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Secretary of State Visits Exeter College to Talk T Levels

The Secretary of State for Education Gavin Williamson MP visited Exeter College to learn more about the impact new T Level qualifications will have on the region’s learners.  

As a government-selected ‘early adopter’ of the new technical-based qualification, Exeter College is the only provider in Devon offering T Levels for 2020 delivery, with courses initially available in Construction, Digital and Education and Childcare. Further T Level courses will launch from 2021 as part of a national roll out.  

T Levels mark a revolution in technical education in the UK as the qualification, which is the equivalent of three A Levels, provides learners with a clear line of sight to industry thanks to technical skill acquisition both in the classroom and as part of an industry placement undertaken during studies.  

(L-R) Rob Bosworth (Exeter College Vice Principal), Janice Kay (University of Exeter Provost), Gavin Williamson MP (Education Secretary), John Laramy (Exeter College Principal) and Sam Hillman (Exeter College Assistant Principal).

Secretary of State Gavin Williamson spent time at Exeter College talking to college leaders on how preparations were going for the launch of T Levels and how the new qualification would address the changing needs of industry. 

“It was an absolute pleasure to visit Exeter College. They are doing brilliant work helping thousands of young people across the region to get the skills they need to thrive,” said Education Secretary Gavin Williamson.  

“Our new T Level qualifications are a game changer – a once in a generation opportunity to revolutionise technical education in this country and put it on a par with top performing countries like Germany. 

“It was great to hear first-hand how they will help even more young people to get a head start in their careers, and ensure industry can tap into the pipeline of talent they need for the future. 

“I was really impressed with the passion and enthusiasm of the students, staff and senior leaders and I wish them all the best for the future.” 

Secretary of State Gavin Williamson spoke to college leaders and students about how T Levels would impact education.

Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy was delighted to welcome the Secretary of State to the college.  He said, “It was a real pleasure to host a visit from the Secretary of State so that he could see first-hand the impact of the college and the clarity of the educational eco-system in Exeter. 

“We spoke about our college’s enthusiasm for T Levels and how we see these integrating with a wider academic and technical offer. The college was able to share its strategy for delivering an exceptional student experience, through enrichment, excellent teaching and a clear line of sight to industry.” 

In addition to the acquisition of technical skills, a T Level qualification can also be used to support an application for degree level study, with the qualification recognised by UCAS to provide points to apply to study at university.  

Applications are open now to study T Levels at Exeter College in 2020. Find out more about T Levels on our course search.  

Find out if T Levels are the right course for you.  

Book in for an Open Event to find out more about life at Exeter College and explore our course options.

Exeter College Celebrates Graduation for Degree Level Students

Degree level students at Exeter College celebrated their graduation in the breathtaking setting of Exeter Cathedral last week.

Hundreds of guests, friends and family came together to watch more than 170 students graduate from the college’s Centre for University Level Studies.

Students donned their gowns and caps to be awarded their degree level qualifications in subjects ranging from business to mechanical engineering.

The graduation ceremony marks the completion of a tremendous effort from each and every student at Exeter College. The college’s degree level qualifications include full degrees as well as Foundation Degrees, Higher National Certificates and Higher National Diplomas and cater for young students as well as those returning to education.

The students were welcomed into the Cathedral with music from the Exeter College Orchestra ahead of the formal graduation ceremony.

Inspirational speeches were made by The Dean of Exeter Cathedral, The Very Reverend Jonathan Greener, Exeter College Principal John Laramy and Chief Executive of the Met Office Penelope Endersby.

Upon receiving their qualification certificates, students were congratulated on their achievements by Chair of Governors at Exeter College David Allen OBE and Catherine Taylor, the Head of Higher Education at the college.

Exeter College’s Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy said, “Graduation marks a significant step in the education journey of our students. To achieve a degree level qualification is a magnificent achievement and I am incredibly proud of each and every student that has made it to this stage with us.

“It has been a terrific day for everyone involved and it’s great to see our students from a range of courses join together in celebration of their achievements.”

TEF ‘Gold’ Education

Exeter College is rated ‘Gold’ in the UK Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework, a level that puts the college alongside the very best universities in the country when it comes to degree level provision. Courses at Exeter College are available across a range of sectors, with degrees at the college currently awarded by the University of Exeter, Kingston University London, Plymouth Marjon University, the University of Plymouth and City & Guilds.

Find out more about university level learning with Exeter College.

Local Schools and Colleges Join Together for Exeter College Model UN

Over 100 students from Bristol, Devon, Dorset and Somerset came together at Exeter College for a Model United Nations Conference where students engaged in lively debate and discussion while representing different UN member states.  

The conference gave students from local sixth forms and colleges the chance to learn about diplomacy, international relations and how the United Nations operates.  

As part of the event students got to propose and debate resolutions to the major global issues of the day. Pupils were appointed to represent different countries, all with competing interests on the international stage. Students are expected to reach a consensus and deliver changes to international policy based on the scenarios laid out before them.  

Students from Maynards, Exeter School, West Exe, Clayesmore, Bristol Grammar School and Queen’s College Taunton all attended the event and debate topics included democratic integrity in elections, the issue of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation world wide and the implications of the growth of industry in Africa.  

The afternoon session saw all the students come together as representatives of their respective countries for a General Assembly to go through a world war style crisis. In a fevered session of debates and negotiations, students had to choose sides, plan attacks and build alliances to make the most of what military might they had at their disposal. The large-scale conflict concluded when member states who were accused of committing war crimes were put on trial by their accusers.  

Student View

Exeter College student Tom Matthew, who was the Under-Secretary-General at the conference, said he was pleased students had the chance to develop their skills in an engaging and informative way.  

“The event gives students the opportunity to develop their researching skills but also get to grips with some incredibly complex global issues,” said Tom, who will now become the Secretary-General of the Exeter College Model UN. His predecessor and Secretary-General of this year’s conference, Jacob Harris, has now left Exeter College to study History and German in Nottingham.  

Tom continued: “Students got to develop their public speaking skills as well as their teamwork and leadership abilities when tasked with coming up with solutions to some of the most difficult challenges we face.” 

Teacher View

Exeter College teacher and Reach Academy Coordinator Dr Martin Gilbert was pleased with how the schools came together to create a successful event. 

“It’s always great to see the students come together and develop their skills together in such an engaging way,” said Dr Gilbert.  

“Our Exeter College students helped facilitate the whole day for the benefit of everyone involved and I’d like to thank them for the role they played in putting on the event.”  

The Future

Exeter College’s Model UN team will be competing at several different conferences over the coming months and the Exeter College Model UN Conference will reconvene in September 2020.  

Come and meet University of the Arts London at Exeter School of Art.

On Thursday 10 October 2019, University of the Arts London (UAL) will be hosting a regional roadshow at Exeter School of Art. The roadshow will bring together student workshops and portfolio guidance. Each session has been designed to provide attendees with exciting new updates and advice about studying at UAL.

Location: Exeter School of Art, Centre for Creative Industries, Queen Street, Exeter, EX4 3SR

Timing: 9.45am arrival – 3pm departure

Student Schedule:
10am – 10.30am: UAL welcome
10.30am – 12pm: Student workshops 
12pm – 1pm: Lunch 
1pm – 2.30pm: Student talk 
2.30pm – 3pm: Wrap-up talk

The workshops on offer are a chance to develop new skills and meet UAL academics. On the day the workshops will be hosted by BA (Hons) Acting and Performance and BA (Hons) Graphic and Media Design. 

The Regional Roadshow is open to all Level 3 learners studying a creative subject and academics who support students on their journey to university. UAL has an undergraduate portfolio of over 100 courses, covering Art, Design, Media, Screen and Performance.

To book places for the event please email carolkennedy@exe-coll.ac.uk. (Places will be confirmed on a first come first served basis). 

Exeter College Hockey Academy Coach Gus McVey helped Zimbabwe Ladies to a bronze medal in the African Olympic Qualifying Tournament which was held in Cape Town.  

Gus, 48, combines his role as Exeter College Hockey Academy Coach with being Head Coach of the Zimbabwe Ladies’ Hockey side and his developing team outperformed expectations to bag a bronze medal in the qualifying tournament held in South Africa over the summer.  

The third-place finish represents the highest position the country has finished in the tournament since 1990 and Gus was thrilled to help his side on their way to a medal.  

“Getting that bronze medal was a great way to end what had certainly been a challenging two months in Zimbabwe fraught with many challenges,” said Gus.  

“What’s particularly pleasing for me is that this result means that Zimbabwe’s world ranking of 66 will improve and give the team a much higher standing when it comes to future tournaments.” 

Since speaking, Zimbabwe Ladies’ Hockey side has indeed risen in the rankings, leaping up to 46th in the world.  

During their training in the build-up to the tournament, Gus and his side had to deal with blackouts and fuel shortages but the entirely self-funded team still managed to train four times a week.  

The tournament itself wasn’t without drama, as Zimbabwe Ladies were informed that their first two games would be against the top two ranked teams in the competition, Ghana and South Africa.  

Gus’s side fell to a late 3-1 defeat against Ghana and then pushed African champions South Africa all the way and, despite losing 2-0, the result represented the best performance against the host nation for any team in the tournament – all the other teams that faced South Africa lost by five goals or more.  

Zimbabwe went on to defeat Kenya 2-0 and then played out a frenetic match with Namibia and ran out 3-2 winners to secure the bronze medal.  

“To win a medal of any colour is really quite an achievement,” said Gus.  

“If we had won the tournament we would have been going to the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 but we’re all thrilled to have come away with the bronze medals. Thank you to all who followed, supported and helped me and my team have a chance of an Olympic dream.”

Data Conference to Help Devon’s Businesses Achieve their Potential

Devon’s businesses are getting the chance to learn how to transform their organisation through data thanks to a free conference taking place in Exeter next month.  

The Exeter Analytics Network, a group of industry leaders on the use of data within organisations, are hosting their first ever conference for businesses and those who want to learn how to use their data better or develop skills in data analytics. 

The interactive conference takes place on Thursday 10th October 2019 at the Environmental Futures & Big Data Impact Lab at Exeter Science Park and those interested in attending should register their interest on the Eventbrite page.  

The Exeter Analytics Network is made up of organisations in the city that harness data in work and understand the ways in which it can transform processes, performance and productivity in a range of environments. The group includes experts from the University of Exeter, Exeter College, Oxygen House, The Met Office, Digital Skills Partnership and the Exeter Institute for Science and Technology. 

Kicking off with an optional networking lunch at 12.00pm, the conference will then officially start at 13.00pm as experts from the Analytics Network share tips and trends around embedding data analysis in an organisation. Those attending will learn about data already available that isn’t being used to its full potential and how to upskill staff to become data-savvy professionals.  

Kathryn White, Innovation Manager at the Big Data Impact Lab, will be talking at the conference on ways that businesses can get the skills they need to thrive in a data-driven world.  

“Businesses are increasingly recognising the power of data in the modern world and realising that without their own data analytics capability they risk being left behind,” said Kathryn. 

“The Impact Lab is one of a number of groups working to help companies in Devon unlock the potential of their data and this event will help people to understand what they can do with their data and where to access support to develop data skills in their businesses.” 

The keynote speaker at the conference will be Director of Oxygen House and Founder of Exeter City Futures Glenn Woodcock and attendees will not only learn how to collect and gather meaningful data; they’ll also learn how to interpret and act on the information found.  

Stephen Mariadas is one of the driving forces behind the event and is especially well-placed to provide insight on data in the workplace in his role as the Chief Executive Officer of the SW Institute of Technology, where he’s helping shape some of the fresh talent in the data sector.  

Talking at the conference about the positive impact that higher-level Data Apprenticeships can make, Stephen is looking forward to introducing people to ways they can get the skills they need. 

Stephen said, “The potential is there for any business or organisation to develop by learning some simple data analysis techniques. 

“We will be exploring the very latest trends as well as showing how data skills can be embedded in an organisation through the training and skill development of existing staff.”  

Exeter College are supporting the event and their Vice Principal of Schools, Partnerships & Curriculum Rob Bosworth said, “We’re thrilled to be helping bring together data experts for the common good of Devon’s business community. 

“It’s an exciting time to engage in data analytics and this conference will provide the toolkits needed for businesses to integrate analytics into their organisation and grow the skills ecosystem.” 

Registration for tickets is open now and anyone interested in the subject, from business leaders to those interested in learning some data skills, are welcome to attend.  

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.

How Exeter College is helping adults back in to education

Adult Advice Hotline launched on 01392 400170 to help guide the way

Getting back in to education can feel like a challenge for any adult who is looking for a career change, or simply looking for ways to develop themselves professionally or personally.   

In order to help adult learners overcome that barrier, Exeter College have recruited two dedicated experts to provide impartial advice for people looking to return to education and achieve their full potential, whether that be on a full or part time basis, to support career or study progression, or as a hobby.  

“One of the biggest barriers for adults looking to develop their skills is that they don’t feel as if they understand all the options available to them,” said Lucinda Sanders, Director of Adult Learning at Exeter College.  

“We wanted to create these Adult Adviser roles as a way of breaking down that barrier in a way that’s completely impartial and simply lays out which direction an adult learner could go in. 

“We don’t want a lack of information to be a barrier to anyone looking at different study and funding options. Our Adult Advisers are experts across the spectrum of education and can give professional, thoughtful advice to anyone; whether that’s someone who knows exactly what they want to do, or someone who is just thinking about where they could go in the future.” 

With a wealth of options at Exeter College for adults to consider, the new Adult Advisers will act as a signpost to important information and can also discuss the individual circumstances of the adult learner and advise on which entry routes to consider.  

The college itself offers a wide variety of full and part time courses for people of any age, from introductory industry courses, to full degree level studies. Free courses are also available in GCSE English and Maths for eligible learners that run at times convenient to those who work with classes running 4 days a week and 2 evenings a week.  

For those wishing to study at degree level, the college offers routes for students with no formal qualifications – with hugely popular Access to Higher Education Diplomas – which are designed to prepare any learner for higher level study either at Exeter College or with other universities across the UK. 

Financial concerns were previously some of the biggest barriers to come back into education, not just those surrounding course availability and eligibility. The Adult Advisers will also be able to help with concerns over finance, loans and course fees.  

“We have found that a lot of adults who come to study with us are surprised at the amount of financial support they can receive,” said Lucinda. 

“There is financial support available for adults for help with childcare, low income families and those receiving Job Seeker’s Allowance. Advanced Learner Loans are also available for those studying eligible courses and meeting certain criteria. Finance can be one of the biggest reasons adults feel like they can’t achieve their education goals. The Adult Learning Advisers are here to show that in most cases that just isn’t the case anymore. 

“Our Adult Advisers will be available to let people know their rights when it comes to financing education in adult life. We want the whole process to be as non-threatening and transparent as possible. That’s why our Advisers are given the remit to be completely impartial in their advice and simply work out solutions that best suit the learner.”  

In addition to formal full and part time courses with the aim of up-skilling in a job or career, Exeter College also offers a range of leisure courses in the local community from Art to Yoga, and the new Adults Advisers will also be a point-of-contact for those wishing to learn more about these more informal short term courses.  

If you want to call the Adult Advisers at Exeter College for an informal chat about your future options in education then call 01392 400170, they’re available from 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday. They can also be contacted by email on adultadvice@exe-coll.ac.uk.  

Find out more about the range of courses available for adult learners at Exeter College in the course search.

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