Student Experience Spring Update
At Exeter College we know that part of our student’s happiness depends on the activities that they get involved in out of the classroom. This is why we are committed to providing excellent enrichment opportunities. We also put our students feedback at the heart of what we do, hence our Learner Voice programme. You can read all about recent developments below, along with an update on money raised for the college charity of the year.
Student Representative Committee and the college charity
The Student Representative Committee (SRC) continues to work tirelessly to promote the voice of the students, through representation on the Board of Governors, SRC Team meetings, the Learner Voice and student clubs and groups such as the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) group.
In addition, they are excellent ambassadors at various college events. They have run and been heavily involved with various national and college awareness events. These have included World Mental Health day and offering free sustainable water bottles as part of Health and Wellbeing awareness throughout January. They have also organised a Question and Answer talk with Exeter MP, Ben Bradshaw as well as leading the fundraising for the college charity.
The college charity this year is Mind and so far we have raised a fantastic £7,622. Students and staff across the college have been coming up with inventive fundraising schemes such as fairs, cake sales, fancy dress, running event, bake off competitions, as well as Christmas Jumper Day and the annual Festival of Carols.
The SRC will be working closely with the college over the next couple of months to put on a range of events and activities. Events will include LGBT History Month, anti-bullying awareness and events and activities to help students build their emotional resilience.
Enrichment at Exeter College
The cross college enrichment programme continues to develop with new projects being introduced. Enrichment gives students at Exeter College aged 16-19 the opportunity to test out new hobbies, get a skill or qualification and to make new friends. Enrichment enhances the core programme of learning at the college and helps students enjoy and achieve and make a positive contribution.
New activities this year have included; weekly Mindfulness sessions, Reading Hack, Creative Writing and Photography.
We encourage students to record their successes and achievements while at college using their Student Record of Achievement. This document is accessed through the student’s eILP and includes data such as courses and qualifications and allows students to input information such as; employment history, volunteering hours, enrichment activities, successes, and work experience. Students can then use this information to write CV’s and applications.
Exeter College really listens to its students
The Learner Voice is a vital process for the college, as it provides students with an opportunity to discuss and generate ideas on teaching and learning, which will have a direct impact on quality improvement. John Laramy, Principal chaired the Learner Voice Conferences in November which was attended by over 150 students from all faculties. Feedback encompassed all areas of the college, with comments including:
Teachers are supportive, friendly and helpful”
Lessons are engaging, interesting and well structured”
Teachers are experienced in their fields”
The college is really welcoming”
Great support with progression advice”
There are lots of opportunities available for students”
Support with mental health is really good”
The following developments have been made in response to learner feedback:
- Card payment options available in College cafes
- New food options
- Additional corridor seating
- New enrichment activities have been launched
Faculty issues are addressed through regular Faculty Learner Voice meetings and the college gains further feedback through student surveys, the student portal and the SRC.
To keep students updated, the SRC also have their fortnightly Student E-Bulletin which is sent to over 6,500 students. This Student Bulletin gathers information from across the college to provide students with opportunities, advice and guidance. The Bulletin includes information such as; cross-college events, charity updates, bursary and travel information, tutoring updates, enrichment opportunities, Learner Voice feedback and responses, NUS student discount card offers, and progression and employability updates.
