Exeter College is proud to be part of a consortium of Further Education and training providers to deliver skills to the South West. Working in partnership with the Devon and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce and the Somerset Chamber of Commerce the consortium has been created to act as a catalyst to align educational provision with business needs in the region.
Consortium members, Exeter College, City College Plymouth, Bridgewater & Taunton College, Petroc, South Devon College, Strode College, Yeovil College, Focus Training and SWATPRO (DSTPN) are delighted to have each been awarded a share of £2.5m from the Department for Education for two projects; “The Heart of the South West Collaboration for Success”, and “Green Skills for the Future”.
Members of the consortium will collaborate to deliver regionally significant projects which focus on delivering skills and training in green construction, automotive, digital, engineering and advanced propulsion.
As part of this vision Exeter College has ambitious plans to develop the first Retrofit Skills Centre in Devon, working with Taylor Lewis and designed by APG, the centre will be an essential addition to the College’s Construction Centre at Sowton Industrial Estate.
To enable collaborative success, the College has set-up the new Green Skills Advisory Panel (GCAP). GCAP is a member-led committee of local building services, housing and construction businesses supported by local authorities, charities and training providers across the South West. The clear purpose is to upskill current workforces and provide green careers, where individuals are educated about new and emerging technologies and techniques to reduce the impact on the environment.
John Laramy CBE, Principal and CEO at Exeter College said:
“Through collaboration and working with industry leading experts and partners, we are well placed to drive the ambitions of the local authorities and the community. Our ambition is that by providing bespoke qualifications, niche skills can be developed to meet the burgeoning demand.
“This funding is an integral part of making this happen and we are excited to work with consortium members to deliver these much-needed skills to our region to enable employers to flourish.
“Exeter College is committed to leading by example on environmental sustainability and this is initiative will help in our plan to be carbon neutral by 2030.”
Exeter College Men’s U18 Rugby Team become AOC Sport Champions of England and Wales
Last night the Exeter College Men’s U18 rugby squad headed to the home of Exeter Chiefs to play a spectacular final against Ivybridge Community College in the AoC Premier League National Finals, grounding out a victory to retain the AoC Premier League title.
Premiership rugby ground, Sandy Park, was the perfect venue for these two Devon colleges to go to head-to-head in what was an eventful final match and with over 1000 spectators, they did not disappoint.
Academy Coach, Keith Brooking said; “Last night showed how strong age group rugby in Devon is. For two local colleges to get to the final of a national competition is great to see. For the Exeter Chiefs and the AOC to allow the final to be played at Sandy Park was amazing and with a great crowd and atmosphere it highlighted the appetite for age group rugby in the area.
“The actual game was a great final with the result in the balance right until the final whistle and from a coaches point of view it was interesting to see what pressure does to a player. Both teams played their part in a great final with Ivybridge College having the majority of the territory and possession and playing some clever rugby while Exeter College showed their courage in defending their line time and time again.
“From an Exeter Chiefs Academy view point it was excellent to see players from all over the County giving their all on the Sandy Park pitch and you never know we might see some of them on there again at some point.’
Exeter College celebrating winning the AoC Premier League National Finals
With a strong start from both teams, it was clear the teams were evenly matched with neither team giving each other an inch of ground in the first 20 minutes. That soon changed with Ivybridge scoring at 24 mins and by half time it was 5-10 to Ivybridge.
Exeter raced into the second half with renewed vigour and quickly scored again bringing it to 12-10 to Exeter. The next 15 minutes saw Ivybridge camped in the Exeter 22 with Exeter struggling to clear their lines and giving penalties away at the breakdown. However, some spirited defence kept Ivybridge out, and twice they were held up over the line to keep the score line at 12-10.
Ivybridge launched a number of attacks after further penalty infringements and a yellow card for Exeter. However, some more resolute defence and a turnover ball saw an end to the encounter with prop Tom Gulley able to show his footballing skills, kicking the ball into a packed main grandstand at a raucous Sandy Park. A fitting end for Gulley, one of nine second years in the 22-man Exeter squad who pulled on the Exeter College jersey for the last time last night.
“Before the game, we said that we wanted the players to enjoy themselves, be proud of the performance they’ve put in and come back into the changing room with a win. When we look back at the game, we controlled the early possession, but the Ivybridge defence held us out and we eventually found ourselves 10-0 down. It was vital to us to get on the scoreboard just before half-time and this was just what we did with a great move from the back line.
“In the second half, after we scored early on, the territory was controlled in a much better manner by the Ivybridge side, but the fight and character showed by our guys in defence was absolutely amazing. It was this aspect which ultimately decided the result of the game, after Ivybridge spent 20 minutes in our 22 without adding to their first half score line. Although we won the game, a huge amount of credit must go to the Ivybridge side, who played an unbelievable game and showed such huge character.”
Exeter College Men’s U18’s Starting Line Up
Callum Arnold
Jack Ballett (Co-Captain)
Tom Gulley
Jake Martin
Ed Spurway
Sam Putman
Ethan Millard
Charlie Parr
Morgan Stone
Bobby Wigginton
Freddie Bridger
Zack Wimbush
Jeremy Tuima
Jude Baker-Hands
Charlie Groves
Reps:
Louie Gulley (Co-Captain)
Joe Thomson
Harry Rodwell
Pip Burton-Race
James Dodge
Freddie Blackburn
Kofi Firth
Specialist Teachers and World Class Facilities building Exeter College’s Success
Since being named as the UK’s first ever tertiary college 50 years ago, we’ve built ourselves into the exceptional education provider we are today and are now ranked as the only Ofsted Outstanding College in Devon.
We’ve managed to reach this prestigious position by putting students at the heart of everything we do. We know there’s nothing more impactful on a young person’s education than the environment they’re learning in and, of course, who’s teaching them.
Subject Specialist Teachers
As a further education provider, our teachers differ to what you would find at a lot of sixth forms. Here, we pride ourselves on having subject specialist teachers. Unlike at school, our staff don’t teach across different subjects; they dedicate their time exclusively to the subject they teach in the classroom.
This means that our students are taught by people who have a real passion for the topic that they teach. As a result, our students can fully develop their skills and explore their passion within a specific field, which links directly to their chosen further study or employment option.
On top of this, our vocational subjects are taught by teachers who are still actively involved in their respective industries. This means they are constantly developing and updating their own skillset to pass on to the next generation of learners.
Jade Otty, Vice Principal of Exeter College and lead on academic performance, believes our specialist teaching staff positively impacts our consistently impressive vocational and academic results.
“Having specialist teachers is one of the cornerstones of what contributes to the outstanding education environment at Exeter College,” said Jade.
“Students who study with us are choosing to learn from teachers who have a genuine passion for what they’re teaching and, more importantly, have the skills to transfer that knowledge to students in the classroom.
“When a teacher chooses to work with us, they do so because they want to have their teaching time dedicated solely to a subject they love, and to supporting young people with that same passion succeeding with their ambitions. We’ve found that students really respond well to being taught by specialist teachers and appreciate the inside knowledge they can learn from teachers who are still involved in the industry.”
Tom Matthew, A Level student studying Geography, Sociology and Politics, added, “The teachers have been really helpful. They always have their students’ best interests at heart and go over and above expectations.
“My Geography teachers have experience with the exam board, and they are two of the best teachers I’ve had; their experience has been particularly useful to us.”
World Class Facilities and Partnerships
We’re proud to offer subject specialist teaching, but we also know that this is only one of the features which has helped to make us into the Ofsted Outstanding provider we are today.
Here at Exeter College, we offer all our students access to world class facilities and equipment in their chosen subject(s).
To make sure our learners have the very best chance to enhance their education, all our students have access to eight Learning Resources Centres, complete with IT labs and Mac suites.
Additionally, we have specialist campuses for different subjects. Through this, we ensure that we are providing our learners with industry standard-facilities, ranging from construction to media production.
The Centre for Creative Industries is home to a range of cutting-edge equipment and software. It also gives students access to the space they need to hone their skills in media, drama, art or photography, as they transform their academic studies into creative practice.
Our Maths and Science Centre, which opened in 2015, holds 11 purpose-build laboratories. These are all designed to the highest specifications, providing a space for inspirational teaching and learning.
Likewise, our Technology Centre offers students the latest technical software used in the industry. We’re also currently investing in our Construction Centre by way of a new state-of-the-art mezzanine which, from September, will host the new T Level qualifications.
Our Digital and Data Centre is also currently under construction. When complete, this will form part of the wider South West Institute of Technology plan, aiming to transform engineering, digital and manufacturing technology in Devon. Opening early 2021, the Centre will provide learners with educational opportunities in the digital field. This will include courses around software development, data analytics and cyber security.
On top of this, our college also works in partnership with leading regional and national businesses and sports teams. This month we announced our newest collaboration, as the BBC is set to open a new studio in our Centre of Creative Industries. All our partnerships provide students with the opportunities to continually achieve their educational goals and even develop beyond the curriculum.
It’s not too late to apply online to study with us for the September start. Once the requested documents have been submitted and reviewed, all students will be given a conditional offer.
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.
Art students’ work revealed in Exeter city centre as lockdown eases
From Monday 29 June – Thursday 16 July 2020, as the Exeter city centre opens up after lockdown, more than 30 students studying at Exeter School of Art will help to bring the city to life, as they show their most recent artwork to the public.
Exeter School of Art may be the only college in the country where art students are exhibiting their work in real spaces as well as the virtual space. Traditionally this is the time of year for graduating art students to exhibit their work; however, this year the vast majority of art schools across the country are making exhibitions online. Here in Exeter, dedicated students and staff from Exeter School of Art are brightening up the city as it wakes up after lockdown, and shoppers and workers will enjoy a more creative environment as they return to the city centre.
Emily Gibbon, Manager of retail, culture, tourism and business support organisation InExeter, said: “It’s so exciting to see the city coming back to life, people adapting to the new measures and bringing a buzz to the place once again. Having these fabulous pieces of art by the Exeter School of Art and Design installed for people to see and enjoy will add to the atmosphere and experience of visiting the city. It’s a great use of space, and I can’t wait to see more innovative ideas around the city in the coming months.”
The work exhibited is also from students’ final projects from years 12 and 13. The majority of the work was produced during the lockdown, which influenced what some students produced. Students did not have access to the college’s facilities and resources. They, therefore, had to adapt their ideas and be even more creative with the materials and technology available to them at home.
Presenting the finished work to the Exeter community is an exciting opportunity, particularly for students who were disappointed by the prospect of graduating without presenting their work in a professional way to the public.
Nigel Watts, Head of the Art and Design faculty at the Exeter School of Art, said, “We are very proud of the students who have worked so hard from home in the recent months to produce the excellent work you will see in the show. It feels great that we have had the opportunity to exhibit their work at the end of this academic year, something that did not seem possible a few months ago.”
Exeter College and the School of Art are very grateful for support from Awesome Art Space, Eat the Bird and Princesshay, in providing and helping them to access these exhibition spaces.
Michelle Menezes, Centre Manager at Princesshay, said, “We are delighted to host Exeter College and the School of Art on Paris Street for this exciting exhibition. The talented students have worked so hard, through very difficult times, to create stunning, thought-provoking pieces. All the artwork can be seen from outside the store. Everyone is welcome to visit the inspiring exhibition.”
Exeter School of Art is part of Exeter College, and the work on display is from students studying on courses validated by the University of Plymouth and AIM awards. Exeter College was awarded TEF Gold (Teaching Excellence Framework in 2019).
Exeter College Runners Up in Coveted National Award for Employer Engagement
Exeter College has been recognised with a top four shortlisting for the Association of College’s award for Employer Engagement.
The Association of Colleges (AoC) celebrated top further education across the UK at its virtual Beacon Awards ceremony, and the College’s commitment to proactively working with employers for the mutual benefit of all saw them shortlisted for the coveted prize in Employer Engagement.
The Beacon Awards are regarded by many as the most prestigious awards within the education sector, given the rigour and robustness of the assessment.
Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement, said, “We are proud to be one of the four FE colleges shortlisted, in a really strong field made up of Fareham College, Bradford College and Hugh Baird College. Reaching the finals alone was a great achievement, and Fareham College, who won our category, were thoroughly deserving of the accolade.
“Today’s final was one of five we have been shortlisted for this year. Our amazing team provide exceptional support for all our stakeholders. It’s unprecedented to gain national recognition at this level. I want to thank them for their hard work and can-do attitude. They make me really proud and I appreciate each and every one of them.”
The College was judged on its submission titled ‘A City College with Region Wide Impact’, and a showcase day, with ‘partnership’ at its heart. Reaching the finals is a testament to the College’s commitment to working with employers and Apprentices to achieve the best possible outcomes for the local economy and learners.
John Laramy, Principal of Exeter College, said, “We pride ourselves on our partnership working within the city and wider region, and reaching the finals of the Beacon Awards is another national indicator of the quality of the impact of the College’s work with employers.
“Our success is down to the hard work of the team here at the College, the quality of the Apprentices and trainees that study with us and the commitment of 100s of employers across the South West. I would simply like to thank everyone who contributes to the magical formula that has created exceptional Apprenticeship provision at Exeter College.”
Mike Blakeley continued, “It’s great news that the College’s work with employers has been recognised nationally. We are proud to be part of the community we serve, and we have developed longstanding partnerships that are vital in delivering skills development and driving economic growth for the city and wider region.
“The College works with a network of over 1,000 organisations, with a reach that transcends regional borders – from Truro through to Reading. These include both national and regional players drawn from high profile organisations, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises and businesses. Some of our key partners include, Exeter Chamber of Commerce, NHS, GWR, Hepcomotion, Centrax, Devon County Council, University of Exeter, Exeter Chiefs, Met Office – I could go on.
“Difficult circumstances have highlighted the strength of our employer network, and we have been working closer than ever to offer new opportunities and development through training – with some exciting projects afoot.”
If you’re an adult learning interested in an Apprenticeship, register now for our Adult Online Open Event where you can find out more in a specialist session dedicated to Apprenticeships. The online event takes place on Tuesday, 16th June, 3-7pm.
May 2004: City pensioner student proves it’s never too late to learn.
As part of Exeter College celebrating 50 years as the UK’s first ever tertiary college, we are looking back on some memorable events which have helped us to become the Ofsted Outstanding education provider we are today.
THEN…
In May 2004, we celebrated the achievements of Exeter pensioner Helen who, by completing two A Levels at Exeter College, became a shining example of what many adult learners could achieve.
Helen did so well in her studies she was nominated for the Senior Learner of the Year award by the National Institute of Adult Education.
Completing her A Level in English Literature and an AS Level Maths in just one year, she continued her studies with a Maths A2 course.
Helen said at the time: “I retired, but I decided that I didn’t want to watch daytime television, so I looked for alternatives.
“I went for Maths and English because the subjects had changed so much since I was at school in the 1960s. I have enjoyed every minute of it.
“It surprised me to be nominated for this award,” Helen added.
Helen also admitted that she had also influenced other people to follow her lead, persuading friends and acquaintances to apply for courses and further their education like herself.
NOW…
To this day, Exeter College offers a broad spectrum of courses available to adults, from entry level to degree level, from leisure courses to professional courses. We pride ourselves on giving our adult learners a personalised approach to teaching in a supportive and engaging environment.
The Teaching Excellence Framework has awarded our university level teaching ‘Gold’, so our students know that they’ll receive exceptional teaching and gain the skills needed to take them to the next level.
If you’re interested in completing an adult course, like Helen, find out more at our Adult Online Open Event on Tuesday the 16th of June, 3pm – 7pm.
We can help you to find the right course for your future. At our open event, you’ll have the opportunity to hear from lecturers, ask live questions to teachers and learn about the support and guidance offered at Exeter College.
Exeter College is celebrating 50 years since being named as the UK’s first tertiary college. Although our roots date back to the 1800s, our status as a tertiary college marked a revolution in further education and 2020 marks our 50 years of excellence since that landmark. If you have a memory of Exeter College through the years that you’d like to share, contact marketing@exe-coll.ac.uk or get involved on social media using #ExeColl50.
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.
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.”
