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.”