Exeter College Announces Free Tuition for Students Retaking Summer Exams

Exeter College has announced a suite of support for its further education students who wish to retake their exams in the autumn after academic results were revealed, and then adjusted by the Government, earlier this month.

After the latest Government guidance, all students receiving grades this summer will be awarded either their centre-assessed grade or their exam board grade – depending on which is higher. Exeter College’s grades have continued their legacy of success, with the vast majority of A level learners able to progress to their first-choice university. However, as happens frequently with exams in a normal year, some learners would like a chance to re-sit to improve their grade.

“Offering this free tuition to students who are re-sitting their exams is just another way we’re trying to ensure that no student feels left behind by the complications that have come with awarding qualifications this summer,”
Jade Otty, Vice Principal

Exeter College has now announced that students who wish to take their exams during the autumn examination series will be eligible for free online tuition for each of the subjects they’re re-sitting. The subject-specialist staff at the College will deliver this bank of sessions specifically designed to focus on the needs of the autumn examinations. As a result, learners will be given the opportunity to improve their knowledge and understanding of topics they may feel less secure on from their own revision in advance of their exams.

Exeter College Director of Academic Studies, Dee Rowett, said, “We are fully aware that some learners may feel disappointed that they were unable to demonstrate their abilities through the cancelled examination series in the summer so we are keen to provide the very best opportunity to learners wishing to enter for the autumn exams.

“The teaching staff here at the College have become confident and skilled in the use of online technology to support teaching and learning so we believe our online revision sessions are the ideal way to help learners in advance of the October examinations.

“We are proud of the hard work and achievements of all our learners during this particularly difficult time and want to continue to do our very best to support the ambitions of every learner in creating this online revision offer.”

Exeter College Vice Principal Jade Otty, who leads on academic performance, said, “Offering this free tuition to students who are re-sitting their exams is just another way we’re trying to ensure that no student feels left behind by the complications that have come with awarding qualifications this summer.

“These free online revision sessions will really help students top up their knowledge if they’re feeling slightly out-of-practice after the summer break and should help give them the best possible chance of achieving the grades they want from their studies.

“I’m thrilled we’re able to offer this support for our students and I want to thank our expert teachers who will be helping to facilitate this offer.”

Students interested in taking an exam in the autumn series of resits can apply to do so now. The deadline for applying to take a resit in the autumn is midnight on 2^nd September for AS/A Levels and 8^th September for our current GCSE learners. The exams will take place in October and November 2020.

BBC to Open Studio at Exeter College

The BBC will move to new studios at Exeter College, offering budding journalists opportunities to work with BBC programme makers.

Students at the college’s Centre for Creative Industries (CCI) will also get the chance to pitch their work to BBC Radio Devon, BBC Spotlight and BBC News online.

“I feel we can set a new standard for media orientated training that benefits the BBC, students, staff and the wider community,”
John Laramy, Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive

The new studios, currently being built on the ground floor of the CCI building just off Queen Street, will be used as a base for BBC reporters and a space for journalists to conduct interviews for regional and national news programmes, such as Newsnight or Radio 4 PM.

The move brings a regional base for the BBC into the centre of Exeter, moving from their current Pynes Hill site, providing the broadcaster a new opportunity to further cover the stories that matter most to local people.

BBC Radio Devon Editor Mark Grinnell said: “The South West has always had a vibrant media industry, thanks in no small part to institutions like Exeter College’s Centre for Creative Industries. We hope this collaboration will build on that while allowing us to continue covering Devon’s busy news agenda.”

Each term the students will pitch stories to the broadcaster’s journalists, with the chance to have their work broadcast on the BBC.

A BBC panel will also meet twice a year to give feedback to the College’s aspiring journalists on news stories and BBC staff will be conducting guest lectures to give students the very latest hints and tips on getting into the industry from those who work in it. This will particularly help students in the College’s Journalism Academy, which is made up of learners on a range of courses who have an interest in a career in the media.

Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy said, “We’re thrilled to be welcoming the BBC to our campus and help bring them into the heart of the city of Exeter.

“Part of the vision for our curriculum is to provide a line of sight to industry and hosting the BBC Studio in our Centre for Creative Industries is a great way to put one of the biggest brands in media at the heart of the student experience.

“Our students will benefit hugely from being able to take in the inside knowledge of journalists and apply that to their learning in College and beyond. This new association with the BBC has the potential to be truly groundbreaking and together I feel we can set a new standard for media orientated training that benefits the BBC, students, staff and the wider community.”

Stephanie Marshall, Head of the BBC in the West and South West, said: “The move to Exeter College represents a new way of working for our regional news teams, bringing us closer to students who could one day be broadcasting across our airwaves.

“We hope that having a BBC presence on-site will help inspire the next generation of journalists.

“With Apprenticeships and schemes like BBC Young Reporter we are doing more than ever to support people aspiring to work in the media industry.”

The refurbishment work will be completed in the coming weeks and the BBC journalists will begin working there soon afterwards.

Ofsted Outstanding, bringing Exeter College to the next level  

We’re Devon’s only Ofsted Outstanding tertiary college, but how has this top rating helped to shape us and our students’ education?

We were first awarded our Outstanding rating in 2012, after inspectors arrived unannounced, checking on all aspects of College life. This inspection awarded us an overall rating of Outstanding, bringing us to the top level of Ofsted’s rating system, and announcing us as one of the very best colleges in the country.   

Two years passed and the Ofsted inspectors arrived again, once more awarding us with an Outstanding overall rating. On top of this, they ranked us as Outstanding across each of the categories; Outcomes for Learners, Learning and Assessment, Quality of Teaching and the Effectiveness of Leadership and Management.  

Exceptional College

A lot of schools or colleges would see achieving Ofsted Outstanding across all categories as ‘job done’ but not us. We have used this backing as a launchpad to continue to innovate and flourish, benefiting our students and the wider community.   

John Laramy, Principal and Chief Executive at Exeter College since 2009, said, “While it was our strategic ambition to become Ofsted Outstanding, for us the most important part of this was the national confirmation that our students are achieving great things.   

“Once we were rated Outstanding across all categories, the staff at the college immediately looked at what’s next. We used the validation from Ofsted as a platform and have since set a new vision, which is to become an ‘exceptional college’. I am very pleased to report that with the partnerships we have now, and experiences the College is now able to offer, we are on track to achieve this new milestone.”  

Our Achievements

In recent years, our College has gone from strength-to-strength. We were named as 2016’s Centre of the Year at the City and Guilds Lion Awards, STEM FE College of the Year 2018, and even as one of the Top 100 Best Not-For-Profit Organisations to work for by the Sunday Times in 2019.   

As a college, we pride ourselves on our reputation for our academic, vocational and Apprenticeship excellence, which continues to grow. In 2019 our students achieved exceptional A Level results, with a 99.7% pass rate, well above the national average of 97.6%. Our vocational success continues to exceed the national average, and recently our Apprenticeship team was shortlisted in the Association of College’s Beacon Awards for Employer Engagement.   

Looking to the future, while reflecting on 50 years of excellence since being named as the UK’s first ever tertiary college, has been the key to our drive to exceptional education.   

World Class Facilities

We continue to invest in our College, making sure we have the tools and facilities to provide students the best education. Our renowned Centre for Creative Industries offers students the latest software and equipment in the creative arts, giving them the means to achieve their full potential. In 2015, we opened our Maths and Science Centre, with 11 purpose-built laboratories. On top of this, our Technology and Construction Centres have also seen recent investment, making sure teaching practice is industry-led and fit for the future.   

Our new Digital and Data Centre is also currently under construction. Opening early 2021, this Centre will be part of the wider South West Institute of Technology plan, which will revolutionise the teaching of digital, manufacturing and engineering education across the South West.

Ongoing Success

Due to our Ofsted Outstanding rating, our strive of educational excellence, and our outstanding teaching, we have been selected by the Government to be one of the first providers in the UK, and the only provider in Devon, of the new T Level qualification, which will be rolling out this September.

John Laramy said, “Since the Ofsted Outstanding rating I am delighted to report that student results have improved further and the College’s estate and facilities have really developed. I personally lead ‘learner voice’ and just last week heard first-hand about the great work going on right across the College from learners themselves. I believe part of our ongoing success is down to the way that students and Apprentices remain at the heart of our decision making – their ambition and feedback inspires all of us.  

“During the last few months, we have really benefited from the combination of expert teachers, a dynamic digital strategy and great students. As Principal, I get a real buzz from students achieving their absolute potential and using the result to realise their ambitions.”  

We are currently planning for enrolment, where we will welcome students who will be joining us in September. Everyone who holds an offer to study with us will be informed about the enrolment process in the coming weeks.

You can still apply online to study at our Ofsted Outstanding College for a September 2020 start. Once all requested documents have been submitted and reviewed, applicants will be given a conditional offer.

Exeter College student joins NHS front line

Exeter College student Madeleine Crow has concluded her College studies early to take up a position on the NHS front line.

Madeleine, 17, from Topsham, was in her final year at Exeter College studying A Levels in Biology and PE, alongside a BTEC in Health and Social Care, when the Government announced the closure of all schools and colleges to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.

“It’s a steep learning curve, but everyone’s helpful, and everyone’s working together.”
Madeleine Crow, Health Care Assistant.

Madeleine had already secured a job offer from Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital but decided to join them on the front line as a Healthcare Assistant before she was due to start in order to help in the fight against Coronavirus.

Commenting on her new role, Madeleine said, “The atmosphere at the hospital is a bit different from how it usually is as everybody slightly on edge.

“I’ve been on a lot of COVID-19 wards, and it is a bit scary, but there are still patients who need looking after.  

“It is a different type of nursing, as there is less patient contact. The personal protective equipment makes it feel like there is a wall between you and the patient; but we have to be careful to protect ourselves and protect the patients.

“It’s a steep learning curve, but everyone’s helpful, and everyone’s working together.”

Madeleine is following in the footsteps of her parents, both of whom also work for the NHS.

Her father is currently helping with the hospital’s planning for the COVID-19 pandemic as a Director at the hospital, while her mother works as an Assistant at a local GP surgery.

Madeleine said, “My mum has always done things to help and support people. She used to be a family support worker and we had a foster child for a while. She has always helped to look after people, and it’s made me want to do it too.”

Madeleine also wanted to pay tribute to the College for helping to prepare her for her new NHS role.

She said, “My Health and Social Care BTEC gave me a good understanding of how patient care is delivered, and my Biology A Level has been beneficial too.

“There is no way to know what it’s like until you’re actually working, but Exeter College gave me a good insight.”

Madeleine appreciates the insights her Healthcare Assistant role is currently giving her in working with the NHS and would like to continue her nursing career in the future.

She said, “There are so many ways to go into nursing, from Apprenticeship schemes to getting a degree and working your way up; it’ll be a matter of what will be available at the time and when I can start.”

Find out what Exeter College has been doing to help support the community during these unprecedented times.

Are you interested in a career in healthcare? Apply now for the September 2020 start.

Big boost for Devon’s economic recovery

A major step to boost Devon’s economy after lockdown is being taken by the County Council and partners Exeter College.

A new academy for future skills will be created to offer training for high-tech jobs in engineering, digital, construction and clean growth.

Devon County Council has agreed to purchase the vacant former Flybe Training Academy in Exeter which closed when the airline went into administration. The deal will see Exeter College, the city’s Ofsted outstanding education provider, run the new academy.

“This new academy will not just provide future skills for a more sustainable Devon, it will also support us to develop skills in digital and data technologies,”
John Laramy, Principal and Chief Executive of Exeter College

Since 2007 Exeter College has been the chosen academic partner of the Flybe Training Academy and delivered a range of programmes including non-aerospace work. The new academy will offer inspirational opportunities for the region’s young people, while also offering adults the chance to upskill or retrain into a chosen career.

County council leader John Hart said: “We must all continue to be extremely vigilant and maintain the restrictions which have seen our region emerge as the area which has been least affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

“But as lockdown is gradually eased, we must plan for the future and do all we can to protect and improve our economy.

“Creating and retaining a highly skilled workforce underpins the economic prosperity of Devon and will be a key part of our economic recovery plan after Covid 19.”

The county council is investing almost £4 million into the project.

Devon’s Cabinet member for economy and skills, Rufus Gilbert, said: “High-tech skills for engineering and digital are vital to our economy.

“Engineering and its aligned professions account for around seven or eight per cent of Devon’s workforce but provide around 20 per cent of our output.

“Some two per cent of Devon’s engineers retire each year and there are key gaps in the engineering sector. So ensuring a steady supply of experienced engineering professionals is a key element of our long-term growth plans.

“They will be an important part of our plans to reset our economy for a future skills agenda taking in high-tech engineering, digital and data, advanced manufacturing, sustainable construction and clean growth and energy.

“And depending on how the aviation industry recovers from the pandemic, we are also well placed to provide training for careers in aerospace as well.

“Our young people are our future. This is an excellent plan and we are doing it for them.

“It will support the creation and retention of local talent, provide rewarding careers for our young people and support innovation across the business sector.”

John Laramy, Principal and Chief Executive of Exeter College said: “We are delighted to be able to support this ground-breaking partnership with Devon County Council.

“This new academy will not just provide future skills for a more sustainable Devon, it will also support us to develop skills in digital and data technologies, including building on our excellent track record of working with artificial intelligence and supporting new sectors such as robotic agriculture.

“This will ensure our community have the very best in education and training, and our position as a provider of education and training using cutting-edge technologies continues.

“We have had a long standing relationship with the training academy and see this collaboration to have significant benefit for the region in ensuring Devon retains a highly skilled, local workforce that continues to thrive in challenging economic times.”

Local county councillor Sara Randall-Johnson said: “It is vitally important that we maintain this training facility especially for the growing town of Cranbrook which has a young population.”

The leader of Devon’s Labour opposition, Rob Hannaford, said: “I am 100 per cent behind this. The loss of this skills and training hub now would have been devastating.

“We want our young people to have high-skilled, well-paid jobs and be the bedrock of our economy.”

Liberal Democrat leader Alan Connett said: “This is a unique opportunity to acquire the former Flybe Academy and I support the county council’s plan to purchase it and enable Exeter College to expand its range of courses at the facility.

“It is important that we invest in the educational development of our young people, especially so given the current situation but also for the long-term prosperity of our county and wider region.”

University Academic Announced as Patron of Exeter College

University of Exeter Vice Chancellor Sir Steve Smith has been announced as a Patron of Exeter College, becoming just the second person to be awarded the prestigious title.

Exeter College awards patronages in recognition of exceptional achievements of distinguished friends of the College and Sir Steve joins renowned Chef Michael Caines MBE in receiving the honour.

“I have had the privilege of working closely with Exeter College over a number of years, and it plays a pivotal role not only in providing an exceptional educational experience for its students but also in the wider community,”
Sir Steve Smith, University of Exeter Vice Chancellor

Sir Steve has been instrumental in shaping the education landscape within Exeter and the wider region. Together, the University of Exeter and Exeter College are co-sponsors of both the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust and the Exeter Mathematics School. It is these partnerships and the relationship between the University and the College that has helped to make the education ecosystem within Exeter so clear, coherent and effective.

Sir Steve’s tenure as Vice Chancellor at the University of Exeter has seen the University gain Russell Group status and consistently excel in national and international rankings of universities. His achievements since his appointment in 2002 have also seen him knighted in 2011 and made Freeman of the City of Exeter in 2019. Between 2009 and 2011 Sir Steve was President of Universities UK (UUK).

The announcement was officially made at Exeter College’s landmark 50^th Anniversary Student Awards held in the stunning location of Exeter Cathedral in January.

Speaking after receiving the award, Sir Steve said, “I am delighted, and humbled, to have been given the honour of becoming a Patron of Exeter College.

“I have had the privilege of working closely with Exeter College over a number of years, and it plays a pivotal role not only in providing an exceptional educational experience for its students but also in the wider community. Exeter already has a wonderful ethos of collaboration amongst its further and higher education institutions, and I am delighted to have this opportunity not just to help strengthen this further, but also to support the excellent work carried out at Exeter College in the coming years.”

As a Patron of Exeter College, Sir Steve has been formally recognised for his immense contributions to the region and education. The College, in turn, can benefit from his accumulated knowledge, his passion for education and his belief in the power of partnership.

Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy, who has worked closely with Sir Steve and his team since joining the College 11 years ago, said, “We are thrilled that Sir Steve has agreed to become a Patron of Exeter College. His impact on the City of Exeter, the region and research-intensive education more widely, has been immense. We will benefit greatly from his wisdom and guidance in the years ahead, I am sure that Sir Steve’s ethos of partnership working and collaboration between higher education and further education is a blueprint for the future.

“Sir Steve has been an incredible advocate for the development of not just for the University, but for the wider community and has been a passionate supporter of Exeter College over the years.”

Exeter College’s Student Awards celebrated the exceptional students of Exeter College in a landmark event that also looked back on 50 years since being named as the UK’s first ever tertiary college. Inspirational students were recognised in a ceremony after a meal served in the nave of Exeter Cathedral.

Find out more about the Exeter College Student Awards 2020.

[Photo: Sir Steve Smith is pictured with Exeter College Principal John Laramy, Chair of Governors David Allen OBE and student award winners at the Exeter College Student Awards in January 2020.]

You’re Invited to Exeter College’s Online Showcase

Exeter College is launching its first ever Online Showcase, offering school leavers the chance to discover everything the Ofsted Outstanding further education provider has to offer from the comfort of their own home.

The Online Showcase will take place on Thursday 21^st May 2020, 3pm-8pm and gives potential applicants the opportunity to discover more about courses, teaching and support available on travel and in the classroom.

As part of the Online Showcase, students in year 9, 10 or 11 will get the chance to watch interactive seminars with subject leaders and opportunities will be available for questions to be answered via live web chat.

Register your interest today and we’ll send you a personalised timetable for the subjects you are interested in. Simple instructions will be sent in the run up to the event on how to access the live sessions through Microsoft Teams (no installation required).

Advice and guidance will also be available on anything from which types of courses you should consider to which clubs and societies you can get involved with if you join us.

Any current school student interested in joining Exeter College is welcome to register to attend the Online Showcase, whether you’ve already applied or you’re just looking at your options for when you finish school.

This is a great chance to find out everything you need to know about joining Ofsted Outstanding Exeter College.

Can’t virtually attend on the day? We’ll post recordings from the sessions on our website so you can catch up on what you’ve missed!

If you’re an adult learner (18+), we will soon be announcing our Online Adult Open Event, which will provide specialist information and advice.

Considering an Apprenticeship? You can attend the Virtual Apprenticeship Open Evening on 14^th May to find out everything you need to know. If not, you can register for an Apprenticeship seminar in session seven of the Online Showcase.

Exeter Chiefs Women’s Side Boosts Exeter College Rugby Academy

Exeter College’s Ofsted Outstanding offer to the region’s top young rugby talent received a huge boost with the news that Exeter Chiefs’ newly launched professional women’s side received approval to join the Tyrrell’s Premier 15s League.

The agreement to join the league rubber stamps the launch of Exeter Chiefs’ women’s team and provides fresh impetus to Women’s Rugby Academy at Exeter College.

Exeter College has been offering the Women’s Rugby Academy education provision in partnership with Exeter Chiefs for three years, with students given the chance to pursue a career in professional rugby while receiving exceptional education with the College.

Following on from the success of the Men’s Exeter Chiefs Rugby Academy at Exeter College, the Women’s provision has grown in popularity since its launch three years ago and now almost 50 students are receiving both top class rugby coaching as well as Ofsted Outstanding education.

The creation of a fully-fledged women’s professional rugby side in Exeter has opened new opportunities for the South West’s finest female rugby players to remain in the area and pursue their career in professional sport while also receiving top class post-16 education.

Exeter Chiefs Women’s Head Coach Susie Appleby, who won 65 caps for England during her playing career, said, “It’s an incredibly exciting time to be a young female player in the South West. Exeter College already has an excellent rugby programme, which is crucial to the success of Exeter Chiefs Women.

“Exeter Chiefs will be supporting this programme; our players will be coaching, helping with analysis and also in the gym. We want female players to experience a professional training environment from an early age, and the Exeter College Academy provides this opportunity.

“We hope players graduating from the academy will be the next Exeter Chiefs stepping out on to Sandy Park and ultimately into an England shirt.”

In addition to students’ academic studies with Exeter College, Rugby Academy pupils take part in first-rate training regimes embedded into their timetable to ensure that their sporting prowess matches their academic progression. With state-of-the-art gym facilities opened in 2019, students can also get ahead in the gym when not in the classroom or on the pitch.

Exeter College Sports Academy Manager Chris Wall said, “We’re all thrilled that Exeter Chiefs are forging ahead with their plans for a women’s professional side.

“With the Chiefs’ influence and popularity, I’m hoping that this will not only help inspire our current students about the levels of the sport they can reach, but also help develop that next generation of women’s rugby players and raise their aspirations to a possible career in professional rugby if you’ve got the talent and work ethic.

“Our Academy players will be supporting the roster of players that are available to the Chiefs’ side and will get the chance to really interact and see what it’s like for the current professionals in the game. I can’t wait to see more positive benefits from this partnership come to fruition in the coming years.”

Sports Academy students at Exeter College have varied study options and students travelling from further afield could opt to stay in the College’s Clock Tower boarding accommodation, complete with ensuite bedrooms and communal social spaces. Support on travel is also available through the College’s Travel Scheme and there’s a wide variety of course options available for students taking part in Sports Academies.

If you have applied for the Sports Academy or intend to do so, Exeter College will be holding performance trials once the College reopens and the current situation regarding the Coronavirus pandemic allows it.

Find out more

Find out more about the Sports Academies at Exeter College.

Apply online now to secure your place at Exeter College in September 2020.

Check out accommodation options at Exeter College.

Contact Sports Academy Manager Chris Wall with any direct queries on chriswall@exe-coll.ac.uk.

Writing Success for Exeter College Languages Student

An Exeter College student studying Spanish is celebrating success after his thoughtful essay on how languages unite people was awarded the runner-up prize in a competition run by the University of Exeter.

Sam Pestridge, from Exminster, entered the competition that invited A Level languages students from around the county to submit their thoughts on the question, ‘Do languages unite more than they divide us?’

“There were lots of different people who entered, so when I heard that I had placed I was really pleased,”
Sam Pestridge, Exeter College Student

Sam’s 500 word essay looked at the roots of all language in the world, providing an optimistic view of the future of communication.

Sam said, “I tried to look at the question from a different angle. I did some research and reading about how languages have evolved and the different theories behind that. I wrote about languages and their development, from our early use of them to how we use them now.”

Sam’s efforts paid off, as he received the runner up prize for the University of Exeter’s competition, which has seen his work published in their online magazine The Language Exepress and Sam received an Amazon gift voucher worth £20.

“I was very surprised that I heard back from them because I didn’t expect anything at all,” said Sam.

“There were lots of different people who entered, so when I heard that I had placed I was really pleased. My essay essentially concluded that languages do unite us more than they divide us. We managed to use language historically as a way to make sure that we survived in our human groups. I ended with a call to action saying that we need to re-learn how to use languages so that they can act as a unifying tool once again.”

Sam’s Spanish Lecturer Tim Melia said how pleased he was for Sam. “I’m very proud that we have students like Sam with us at the college; with a genuine interest in languages and with the motivation and maturity to take part in this competition alongside their studies. My warmest congratulations to Sam and all our students who took part,” said Tim.

“This competition has been a part of our efforts in languages to forge links with the University. This has also involved us delivering a joint session on the merits of studying languages to students in schools in the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust.”

The essays were judged by a panel of University of Exeter Lecturers who were looking for creativity and quality of analysis from the entrants.

Sam’s entry is featured in Issue 11 of The Language Exepress

Sam, who is currently in Year 12, is studying for A Levels in Spanish, Politics and History with Exeter College. He wanted to pay tribute to the impact of his Spanish Lecturer Tim Melia for helping him during his studies.

Sam continued: “Tim sent us the competition details for this and encouraged us to go for it. He’s always on the lookout for opportunities for us to be able to extend ourselves outside of the normal curriculum and do things that aren’t on the syllabus but will enrich our studies.”

Indeed, in Sam’s nine months with Exeter College so far, his Spanish class visited the Translation Festival in Exeter and have taken part in the linguistics Olympiad; a series of language-based puzzles designed by the Languages and English Language Departments.

“I wanted to take a language with Exeter College because it gives me the chance to communicate with people I wouldn’t normally be able to. The course here is great because it covers the whole Hispanic world with topics on politics and society, among others,” said Sam.

“The course lets you learn a lot more about the world as well as language and it’s really interesting to be able to do that with Spanish.

“Tim teaches us in a holistic way. During my GCSEs, I felt like I was memorising things, but Tim has been teaching us so that we can learn to actually communicate well, rather than just pass an exam. We’re not just learning the language; we’re learning how to use it well.”

Online Learning

Sam’s ongoing learning with Exeter College is currently taking place online due to the Government’s closure of schools and colleges in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.

He said he’s been receiving support from College staff during this challenging period.

“Teachers have been calling us online, this is especially useful for a subject like Spanish where it’s important that we keep practising our speaking,” said Sam.

“Teachers have been doing PowerPoints and recording sessions for us. I feel I’m supported in my learning and the teachers are always available for us if we need them.”

After completing his studies with Exeter College in summer 2021, Sam hopes to go to university to study International Development and Spanish as a joint degree.

“I find those two aspects of my work really enjoyable. As far as a job goes after university, I’m hoping that the skills I gain from my degree will leave me with lots of opportunities. I’ll look in to which career path is right for me as I go forward.”

Read Sam’s full article here in The Language Exepress.

Check out our A Level Spanish course page.

Complete an online application now to study with Exeter College.

Awarding BTEC Qualifications FAQs

Updated:
06/05/2020

Some current BTEC students have been asking for clarification on how the awarding process for their qualifications will work during the College closure. Here are some frequently asked questions to help support your ongoing study with Exeter College and provide guidance on the process for awarding grades.

Please note: Pearson (the awarding body for BTEC qualifications) has announced they will be using calculated grades for any units due for completion after March shut down. For units that are assessed by coursework, predicted grades will be provided. For units that are assessed in the way of an exam, Pearson will calculate these grades. However, for some NVQs and for all Higher National Certificates and Higher National Diplomas, they will carry on with adapted assessments. We will communicate directly with learners with any further updates.

How will my overall grade for the year be calculated?

Pearson have told us that your qualification grade will be worked out using the following evidence: 

Actual grades you achieved in units that were due in before the disruption began: this means that the College will submit your grades for work that you were supported with before the shutdown. If you have any outstanding assignments or re-submissions from before 23rd March, it is therefore really important that you do hand these in to your teacher or else we will not be able to submit a grade for that unit for you. Please talk to your tutor if you are unsure if you have any outstanding work. 
Predicted grades for any assignment units or exams that were due to take place after 23rd March 2020: your teachers will be asked to give you a ‘calculated grade’ for such units. We will do this using our knowledge of your working level before the disruption. Please do not worry if you feel the work you are able to complete at the moment is not of the same quality that you were producing before 23rd March. We understand that working remotely without the face-to-face support you usually get in the classroom is not the same experience, and we know that many of you will find working at home at the moment a challenge. No learner will be marked down in predictions on this basis.

What are my priorities with remote learning?

If you have any outstanding assignments or re-submissions from before 23rd March, for units that should have been completed, it is really important that you do this work and hand this work in to your teacher or else we will not be able to submit a grade for that unit for you.

How can I check if I have any work that needs to be handed in?

Your unit lecturers should be contacting you via your college email if you have any work that needs to be completed and handed in for the units that finished before 23^rd March. You can also email your tutor if you are unsure if you have any outstanding work. Don’t forget that you can also check your tracker.

Will units that started in September and finish in June/July (delivered all year) be counted in my final grade?

As these units were not completed before March 23^rd teachers will be asked to give you a calculated or predicted grade for these units. We will do this using our knowledge of your working level before the disruption.

Will units that were due to be completed in April be counted in my final grade?

Why am I is still being asked to study and complete work if it will not count towards my overall grade for the year?

Continuing online study is important for a number of reasons:

Gaining the skills and knowledge to progress to your next stage: whether that’s the next academic year with us or, university study or employment. We want to make sure we have supported you with all the content your course would have included for your next step. 
It’s good for your mental wellbeing: Having a positive focus for your day is good for your mental health.
For assessments next year:  Awarding bodies have provided assurance of an extra exam window in the autumn for those who are unhappy with their calculated grade or feel they can do better. You need to have the skills and knowledge for this option to remain open to you. And of course, for those of you in year 1, we are supporting your knowledge ready for assignments and exams that you will sit next year.

Will I continue to be set assignments?

We will continue to support and provide you with learning materials remotely. In some cases, you may still be asked to complete a piece of writing however, we are very mindful that many of you will find working at home a challenge at the moment. Therefore, instead of an assignment you may be set different activities to complete. For any written work that you do submit you will continue to receive feedback.

Will my Tutor let me know my final grade?

We are not able to discuss with you individually what grade we might submit for you. In any case awarding bodies have their own quality and moderation processes that they will be applying to any data we send. We will not know your final grades until they are released by Pearson.

When will Pearson release my final grade?

Ofqual (the Office who regulate all qualifications) have said that they want this process to happen in a timely way so that you can progress and their aim is for you to receive your results around the same time as AS and A Level results. As soon as Pearson have advised us of the date your results will be released, we will let you know.

Click here to see Ofqual’s statement on awarding GCSEs, AS Levels and A Levels.