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Exceptional Outdoor Adventure and Education Set to Continue at Haven Banks 

Exeter College and Devon County Council are set to continue their successful partnership, having just renewed the fifteen-year lease on Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre at Exeter’s historic quayside.  

The centre is well known as the South West’s premiere Outdoor Education and Training facility and is a hive of activity throughout the year. As well as offering numerous holiday activities for young people and schools, the centre provides courses and professional training for adults and is also home to Exeter College’s full time Outdoor Education programmes. 

Exeter College Principal and CEO, John Laramy CBE, said; 

“I am delighted that we have been able to renew and extend our excellent partnership with Devon County Council to operate and run Haven Banks, this will make a real difference to the community and our students. This new extension to the lease will enable the College to invest with confidence in new cutting-edge resources to ensure it remains the standout Centre within the South West for all things related to outdoor adventure and education. 

“I personally feel that the way Devon County Council work with Exeter College is a national exemplar of how an upper tier Local Authority can work with a local college to make a difference to skills, life chances and health.” 

Devon County Council Chief Executive, Phil Norrey, said; 

“I am pleased that we have been able to continue the partnership with Exeter College for running the Haven Banks Education Centre. Our natural environment is one of our county’s greatest assets, and we want everyone to find ways to enjoy it. By delivering high quality outdoor education for all ages, Haven Banks is helping more people become confident exploring what is on our doorsteps. 

“We are committed to making Devon a child-friendly place where children and young people can thrive. That includes providing every child with opportunities to explore the outdoors safely, and to discover the benefits of outdoor adventures on both their physical and mental health.” 

In recent years, Haven Banks has also enjoyed immense success in running the Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award and Ten Tors training for local schools. This year they have seen 70 students achieve a DofE bronze, silver or gold award and have helped more than 60 young people train for the gruelling Ten Tors challenge. 

The Ten Tors event, organised by the Army and assisted by the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force and the Dartmoor Search and Rescue Teams, is a challenge of teamwork, endurance, navigation, and camp craft and sees teenagers survive for two days completely unaided.  

Exeter College students completing the Ten Tors Challenge.

Ben Hedden, Centre Manager at Haven Banks said: 

“We are all delighted with the announcement of the renewal of the lease between Exeter College and Devon County Council. The past nine years have seen the Centre develop, thrive, and diversify its provision for the local and wider community. 

“The past two years has been challenging and impacted on us all, and none more so than the children and young people within our community. The benefits of the outdoors and outdoor and adventurous activities are well evidenced and have been key to assisting young people to rebuild confidence, resilience, self-esteem, and lifelong memories. 

“We continue to actively develop our programmes and are proud to continue to offer accessible and inclusive activities for all ages and every ability level. We look forward to serving our past, present and future users of the Centre over the coming years.” 

Haven Banks offers a wide range of activities for young people and adults.

Haven Banks is at the centre of the local Outdoor Adventure community and is part of a growing industry that is supporting post-Covid recovery. It has been highlighted that placing greater importance on wellbeing and staying active will help young people to recover from the pandemic. Having missed formative years in education and spending time with peers, it is hoped that Outdoor Education will help to build resilience back up and provide young people with the skills they need such as working as a team, problem solving, and embracing new challenges. 

To arrange a tour of the facilities or to find out more about the opportunities available at Haven Banks, please contact the centre’s reception on 01392 400150 or by filling out the contact form. 

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in high demand in South West

Exeter College students have helped to contribute to the South West’s increasing demand for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, developing vital life skills along the way that will help them in their future careers. 

The Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) award is a youth programme which recognises young adults for completing a series of self-improvement exercises. 

Those aged between 14-25 have the opportunity to work towards a bronze, silver or gold award. Participants complete a range of activities, from volunteering to fitness, developing practical skills and completing an expedition. 

With 15,794 young people in the South West achieving their DofE award over the last 12 months, the demand in the region is well above the national average.  

Devon has seen a 25% increase in students who have achieved their DofE award over the last year. Furthermore, 18.5% of young people in the South West who have taken part have come from a disadvantaged background, showing how inclusive and invaluable this programme is to students. 

Even during these unprecedented times, students in the South West have continued with their DofE programme. Many participants have taken part in fitness challenges and have supported vulnerable members of the community. 

“We are incredibly proud of our students who are willing to remove themselves from their comfort zones to achieve these prestigious awards,”

Megan Snell, Deputy Head of Student Experience at Exeter College

Heather Thompson, South West Director for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, said, “Despite the disruption and challenges the Coronavirus pandemic has brought, the flexibility of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award allows young people to continue their journey despite being required to stay at home.  

“This will have a positive effect on young people’s mental and physical wellbeing. It will also provide a positive focus, a sense of purpose and support to their local community in these unsettling times.” 

There’s increasing popularity for DofE as an enrichment opportunity among Exeter College students, with 43 pupils in 2019-2020 starting either a silver or gold award.  

Megan Snell, Deputy Head of Student Experience at Exeter College, said, “Exeter College recognises the value in broadening the personal skills sets of our learners and are committed to providing a diverse range of enrichment activities alongside their main programme of study.  

“Our Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards in particular have proven to be a life changing experience for many or our learners. It provides them with the important soft skills employers and universities are looking for, as well as developing a greater understanding and respect of their community. 

“We are incredibly proud of our students who are willing to remove themselves from their comfort zones to achieve these prestigious awards.” 

Heather Thompson added, “I would like to thank Exeter College and their DofE team for doing all they can to ensure cohorts this year don’t miss out.  

“Even with the uncertainty of running expeditions, there is so much young people can gain from undertaking their volunteering, physical and skills sections.” 

Following government advice, expeditions will not take place when originally planned. However, all participants will have the opportunity to complete their DofE award in the future. The programme will also be offered to new cohorts in the autumn. 

Exeter College is preparing to enrol students to start in September 2020. Find out the latest plans for enrolment.  

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