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Specialist Teachers and World Class Facilities building Exeter College’s Success

Since being named as the UK’s first ever tertiary college 50 years ago, we’ve built ourselves into the exceptional education provider we are today and are now ranked as the only Ofsted Outstanding College in Devon. 

We’ve managed to reach this prestigious position by putting students at the heart of everything we do. We know there’s nothing more impactful on a young person’s education than the environment they’re learning in and, of course, who’s teaching them.  

Subject Specialist Teachers

As a further education provider, our teachers differ to what you would find at a lot of sixth forms. Here, we pride ourselves on having subject specialist teachers. Unlike at school, our staff don’t teach across different subjects; they dedicate their time exclusively to the subject they teach in the classroom. 

This means that our students are taught by people who have a real passion for the topic that they teach. As a result, our students can fully develop their skills and explore their passion within a specific field, which links directly to their chosen further study or employment option.  
 
On top of this, our vocational subjects are taught by teachers who are still actively involved in their respective industries. This means they are constantly developing and updating their own skillset to pass on to the next generation of learners.   

Jade Otty, Vice Principal of Exeter College and lead on academic performance, believes our specialist teaching staff positively impacts our consistently impressive vocational and academic results.  

“Having specialist teachers is one of the cornerstones of what contributes to the outstanding education environment at Exeter College,” said Jade.  

“Students who study with us are choosing to learn from teachers who have a genuine passion for what they’re teaching and, more importantly, have the skills to transfer that knowledge to students in the classroom.  

“When a teacher chooses to work with us, they do so because they want to have their teaching time dedicated solely to a subject they love, and to supporting young people with that same passion succeeding with their ambitions. We’ve found that students really respond well to being taught by specialist teachers and appreciate the inside knowledge they can learn from teachers who are still involved in the industry.”  

Tom Matthew, A Level student studying Geography, Sociology and Politics, added, “The teachers have been really helpful. They always have their students’ best interests at heart and go over and above expectations.   

“My Geography teachers have experience with the exam board, and they are two of the best teachers I’ve had; their experience has been particularly useful to us.”  

World Class Facilities and Partnerships

We’re proud to offer subject specialist teaching, but we also know that this is only one of the features which has helped to make us into the Ofsted Outstanding provider we are today.  

Here at Exeter College, we offer all our students access to world class facilities and equipment in their chosen subject(s).  

To make sure our learners have the very best chance to enhance their education, all our students have access to eight Learning Resources Centres, complete with IT labs and Mac suites. 

Additionally, we have specialist campuses for different subjects. Through this, we ensure that we are providing our learners with industry standard-facilities, ranging from construction to media production.  

The Centre for Creative Industries is home to a range of cutting-edge equipment and software. It also gives students access to the space they need to hone their skills in media, drama, art or photography, as they transform their academic studies into creative practice.  

Our Maths and Science Centre, which opened in 2015, holds 11 purpose-build laboratories. These are all designed to the highest specifications, providing a space for inspirational teaching and learning.  

Likewise, our Technology Centre offers students the latest technical software used in the industry. We’re also currently investing in our Construction Centre by way of a new state-of-the-art mezzanine which, from September, will host the new T Level qualifications.  

Our Digital and Data Centre is also currently under construction. When complete, this will form part of the wider South West Institute of Technology plan, aiming to transform engineering, digital and manufacturing technology in Devon. Opening early 2021, the Centre will provide learners with educational opportunities in the digital field. This will include courses around software development, data analytics and cyber security.  

On top of this, our college also works in partnership with leading regional and national businesses and sports teams. This month we announced our newest collaboration, as the BBC is set to open a new studio in our Centre of Creative Industries. All our partnerships provide students with the opportunities to continually achieve their educational goals and even develop beyond the curriculum.  

We are currently planning for the enrolment of the new students due to start in September 2020. 

It’s not too late to apply online to study with us for the September start. Once the requested documents have been submitted and reviewed, all students will be given a conditional offer.

Teacher reflects on remote education

Although the Exeter College sites are closed to the majority of learners, exceptional learning continues remotely for our students. 

Thanks to our innovative teaching staff, hard working students and college-wide adoption of digital learning technologies, students are being supported with interactive study sessions as home, as well as independent activities to continue their education. 

We decided to catch up with Rob Casey, Programme Leader for English Languages and International Baccalaureate, to see how our teaching staff have found the transition to digitally educating. Here’s what he had to say…  

There’s an old proverb I rather like, which states that ‘necessity is the mother of invention’. In other words, nothing drives creativity quite as much as need. This is certainly something I identify with. 

As a creative writer, the one thing that guarantees I’ll produce something new and to a professional standard is when I’m given a deadline, such as for publications or an upcoming gig.  

Teaching is no different, with its timetable and the rhythms of the academic year. And as anyone in the profession will be able to tell you, the best laid lesson plans are often dashed by forces beyond our control. Whether it’s a fire alarm, a power-cut, internet problems, snow, or, in the current situation, a major global pandemic, the main skill required in teaching is adaptability. The lessons must go on wherever possible, and often in completely different ways.  

The aim now, therefore, is to continue to provide high quality learning opportunities but without the one thing that has always seemed most central to the experience: a classroom, designed for face-to-face interaction. 

It would be easy to take a defeatist approach and accept that remote learning could never replace the ‘live’ experience of a buzzing lesson, with quick questions, group work, and the ability to pick up on students’ non-verbal cues that perhaps my jokes aren’t as funny as I imagine them in my head. But just as certain things are lost amongst this change, many others are gained. 

I ended one week dashing between classrooms with my different folders and a pocketful of pens, then started the next Monday morning juggling between online platforms (Moodle, Microsoft Teams, email, Zoom, Skype) whilst sitting in my study with a monitor full of USB sticks. 

We have had lots of training to help us adapt to online learning but there’s nothing quite as motivating to embrace new technology as to suddenly find it’s the only way to carry on. So even when I get back in the classroom, I will seek to maintain many of the benefits that have come from this experience. 

Remote learning inevitably puts more emphasis on the student, as it becomes more about what they do than what we tell them. It’s an opportunity to promote independence, to take a more differentiated approach and to provide much more targeted support. Freed from having to sit and listen to my witty anecdotes for half the lesson, the class can get on with what they do best: not just learning but also learning how to learn.  

Yes, it is a struggle, and there are many who lack the resources to suddenly change their way of working, and they will need even more support when classroom learning resumes. But I am also confident that lockdown learning will equip a generation to better manage the realities of the workplace, and certainly university level study, building their resilience and ability to deal with different circumstances and to problem solve when faced with uncertainty.  

I welcome a return to the classroom when it comes. It’s where I belong and where the students learn best. However, remote teaching and learning has been a lesson for me too. There is always a place for technology in education and lockdown life has helped to put a new perspective on all aspects of society, as well as education. And the way I teach from now on will be different as a result. Through necessity I have had to invent new styles and approaches, embracing new platforms and enabling new ways of supporting learners. 

Change can be a challenge, but also an opportunity. And often the best opportunities are not those we intended. 

If you would like to share how your remote learning is going, email us on marketing@exe-coll.ac.uk, or tag us in your posts using #ExeCollTogether.  

Want to join Ofsted Outstanding Exeter College in September 2020? Apply online now to secure your place. 

Exeter College donates books to South Africa

Exeter College has donated ten boxes of pre-loved books to underprivileged areas of South Africa as part of the Help a South African School project.   

The English, Languages and International Baccalaureate (ELB) faculty at Exeter College has decided to join an international effort to help address the issue of illiteracy in South Africa.   

Only around 22% of South African schools have libraries, and many are in need of vital resources to aid learning. Lots of South African children experience a broken journey through school. Around 27% of public schools still don’t have access to fresh running water, while just 12% have access to computers.   

By linking up with the Help a South African School project with Hortgro, the ELB department at Exeter College is playing a part in the distribution of books to some of the poorest parts of South Africa, creating opportunities for the country’s young people to read and write.   

The Help a South African School project aims to give books to those most in need across South Africa, including textbooks and literary books. Exeter College has responded to this urgent need, and staff and students donated pre-loved books to the cause. Now unwanted books could enjoy a new lease of life with a new generation of learners across South Africa.   

Discontinued books from the College’s Learning Resource Centres were collected and put towards the good cause, as well as a few from the personal collections of staff and students.   

Books were collected up before the College closure and are on their way to a new home in South Africa.   

Find out more about book donation with Help a South African School.   

National Award Nomination for Exeter College Director

Exeter College’s Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement Mike Blakeley has been shortlisted for a national award in the prestigious Tes FE Awards 2020.

The awards ceremony is a landmark event in the further education sector as exceptional teachers, learners and providers join together to celebrate innovation and excellence in the industry.  

“I think this is simply a reflection on the terrific Exeter College teams, regional partners, employers and Apprentices we work with every day,”

Mike Blakeley, Exeter College Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement

Exeter College’s Mike Blakeley, who has been with the college since 2014, is shortlisted in the coveted FE Leader of the Year category following an incredible year of achievements for the Exeter College Apprenticeships Team, including a recent nomination in the Association of Colleges Beacon City & Guilds Award for Engagement with Employers.  

A recent Department for Education survey also announced Exeter College as the top-rated further education college in the South West for employer satisfaction; the second year running they held this title.  

This latest recognition for the Apprenticeships provision at Exeter College, alongside record levels of recruitment of Apprentices at Exeter College in the last academic year, represents the continuing success and outstanding reputation of the college locally and nationally.  

Speaking after learning of his nomination, Mike said, “It’s a massive surprise and a huge honour to be nominated for this award. Although my name is on the nomination, I think this is simply a reflection on the terrific Exeter College teams, regional partners, employers and Apprentices we work with every day. 

“As an Apprenticeships Team we have performed incredibly well against a challenging national picture and have consistently come out as one of the top Apprenticeships providers in the country. From here, we want to continue innovating, continue working with industry partners and develop further so that Apprentices and businesses can work together to meet the skills challenges of the future. 

“I would like to wish all my fellow nominees the best of luck ahead of the ceremony.” 

The winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London, on 20 March. 

Speaking after the announcement of the full shortlist for the Tes FE Awards, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “Congratulations to all of those who have made the shortlist for the Tes FE Awards. The awards are a great opportunity to celebrate and recognise the brilliant work being carried out every day around the country across the sector.  

“You should all be very proud of the work you are doing to support people to develop the skills they need to transform their lives.” 

Interested in finding out more about Apprenticeships? Register now to attend the Apprenticeships Expo held at Exeter College Sports Hall on Thursday, 6th February.  

Check out the full shortlist for all the categories on the Tes FE Awards story.  

What to Expect at an Exeter College Open Event

Discover what Exeter College has to offer at one of our inspiring Open Events. All learners, regardless of course choice or level of study, get the chance to learn about what it’s like to study at an Ofsted Outstanding college at our next Open Event which takes place on Wednesday 20th November 2019, from 5-8pm and you can register here.  

As we prepare to celebrate our 50th year with celebrations throughout 2020, potential students are invited ‘behind the curtain’ to discover how Exeter College can help get them where they want to go.

At one of our Open Events you get the chance to meet lecturers, learn about different subject routes and see the variety of extra-curricular activities offered as part of our whole person approach to teaching and learning.  

Exeter College sites will be open to the public, meaning you have the opportunity to see the fantastic facilities in our Construction Centre, Centre for Creative Industries, Maths and Science Centre and Technology Centre, as well as other college sites.  

The Right Course for Your Future

With courses available from Level 1 all the way through to degree level study, Exeter College has something for everyone. Students who are considering options following school can choose to study A Levels, BTECs, Apprenticeships, and, from 2020, the government’s brand new T Levels; a technical-based qualification that prepares students for industry with practical skills and knowledge. 

At an Exeter College Open Event there are dedicated areas to find out about our different types of courses for all learners, including Apprenticeships, Adult Learning and our University Level Courses. 

Travel Options

Distance is no barrier to those interested in studying with us. A subsidised travel scheme is available for eligible students to travel to Exeter by bus or train and a new 16-17 Railcard has just been announced which offers 50% off most rail journeys. 

Key Dates

Our all college Open Events for 2020 entry are as follows: 

  • Thursday 17th October 2019, 5-8pm. 
  • Wednesday 20th November 2019, 5-8pm. 
  • Wednesday 15th January 2019, 5-8pm. 

Register now for an Open Event to hear more about life at the college as well as receive your event programme by email.  

You can also request our new School Leavers’ Guide and it will be delivered to your door. It’s a great way to find out more about courses and college life before your Open Event.  

Exeter College Opens New Mini Data Hub

Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw visited Exeter College’s Victoria House site to open a brand new Mini Data Hub; a state-of-the-art new facility which will provide industry-standard IT resources to the college’s students.  

The newly created space plays host to two comprehensive IT suites complete with industry specification computers, analytics software and optimised large-screen display equipment.  

Senior leaders and students of the college attended the launch event as Ben explored the new facilities and then formally opened the area by cutting the ribbon on the new Mini Data Hub.  

The new digital workspace utilises the area in Victoria House that was vacated when the new £2.4million Gym and Dance Studio opened earlier this year.  

The new IT suites combine the traditional classroom environment with cutting edge computer equipment, helping students to learn the IT skills required to thrive in the digital world. Full-time 16-18 students and others studying specialist data and analytics-focused courses will access the industry-standard technology during their studies.  

Exeter College’s Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy was delighted with how the vision for the space has been realised. John said, “The size of the space gives our students the opportunity to explore theory and then put that immediately into practice on high spec, fantastic IT equipment. 

“The fact that there are two rooms together where we can run specialist classes side-by-side really benefits the teaching and learning that can take place.” 

John also thanked Ben Bradshaw for coming to support the opening.  

“We were delighted to have Ben here to open the space. He is an advocate for Exeter College and for Colleges more widely, so it is great that he was able to fit this opening into his busy schedule. In this area, we have been very fortunate to have Ben as an active and extremely supportive MP.  

“I would also like to mention East Devon MP Sir Hugo Swire, who has also been a real advocate for us here at college.” 

Want to look around the facilities for yourself? Book in for our next Open Event.

Exeter College Student Takes Flight Thanks to Groundbreaking Scholarship

A former Exeter College student is helping to break the glass ceiling in the aviation industry, having secured a landmark £25,000 scholarship with pilot training provider L3 Airline Academy.  

Miryam Ley, 18, is set to follow her father’s footsteps on to the flight deck having been selected as one of only 10 successful applicants across Europe for the L3 Pilot Pathways Female Scholarship; a new scheme designed to help more women in to training to become a pilot.  

The scholarship application process involved Miryam undergoing stringent aptitude examinations as well as group interviews and one-on-one discussions on the aviation industry and her ambitions beyond the pilot training course.  

She is one of only 10 women across Europe to be awarded the scholarship, which aims to address the historically low number of female pilots working in the industry; with women making up around just 6% of commercial pilots in the industry.  

Miryam was formally awarded her scholarship during a ceremony at L3’s new training facility in Crawley, where Prince Charles was in attendance congratulating the successful scholarship applicants.  

“I’m really excited to get started now. I want to inspire more females in to aviation because I know it can be difficult when there are so few role models,” said Miryam.  

“I’ve always liked flying and have been lucky enough to fly quite a bit because my dad [Andrew Ley] is a pilot. However, I never really considered it as a career for me and I think that’s because, despite knowing a lot of pilots through my dad, I never saw many women doing the job.  

“I’ve got the chance now to pursue something I really want to do and I can’t wait to get started.” 

Miryam’s journey to becoming a pilot will begin in September at L3’s Ground School Training Centre in Southampton. She will spend six months learning the theory behind taking flight before gearing up to take to the skies from one of L3’s centres in New Zealand, Portugal, Abu Dhabi or Bournemouth.  

Miryam continued: “Ground School will be tough – we take 14 exams in six months – but the flying phase of training is what excites me the most. It’s going to be great learning the practicalities of flying from some great locations.” 

Fortunately, the teenager from Crediton is well-versed in tough exams, having just graduated from Exeter College with A grades in Chemistry and Maths, as well as an A* in Biology. Her academic achievements led her to applying to study Veterinary Science at the University of Liverpool and the University of Nottingham. She received offers from both universities but subsequently rejected them to pursue her dream career in aviation.  

Miryam wanted to pay tribute to the role Exeter College, and especially her tutor Claudia Martin, played in her successful application to L3’s scholarship.  

“I loved it at Exeter College. Claudia was an amazing tutor and everyone at the college pushed you and really wanted to get the best out of you in a way that isn’t always the case at other places I’ve studied. 

“I got a lot of support from teachers and Claudia did a mock interview with me which I think was a big reason why I did well in my interview at L3.” 

Claudia, who lectures in Maths and Science at Exeter College, was delighted for her former tutee.  

“Miryam was a star student and gained fantastic results, giving her so many different options after college, which was great,” said Claudia. 

“Getting offers to study Veterinary Science at two leading universities is no mean feat, but then to have the skills to go on and achieve this great scholarship to go for her dream career is magnificent; I’m really proud of her.”  

Miryam’s training course takes around 18 months to complete, after which she hopes to be placed with an airline and one day become a long haul pilot for British Airways.  

Interested in studying with Exeter College? Find out more about what’s on offer at one of our inspiring Open Events.

Exeter College and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) have teamed up to pioneer the provision of the latest technical training programmes prior to a national rollout starting in 2020.  

Exeter College is one of the first colleges in the country – and the only one in Devon – to be offering the government’s new T Levels for 2020 delivery. The two year, Level 3 technical qualification sits alongside A Levels, BTECs and Apprenticeships within a reformed skills training system for 16-18 year olds.  

As part of the provision for the new T Levels, students on the programme must gain 20 days relevant workplace experience during their studies and RAMM has provided two placements as part of a pilot programme that is crucial to the success of T Levels.  

RAMM has recently played host to the workplace development of Level 3 IT Systems and Network students Kyle and Marshall in preparation for the new T Level system.  

Marshall worked with RAMM’s in-house designed on projects around animation, design, newsletters and programmes. He said, “I’ve really enjoyed being creative and have learnt that good planning pays off. I now know that I want to be a designer.”  

Meanwhile, Kyle worked closely with RAMM’s Digital Media Officer and developed a digital display panel for their central core wall. He said, “Before I worked at RAMM I would never have thought about working in the cultural sector. 

“Now I have a much better idea of what I’d like to do in the future. Work isn’t half as scary as I thought it was.” 

RAMM’s Skills Development Officer Sophie Harbour is delighted with the partnership with Exeter College: “We are very impressed with Kyle and Marshall’s commitment and the professional manner in which they have conducted their duties. With their skills and enthusiasm, we were able to complete important projects that wouldn’t otherwise have been possible. 

“RAMM is committed to creating relevant and meaningful opportunities for young people to gain experience of working in a dynamic cultural environment.  

“Working with Exeter College on this pilot scheme is an important addition to the internships, placements, training and work experience that we currently offer and we look forward to continuing to work with Exeter College to build on this very positive start to the programme.” 

Exeter College Assistant Principal Sam Hillman said, “Industry placements provide learners with an opportunity to develop industry-related knowledge, behaviours and skills. Kyle and Marshall have worked alongside, and have been mentored by, the RAMM’s brilliant in-house designer and digital media officer. Successfully completing live projects of benefit to the RAMM. 

“Through the exceptional work-placed experience and support provided by the RAMM Kyle and Mitchell have thrived. Not only has their learning been enhanced but, they have acquired and developed skills that will stand them in good stead for the future.  

“Kyle and Mitchell are a real credit to the Faculty of Business and IT and to the College. As a key partner of Exeter College, we are delighted to be working with the RAMM on pioneering industry placements and very much look forward to continuing to build on this great start.” 

Exeter College will be delivering T Levels in Construction, Education and Digital from 2020, with a further 22 subjects to follow for 2021 delivery.

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