Catering students from our @thirty-four restaurant were paid a visit by Lucknam Park’s Tom Westerland and two former Exeter College students for a charity takeover to support the college’s charities of the year.
Lucknam Park Head Chef Tom trained and guided the students through a bespoke five-course menu; inspired by his own flair for local cuisine with a modern twist. Tom brought two former Exeter College students with him that he currently employs in his restaurant near Bath, to share their experiences of moving from being students to working in the industry.
“Exeter College graduates are brilliant, really keen, excellent and focused,”
Tom Westerland, Head Chef at Lucknam Park
The guests enjoyed their dining experience, and they managed to raise a fantastic £350 towards the college’s nominated charities for the academic year, Exeter Food Bank and Cancer Research UK.
Tom said, “I want to show the students new food and allow them to try out something different.”
“I think these experiences are really important for our young chefs; the main thing is to bridge the gap between work and college, but also to show them what goes on in the wider world.”
Ian Biggar, the Lead Tutor for the Faculty of Hospitality, Hair and Beauty, said: “This is an opportunity for the students to get on first name terms with a respected chef. We open them up to the industry, and that opens them up to employment opportunities.”
After working with and employing Exeter College’s alumni, Tom praised the quality of the chefs produced at the Ofsted Outstanding college.
“Exeter College graduates are brilliant, really keen, excellent and focused. They’re absolutely outstanding,” said Tom.
Choosing where you’re going to college is an exciting milestone in any teenager’s life. You want to make sure you make the right decision for you and your future.
Here are a few highlights of how our Ofsted Outstanding institution is continually improving; ensuring our place as an exceptional college in the heart of the South West, ready to welcome new students.
This year Exeter College’s academic results have, once again, gone above and beyond national averages.
Our inspirational A Level learners achieved an overall pass rate of 99.7%, well above the national average of 97.6%, while well over 50% of students were awarded ‘high grades’ of A*, A or B.
On top of the impressive A Level results, our International Baccalaureate results are the best in the college’s history, with a 100% pass rate and almost a third of students achieving over 40 points out of a possible 45, putting them in the top 5% in the world.
In addition to our school leaver offering of Apprenticeships, A Levels and BTECs, T Level courses last for two years and aim to give learners practical skills for the workplace following their studies.
This academic year has seen the launch of our new Personal Development Programme for learners. This initiative enables students to tackle issues around citizenship, the environment and employability skills.
This programme aims to boost the long-term progression and wellbeing our students and gives tutors extended time to tackle any individual issues our students want to raise about their studies.
Gym and Dance Studio
Exeter College’s New Gym (2019)
Our brand new Gym and Dance Studio opened its doors for the first time in 2019, giving our learners the opportunity to access industry-standard fitness equipment and a spacious dance studio.
Students on sports-related courses use the equipment as part of their studies, while other learners can get student memberships to use the inspirational facilities.
Mini Data Hub
2019 also saw us open our brand new Mini Data Hub; a state-of-the-art facility complete with IT suites with industry-standard analytics software and specialist wide-screen display screens.
Our Mini Data Hub is on the cutting edge of the digital world, helping our students to learn the IT skills required to thrive in data and analytics.
Learner Voice and Student Representation
It is important to us that we listen to our students.
The Learner Voice programme gives students a say in the way that they learn and the experiences they have here at Exeter College.
We use surveys and the Exeter College Students’ Union (ECSU) to hear your ideas, comments and concerns to inform how we do things around the college.
The ECSU is and the Learner Voice programme is your chance to tell us how we can be the best college for you, so we can continue developing in line with the needs of our learners.
Next Steps
If you would like to find out more about what Exeter College has to offer, pre-register and join us at our next Open Event on 15th January 2020.
If you already know Exeter College is the right place for your future, apply online now.
Free Adult Course on Business Start-Ups to Launch at Exeter College
Hopeful entrepreneurs are being given the chance to level up their skills thanks to Exeter College’s free qualification on creating a business start-up.
Any adult with interest in developing their business skills or starting their own venture can attend free of charge, whether they are just curious about the subject area or already have some skills they want to develop.
This part-time course will provide learners with a NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Creating a Business Start-Up. It’s designed for those who want understand how businesses are created, and why some thrive while others don’t get off the ground.
Learners will develop knowledge around a broad base of business skills. These include the progression of a business idea, pricing strategies and marketing methods.
A remarkable 600,000 businesses are launched in the UK every year, but around half of those don’t make it past the first three years. This course aims to equip learners with the knowledge of how and why some businesses succeed while others don’t. Practical, transferable skills develop along with theoretical knowledge, which underpins any business venture.
As a part-time course, learners can continue to work alongside their studies, or even start developing their own business idea in their own time.
This free course will launch in February 2020, and any adult learner is eligible to sign up and gain the GCSE-equivalent qualification.
To find out more and register your interest, contact our Adult Advice Team on 01392 400170 or email: adultadvice@exe-coll.ac.uk.
Course enrolment is subject to availability.
Exeter College Shortlisted for National Award for Employer Engagement
Exeter College has made it to the finals of the Association of Colleges Beacon City & Guilds Award for Engagement with Employers.
The Beacon Awards celebrate the best and most innovative practice among UK colleges each year. This award, supported by City and Guild, recognises exemplary practice in demonstrating an outstanding ability to work with and provide a direct service to employers. In particular, colleges that are effective in meeting employers’ skills needs and Apprenticeship requirements.
“The appetite for local businesses to turn work experience into fantastic Apprenticeship opportunities has never been stronger and more beneficial,”
Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement at Exeter College
Exeter College has made the coveted list of four finalists; recognised for engaging with employers and facing the skills challenges of industry in a proactive way.
The college’s Apprenticeships programme has had a hugely successful year, building on a legacy of success for students in industry. Businesses across a range of different sectors are currently hosting Exeter College students, with the record levels of recruitment, totalling 1150 new Apprentices, joining the college in the last academic year.
Students at Exeter College continue to develop their employability skills across a variety of courses in collaboration between the college and its affiliated local and national employers.
Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement at Exeter College, was delighted about the acknowledgement of the college’s partner-focused approach with employers.
“We’re all thrilled to have been selected based on the work we do with employers,” said Mike.
“We are coming to the end of an ambitious five-year strategic plan and this is another accolade that helps us to realise our aspirations of becoming the Apprenticeship provider of choice for the business community right across the region.
“We always want to ensure our students get the most out of their experience working in industry and that employers see the value of working with colleges to face the skills challenges of the future together. The appetite for local businesses to turn work experience into fantastic Apprenticeship opportunities has never been stronger and more beneficial.
“We are constantly looking to build on and improve the experience for businesses and employers as part of our ongoing mission to be a truly exceptional education and Apprenticeship provider.”
David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, said: “Colleges often don’t get the recognition they deserve, the AoC Beacon Awards aim to showcase exactly why colleges are so important and reward their dedication to learners and their progress in the workforce. Colleges produce the workers of the future and it’s clear from those who have made it through to the final three that their contribution to local and regional economic development must be valued.”
If you’re an employer or a young person considering getting involved in Apprenticeships, contact our team on Apprentices@exe-coll.ac.uk or 01392 400800 to discuss your options.
@thirty-four gets the royal treatment
Exeter College alumni and former butler to The Royal Family, Matthew Balman, visited students last week at our @thirty-four training kitchen and restaurant to share his experiences in industry.
Matthew said, “It’s strange being back at college; there’s a lot of bits I recognise and a lot that I definitely don’t. It’s super nice being back in Devon and at Exeter College!”
From 2002 to 2005, Matthew completed his Level 1, 2 and 3 NVQ in Kitchen and Service at Exeter College. Continuing his studies, he achieved a diploma, making him a qualified pastry chef and pâtissier. While at college and dreaming of becoming a chef, Matthew completed work experience at a Michelin star restaurant in Hampshire. Once qualified, he worked there as a full-time commis-chef.
“To have someone with the skills, experience and knowledge that Matthew has to come in and work with students is invaluable,”
Stafford Pitts, Programme Lead, Hospitality and @thirty-four
Although Matthew remains passionate about cooking, he realised that it was guest interaction and seeing the job through that he thrived the most off. In a slight career shift, he switched to working in the service industry and soon found himself rising through the ranks to royal service.
Matthew spent the next four years at Gidleigh Park in Dartmoor, successfully working his way up to senior head waiter, before moving onto the Nare Hotel in Cornwall. Here he learnt invaluable skills in a quaint, yet busy environment. By the time he was 25, Matthew was managing a restaurant in the Cotswolds.
Throughout this time, Matthew competed in a range of competitions, from ‘Young Chef, to Young Waiter’, to ‘The Annual Awards of Excellence’.
Matthew successfully got through to the semi-finals of ‘The Gold Service Scholarship‘, where he met an employee of The Royal Household. Through this meeting, Matthew attained an interview and succeeded in becoming a footman at Buckingham Palace. He moved to London to serve The Royal Family, where he stayed for four years.
Most recently, Matthew has been working as a butler and chef for a family in Holland Park, London.
Considering his time at Exeter College, he explained how the skills he learnt here have helped him progress in this career: “The best piece of advice I ever got was ‘be busy when you’re quiet so that you can be quiet when you’re busy.’ You can never be too prepared; I can’t begin to explain how many times learning this has helped me.”
Visiting Exeter College
While visiting Exeter College’s @thirty-four last week, Matthew worked alongside students to create a Buckingham Palace butler experience on a budget, giving both students and diners a distinct, unique experience that was fit for royalty.
“When I was in college, I went into a kitchen thinking that is what I wanted to do; I didn’t realise front-of-house was an option – so that’s what I’m here to show students,” Matthew explained.
The night was a success, with students learning the intricacies of a royal service, how to lay the table, fold napkins and serve guests to royal standards.
Stafford Pitts, Programme Lead of Hospitality and @thirty-four, was delighted to have Matthew come and show students his skills and inspire them to new standards of hospitality and service.
Stafford said, “To have someone with the skills, experience and knowledge that Matthew has to come in and work with students is invaluable.”
“The chefs usually take the forefront of this industry, so to have a night where the front-of-house were the stars was brilliant. With Matthew also being an ex-student to the college, he has a great understanding of how they were feeling and how to reassure them. He also realises the importance of promoting front-of-house and the many paths it offers as a potential career option.”
If you are an alumni of the college and would like to work with current students, then please get in touch here.
Festival of Carols 2019
Date: 5th December 2019
Location: Exeter Cathedral
Timings: Doors open 6.30pm, 7.30pm start
Admission: Free, donations to college charities welcomed
Exeter College’s annual Festival of Carols will be kicking off Christmas in the stunning setting of Exeter Cathedral, complete with performances from college students; all in the name of charity.
The evening starts with a candle lit procession through the nave followed by performances from Exeter College students, orchestra and choir. The event is free to attend but collection boxes will be available for donations to the college’s two nominated charities of the year; Cancer Research UK and Exeter Foodbank.
As a college, we are proud to support Cancer Research UK, the world’s largest charity dedicated to saving lives through research. The charity’s main vision is to bring forward the date when all cancers are cured, funding pioneering research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all strains of the disease.
As we approach the Christmas period, the Festival of Carols represents an opportunity to support patients and their families during what can be an especially difficult time of year for those suffering with cancer.
In addition, we are supporting Exeter Foodbank during what can be a stressful time of year for those struggling to make ends meet. Exeter Foodbank helps those in need with nutritionally balanced emergency food for local people who are referred to their services. The project was founded in 2008 by local churches and community groups, working together to stop hunger in the Exeter area.
The Festival of Carols gives Exeter College the opportunity to boost donations to the charities of the year but also gets people in the Christmas spirit by showcasing some of the exceptional talents of students across a number of faculties, including Foundation Studies, Media and Performing Arts and from the college’s Centre of Music and Performance.
John Laramy, Principal of Exeter College said, “The Festival of Carols provides an opportunity for us to recognise the start of the festive season and celebrate the talent of our student musicians, readers, staff and college community.
“The event also serves as an opportunity for the local community to join together and support some great charitable causes while getting into the spirit of Christmas.”
This year the Festival of Carols will be held on Thursday 5th December with doors opening at 6.30pm.
The service is free to attend and open to anyone who would like to come along and celebrate with us.
Learn2Live Visit Exeter College to Talk Road Safety
Exeter College hosted the road safety team Learn2Live to talk with students on the dangers of the road and how the impact of a wrong decision can last a lifetime.
The sessions run by the Learn2Live organisation provided genuine accounts of those who have been affected by road safety collisions, including police officers, bereaved parents and other emergency service professionals.
Journalists from the BBC and ITV attended the sessions, aiming to help shine a light on an important issue for many young people who are just starting to learn to drive.
The sessions represented the last time retiring Devon and Cornwall Police Sergeant Harry Tangye appeared at the event, ahead of his impending retirement in the coming months.
Harry Tangye said, “As a police officer specialising in Serious and Fatal Road Traffic Collisions, I soon realised the most effective way to help reduce collisions was not a speeding ticket, although there certainly is a place for that, but to get in at an early age and ensure those teenagers who were being driven about by peers, or have just started driving themselves, were taught the very real risks of driving a car. Learn2Live does that.
“It’s interesting to watch students walk into an auditorium as though just about to watch a film and see them leave with memorable expressions on their faces. Learn2Live presentations aim at changing the attitudes of young drivers from the beginning of their driving careers, empowering them to know their destiny is very much in their hands.”
In the South West, young drivers have the highest crash risk of any age group. In order to play their part in mitigating this risk, Exeter College welcomes Learn2Live in to talk to over 3000 students each year on the dangers on the road.
The Deputy Head of Student Experience Megan Snell was pleased with how the event made such an impact on students.
“We take the health, wellbeing and safety of our students very seriously and we ensure that all our learners have access to a holistic range of skills, information and experience to keep themselves well, safe and in control,” said Megan.
“Learn2Live is one of the resources we are proud to offer our learners, as it brings to the forefront the importance of not only being safe as drivers, but also being responsible passengers and good friends to each other.”
Students left the sessions with positive skills and knowledge to look after themselves and their friends on the road, either as passengers or as drivers.
The sessions at Exeter College were supported by pre and post event tutorial sessions around health and wellbeing in conjunction with the recently launched Personal Development Programme.
Businesses Rate Exeter College Top in South West for FE Apprenticeship Employer Satisfaction for Second Year Running
The Department of Education has released results of its annual survey that ranks Apprenticeship providers based on business feedback and Exeter College has topped the South West table for further education colleges once again.
“Our industry partnership approach means that our students get the very best out of their experience, while employers also gain access to a dynamic and creative workforce,”
John Laramy, Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive
This is the second year running Exeter College received the highest rating from employers across the region, within the four counties of the South West, and the third year in a row it has scored above 97.5%.
John Laramy, Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive, said: “The feedback from our employers is vitally important to us. Our aim is to be a partner to employers that makes a tangible difference to their business, which goes far beyond being a provider of training. These stellar results show that our approach is working. I would like to thank our employer network for their feedback. Our industry partnership approach means that our students get the very best out of their experience, while employers also gain access to a dynamic and creative workforce.”
In the published responses the University of Exeter answered: “Exeter College are an outstanding training provider who work with their employers in partnership. They are professional and attentive to employers’ needs and provide excellent quality training and assessment.”
A company representative from Newton Abbot-based engineering firm MB Aerospace stated: “I am extremely pleased and consistently impressed with the commitment and focus Exeter College gives to Apprentices. The welfare, quality of learning and the 360-educational experience is considered, thought through and supportive.”
Exeter College’s exceptional customer service has also been recognised by the Association of Colleges in their coveted Beacon Awards, having been shortlisted and undergoing judging for the next phase of the College Engagement with Employers category. These awards celebrate the best and most innovative practice among the UK’s further education colleges and reaching the shortlist alone is a huge honour.
Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement at Exeter College explained: “I am delighted that employers feel they are receiving a consistently good experience. I have read the fantastic comments left by all of the companies surveyed, as well as taking on board feedback so that our Apprenticeship Team can continue to improve its service and strive for excellence.”
Record Breaking Recruitment
The exceptional achievement is also reflected in the popularity of Exeter College Apprenticeships, with record recruitment numbers of 1150 for the 2018/2019 academic year, numbers which are particularly impressive in a challenging environment for many education providers.
The dedicated Apprenticeship Team at the College has continued to grow its provision year on year, offering over 90 programmes across a variety of sectors and roles, giving more choice for individuals looking for support in their chosen career pathway.
There has never been a better time to think Apprenticeships. Are you an employer looking to work with an exceptional Apprenticeship provider? Or are you looking to develop your career with an Exeter College Apprenticeship? Call our Apprenticeship Hotline on 01392 400800 today.
Exeter College Launches Personal Development Programme for Students
Exeter College has celebrated the new academic year by enhancing their tutorial system with a Personal Development Programme designed to further develop a whole person approach to learning with the College.
At a time when tutorial sessions are increasingly under pressure at many schools and colleges throughout the country, Exeter College has made a commitment to further improve the provision available for the individual progress of each student studying with the Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ education provider.
“The rationale behind the Personal Development Programme is that we provide a real focus on the holistic nature of education and get students thinking about their own long term progression,”
Dee Rowett, Project Manager for Teaching, Learning and Performance
The new Personal Development Programme has been launched for students at the College at the start of this academic year and the scheme aims to look more deeply in to the long term progression and wellbeing of all those studying at the College as well as help students engage with activities around citizenship, equality and the environment, among others.
The Project Manager for Teaching, Learning and Performance at Exeter College Dee Rowett is delighted with how the new programme has been taking shape for the benefit of students.
“It’s great for us to be able to enhance our tutorial system in this way,” said Dee.
“The rationale behind the Personal Development Programme is that we provide a real focus on the holistic nature of education and get students thinking about their own long term progression and destination as well as helping to engage students in key themes throughout the year.”
In addition to building skills to help students’ engagement with learning, pupils at Exeter College will also learn about different topics throughout the academic calendar.
Dee said, “The really nice thing about the Personal Development Programme is that it’s precisely that – personal. Students get something that is quite bespoke to them. Of course, there will be whole group sessions that are led by their tutor but students also get access to one-on-one sessions and they are encouraged to monitor and track their progress via their Personal Development Log.
“It’s about creating an environment where students participate in the creation of learning. These sessions won’t be teachers dictating the content; they will be interacting with students and working together on how the themes they’re looking at can apply to work they’re putting in.”
Despite having a large focus on the personal development and wellbeing of students, Dee is confident that the sessions will also positively impact academic performance.
“Getting this time with tutors is also about making sure everyone is on track with their studies. In many ways this programme is about underpinning the fundamentals around teaching and learning while also making sure there’s a space for students to have good conversations with their teacher about their wider college experience.”
Your College, Your Citizenship
As part of the Personal Development Programme, Exeter College students have been exploring the idea of citizenship, sustainability and the environment over the last few weeks. Students have been learning about the values and ideas that underpin society and have even been raising money for charities and volunteering for local initiatives.
Students have been exploring their own ways of interacting with citizenship, with music students using citizenship as a launch point to write their own songs as well as perform some jazz improvisation.
Travel and tourism students used the opportunity of exploring citizenship to volunteer with Farmwise Devon, an organisation that helps educate children on where their food comes from and how the farming industry works.
Performing arts students decided to perform monologues, songs and dance pieces that centred around the idea of citizenship.
A particular focus for many students across the College has been the relationship between citizenship and the environment. Students have been reviewing the College’s sustainability priorities and will be sharing their thoughts on what they consider to be their priorities in the next ‘Learner Voice Conference’ with Principal John Laramy.
The next topic Exeter College students will be exploring as part of the Personal Development Programme will be equality, diversity and British values.
Galliford Try Partnerships First to Benefit from Employer Fund for T Levels
Leading regeneration specialist Galliford Try Partnerships is the first to benefit from a government-backed initiative to encourage employers to provide valuable industry placements to T Level students.
The FTSE 250 business has partnered with Exeter College to provide industry placements to T Level construction students studying with the College from 2020.
T Levels mark a revolution in the provision of technical education for the UK and Exeter College have been selected as an ‘early adopter’ of the new qualifications. The aim is to provide students with the technical skills required to move in to employment, providing a true insight into life in the industry, while still providing UCAS points to support an application to study at university.
Exeter College is the only provider in Devon selected to deliver T Levels for 2020 entry, with full-time, two year courses available in Construction, Digital and Education and Childcare. By signing up to take on T Level students, Galliford Try Partnerships have agreed to provide industry placements for construction students for 45 days over a two-year period and will receive a £750 grant per student from the government to help facilitate the placements.
Galliford Try Partnerships have previously worked with Exeter College offering work experience placements and are looking forward to a more formal arrangement thanks to the new T Level qualifications.
Charlotte Olver, Development and Communities Manager commented; “We are eager to work with colleges to deliver T Levels for the learners of today, it gives us the opportunity to build, shape and mould young people and prepare them for work in the industry.
“T Levels promote the variety of careers available within construction and break down stereotypes of the onsite world and we can set aside time and space to help students grow while also getting them working in an industry they’re interested in.
“Our partnership with Exeter College provides the perfect platform to address the industry skills shortage and encourage students to enter the industry.
“We’ve been delighted with the calibre of students that have joined us in the past, and what’s exciting for me is that you get access to people who are eager to learn and can genuinely provide a great resource to businesses.
“The funding from the government will ensure that we can put in place excellent resources to help the students with us make the most out of their experience.”
T Levels are being launched at selected providers like Exeter College in 2020 before a national rollout the following year, when Exeter College will be offering a wide variety of courses with a view of providing students a direct line of sight to industry following their studies.
Exeter College Assistant Principal Sam Hillman, who is leading on the college’s T Level delivery, was delighted Galliford Try Partnerships volunteered to take on students studying the Construction T Level and be the first to access the money available to employers who provide industry placements.
“It’s great that our students will have access to such a proactive and forward-thinking construction company like Galliford Try Partnerships,” said Sam.
“It’s vitally important for us to be able to offer students valuable industry placements that are meaningful, worthwhile and full of learning opportunities. I’m certain that’s exactly what our students at Galliford Try Partnerships will get and I can’t wait to see the progress they make in the construction business.
“I firmly believe the experience will be a positive one, not just for students, but for businesses themselves that want to be involved with T Levels. Businesses will get access to enthusiastic students who genuinely want to progress in the industry and learn as much as they can as well as provide a tangible contribution to the company.”
Adam McIntyre did a work placement with Galliford Try Partnerships during his Level 3 course Construction and the Built Environment, immersing himself in different areas of the business to learn which part of the construction industry he was most interested in.
Adam said, “It has definitely been a great experience for me. The staff at Galliford Try Partnerships have helped me out a lot, not just with industry experience but also with my coursework and assignments at college.
“I did some work in the office learning about the pre-build processes that take place at a company like this. I then went and did some on-site work, learning more on how a professional construction site works and getting a feel for the industry.
“I knew I was interested in the health and safety side of things but my placement with Galliford Try Partnerships has really helped to confirm that I want to go that way in terms of my career. I went around sites with an expert and learnt about what they look out for when it comes to the safety aspects of a construction site.”
Adam is set to build on his expertise as he enters his second year at Exeter College, as he gears up to undertake 300 hours of an industry placement with Galliford Try Partnerships in the current academic year.
Exeter College is actively seeking employers willing to provide industry placements to T Level Students on Construction, Digital and Education and Childcare courses. Those interested should contact Alison Brown on alisonbrown@exe-coll.ac.uk.
