “Many of our former students are now in some form of employment, or are now continuing their education at a higher level. We have had people come to us with no qualifications at all in the past, and through the support, guidance and expertise of our specialist teachers, some have managed to go on to university, including Oxford.”
Among those viewing the facilities on offer for the first time was Exeter East And Mid-Devon Youth Offending Team Co-manager Henrietta Ireland.
Speaking afterwards, she said: “I think the facilities look great. The rooms are light and well thought-out, and while there are a variety of room sizes and functional spaces on offer, they present a pleasant environment in which to study.
“Quite often, young people who have disengaged from school and studying can feel intimidated and scared by the idea of accessing mainstream learning opportunities. This environment offers them a perfect intermediary setting, in which they can reengage in education, recognise their potential, and look forward to their future.”
Ann Beverage, Area Manager for Exeter Careers South-West, added: “Following the revamp and reorganisation, the College has created a nice learning environment within the Guildhall for its users. I think it’s really encouraging to see these lovely new facilities, the range of courses and options open to young people using them, and the ways in which both are developing.”

Monday 7th December 2009

APPEARING at Sandy Park as the guest speaker at Exeter College’s 2009 Skills Awards on Tuesday, December 8, Mary King’s journey to the top of her league is the stuff romantic novels are made of (see Editor’s Notes).
It is somewhat fitting, therefore, that she will be offering inspiration to this year’s Skills Awards winners – all of whom have demonstrated exceptional abilities, either as apprentices at the beginning of their careers, or Train to Gain learners who, already in employment, have been boosting their skills through further education.
The College currently provides for around 700 apprentices and 750 Train to Gain students in total, working with businesses and firms across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, ranging from micro-companies to major employers in the region.
They include utility and engineering giants South West Water and Howmet, the National Trust’s Killerton House, and city centre restaurant Abode, which is run by former Exeter College student turned celebrity chef Michael Caines MBE.
Following a sit-down meal in the Exeter Suite – to which family and friends have been invited as guests, as well as representatives of the employers for whom the students have been working while at the College – the 16 award winners will be presented with crystal glass star-shaped awards.
Subject fields in which their achievements will be recognised are as diverse as catering, hairdressing, IT, construction, motor vehicle, care, and aviation engineering.
The award for Employer of the Year will go to Exeter-based nursing agency Purple Balm.
Exeter College Work Based Learning Manager Sue Philips says: “The Skills Awards are intended as a real celebration of the students’ success stories and there is always a great atmosphere on the night. At the same time, they are also a way of saying thank you to the College staff and employers who support these young people throughout the course of their studies.”
As to why she has accepted the invitation to attend as guest speaker, Mary King adds: “I was thrilled to be asked to attend this event. Hopefully, I can inspire the award winners – both young people and adults who have already shown initiative and determination. It would be nice to think that winning these awards will help them keep up their drive to succeed in whatever they choose to do in the future.”

Friday 5th December

WITH Exeter Cathedral as the stunning backdrop to the concert, Exeter College’s Festival Of Carols has become something of a city tradition at Christmas time.
As always on the night, the doors will not only be open to friends and families of students at the College, but also any members of the public who wish to share in the celebration of this very special time of year.
While entry will be free to the concert, any proceeds donated to a collection at the close of the festival – which is being sponsored by Lloyds TSB and Michelmores – will be given to Exeter College Students’ Union’s charity of choice this year, as voted for by the students, Positive Action South West, which supports people affected by HIV and their carers in the South West.
With classical music performed by Exeter College’s College and Chamber Orchestras and Wind Band as guests take their seats, to be followed by Principal Richard Atkins’s welcome message, the lights will then go out as the Chamber Choir lead a candlelit procession down the nave.
Invited to join in traditional prayer, using a programme of service for which the artwork was designed by A level Fine Art student Poppy Phythian, the audience will also be able to sing along to favourite carols with the College’s Choral Society and Inspirational Choir, and listen as students give readings, as well as being treated to a beautiful brass section courtesy of its Big Band before the night is over.
The Cathedral usually fills to capacity on the night, with over 1000 people in attendance.
Principal Richard Atkins says: “To myself and staff and students at Exeter College, the Festival Of Carols is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the College year, and we warmly welcome friends, family and anybody else who wishes to join us on the night for this very special occasion.
“We are particularly delighted to be able to donate any proceeds raised this year to Positive Action South West, a charity which does so much to help young people in the local community and across the region affected by HIV. Please give generously, and come and join us for this wonderful celebration of Christmas.”

4th December 2009

STUDENTS from Exeter College’s Construction, Motor Vehicle, and Engineering faculties celebrated their achievements alongside their tutors, family and friends on Thursday night when around 30 of them were presented with awards in their chosen fields of study.
Prizes were given for those representing a huge variety of courses and schemes, ranging from plumbing, brickwork, and carpentry to light and heavy goods vehicle apprenticeships, mechanical and electrical engineering and CAD. On the night, employer of the year awards were also announced.
The awards ceremony, which lasted an hour and included a buffet and drinks for the guests, was led by Head of Technology Simon Friend, and the individual awards were presented to students by their tutors on the night.
Simon said: “This event very much showcases educational excellence in Technology and allows us to recognise the exceptional achievements of our students and their employers.
“We have 28 Awards this year within Automotive, Aerospace, Engineering, and Construction, and we had a very high number of nominations – evidence that the standards our students are reaching is continuing to rise year on year.
“We really do have some outstanding award winners, from real high-flyers to compelling examples of individuals who have overcome quite astonishing barriers. The evening is a very humbling experience for us all”.
He adds: “A number of our award winners have also achieved national recognition for their work. This is not only down to the level of commitment to their programme, but also a reflection of the high calibre the staff who have supported them throughout their time at the college”.

24th November 2009

YOUNG CHILDREN from 10 schools across the city and heart of Devon faced a tough but exciting challenge on Friday November 20th as they went head-to-head in a competition to create the perfect radio advertisement.
Sponsored by Devon Education Business Partnership, Exeter College, City & Guilds, and Heart, Enterprise Day was the third annual event of its kind, and will took place this year over two sites as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week UK 2009 (www.gew.org.uk).
At the Thistle Hotel, Queen Street, Exeter, the Year 10 pupils and their teachers saw the conference rooms where Exeter Chamber Of Commerce regularly meet for networking events, as they prepared presentations to give to a panel of judges later in the day – their mission to convince them they have come up with the perfect plan to ‘sell’ the local company they have chosen to represent to potential customers.
Meanwhile, in Exeter College’s neighbouring CCI building, the groups took it in turns to go into the Media Suite where staff and students helped them record their marketing messages, complete with sound effects and music of their choice, in just 15 minutes – the time allocated as part of the competition.
Not only will the team with the best radio advertisement have it aired on Heart, but this year, for the first time, they will receive a cash prize of £250 awarded by City & Guilds to spend on equipment for their school.
There was also be a £100 prize given by City & Guilds on the day to the team thought to have given the best presentation, again to spend on provisions for their school.
Patrick Roberts, head of Exeter College’s College Adviser Team which reaches out and works with schools and communities across Devon, said: “Young people are becoming increasingly exposed to the business world through hugely popular programmes on television such as Dragon’s Den and The Apprentice, and business ‘celebrities’ such as Sir Alan Sugar. An event such as this one allows them to gain a real-life understanding of the business world and how it works in a non-threatening environment. It may even inspire some to go on to become some of our great entrepreneurs of the future.”
Kathy Snow, of Devon Education Business Partnership, added: “From our perspective, we see it as a really good example of all agencies working together in Devon – schools, the College, the local business community, and the media.
“In the past, we’ve had all-singing, all-dancing performances from participating schools. We’ve even known schools to bring in their own guitars to use during the recording sessions. It’s a real hands-on experience for the children, in which they learn about all kinds of business techniques, from time management to problem-solving, communication, visual presentation, and marketing.
“While there can only be two prize winners this year, as in previous years, the children will be able to go home having gained a unique insight into the world of business which may hopefully even encourage some of them to one day take some of their ideas further once in the adult world. In the past, representatives of local businesses involved have also found themselves leaving the event freshly-inspired at the end of the day by the original ideas that children can often come up with.
Sara Bond, Managing Director of radio station Heart, said: “Here at Heart, we fully endorse this project and are extremely proud to be working with our fellow partners to aid in the development of our local young people. On the day, we offered real and worthwhile hands-on advice to the pupils, and providing the winners with a market-leading advertising platform from which they can showcase their work. We very much look forward to this year’s project.”
City & Guilds Marketing Manager Clive Russell added: “We are delighted to support innovative events that make learning exciting for young people. City & Guilds aims to equip all learners with the skills and experience to help them get their dream job. This year’s Enterprise Day provided an invaluable and memorable opportunity for the students to expand their creative skills by putting them into practice.”