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Exeter College students on their remote learning experiences

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

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

“Teachers have been calling us online. This is especially useful for a subject like Spanish, where we must keep practising our speaking,”

Sam Pestridge, Exeter College Student

For our next generation of students, we have also brought forward our Flying Start campaign. This is our suite of pre-enrolment learning content designed to help year 11 students make the best possible start to starting a full time course with Exeter College in 2020.

Digital Learning

Our teachers have long been incorporating digital technology into their classrooms as part of our status as a Microsoft Showcase College. Since the Government’s closure of schools and colleges in response to the Coronavirus pandemic, our plan for delivering exceptional education online launched and students are being support to continue their progress from the comfort of their own homes.

But how are pupils finding this shift to remote, digital learning? We caught up with a few of them to find out how they’re getting on…

Tom Matthew: new flexibility   

Tom Matthew

“Despite all the uncertainty with the current situation, the transition to home learning has been smooth. It has been good to have some continuity and a reason to force some structure into what could be empty days. It has also been a bonus to be able to set my alarm 90 minutes later than usual and still be ready to work at 9am!   

“So far my teachers have sent me PowerPoints, videos, practise questions and articles. Learning from home comes with new flexibility, which I have enjoyed. I can stick at something for as long as I want and switch to different ways of learning depending on what works best for me, and my teachers have supported me in doing that.   

“I have been able to ask my teachers more and better questions over email than I would in the classroom.”

Sam Pestridge

Sam Pestridge: teaching approaches  

“All my teachers have been creating PowerPoints that we can work through. My politics teacher records herself speaking over the presentation; it’s almost like being in class.   

“Teachers have been calling us online. This is especially useful for a subject like Spanish, where we must keep practising our speaking.  

“All of my teachers are very supportive. They are there ready to reply to emails or over OneNote if we need them.”

Bayleigh Bewes

Bayleigh Bewes: being supported  

“I’ve set up a little desk with all my notes on to help me focus on schoolwork.

“My teachers and tutor regularly email or message to keep us up to date and check on us to make sure we’re doing okay academically, mentally and emotionally during this confusing time.”

Ella Edmonds: staying motivated  

“The most important thing I’ve found to stay motivated is to keep a good structure. I work on my classes at the same time I would if it were a typical College day, taking my breaks at the same time too. This is an excellent way for me to stay motivated since it means that I can set time limits and not end up over/underworking each day.  

Ella Edmonds

“I have also found that music is helpful for me because I struggle to focus when it’s silent.   

“Making time each day to talk to people has been so important. I talk to my friends daily to stay positive and feel less lonely. I also love spending every day with my dog!”

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

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

April 1991: City top of the class in further education

As part of Exeter College celebrating 50 years as the UK’s first ever tertiary college, we are looking back on some key events which have helped us to become the Ofsted Outstanding education provider we are today.  

In April 1991 it was reported that, for the first time, the majority of young people in Britain had decided to stay on in education after finishing school at 16. The south west was above the national average, with Exeter College leading the way for further education institutions.  

Educationalist Professor Ted Wragg said at the time, “Here in Exeter we are very fortunate – Exeter College offers every kind of course for school leavers. It can cater for everything from vocational courses to A Levels.” 

This is something we continue to pride ourselves on in 2020. We offer a range of different course types for different learners, from Apprenticeships, A Levels and vocational courses to the International Baccalaureate and new T Level qualifications.  

Professor Ted Wragg said in 1991, “We underestimate the influence of parents. More parents are now recognising the value of further education and training and are supporting their children, and we hope they will continue to.” 

Indeed, further education has grown and developed since 1991, and our education offer has grown and adapted with the needs of industry and the local community.  

As well as being a government-appointed early adopter of new T Level qualifications, we are also hosting a new South West Institute of Technology Digital and Data Centre that’s part of a wider bid to revolutionise digital, engineering and manufacturing technology education across the region. The Centre will play host to industry-standard digital technology and will provide learners the skills to move directly into the workplace or further study. Construction is underway and is scheduled to be completed in early 2021.  

Find out more about the Digital and Data Centre at Exeter College.  

Check out everything we’ve been doing to celebrate 50 years since being named as the UK’s first ever tertiary 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   

Make a Flying Start with Exeter College in 2020

We know lots of students are keen to get a head start on their College subjects before joining us, and that’s why we’ve developed Flying Start; our suite of pre-enrolment learning content to get you thinking about your new subjects with us. 

Flying Start is for all school leavers with a conditional offer to study a full-time Level 2 or Level 3 course with us in 2020. This year, due to the Government closure of all schools and colleges in response to the spread of the Coronavirus, we have launched the content early. In turn, this will give our new learners more time to enrich their education by thinking deeply about the subjects they have chosen to come and study for the next academic year. 

“Flying Start provides some small introductory pieces of work, as well as some suggested background reading on subjects,”

Jade Otty, Vice Principal

Flying Start is designed by your subject leaders with the aim of getting you thinking at an advanced level ahead of joining us in September. With Flying Start, you’ll find questions to consider, tasks to complete and some background research you might want to undertake before enrolment.   

Remember, Flying Start is designed to support you in to studying with us, help you explore your chosen subjects and get you started on exciting course content. 

Although not compulsory, many students enjoy learning more about their chosen subjects ahead of joining us and find the learning content useful ahead of beginning their studies.  

Completing the activities as part of Flying Start can be fitted in around existing GCSE level work and can get you motivated ahead of joining us full time in September.  

Exeter College Vice Principal Jade Otty, who leads on academic performance at the College, said, “In these turbulent times, we wanted to bring forward Flying Start for our next intake of learners to give them a real flavour of what they’ll be studying with us. 

“We’re really proud of Flying Start and find that it helps to increase student confidence about joining us and can help answer some questions students might have about subject content. 

“Flying Start provides some small introductory pieces of work, as well as some suggested background reading on subjects. This can be especially useful for students joining us on subjects that they might not have studied at GCSE level, but is definitely worthwhile for all our learners to get to know what they’ll be learning about when they join us.” 

Applicants to Exeter College with a conditional offer to study with us should check their email account for the first of two batches of Flying Start activity sheets from us in the coming days. The second round of content will launch around the May half term.  

Apply now to study with Ofsted Outstanding Exeter College to get access to your suite of Flying Start learning content.  

Check out the complete breakdown of the exam boards for Exeter College courses.  

Find out how exceptional learning is continuing with Exeter College while we’re closed.

Looking after your health and wellbeing at home

Exeter College is closed due to the Coronavirus outbreak, but the exceptional learning continues for our students.  

In this blog, Jake Cole, our Emotional Health and Wellbeing Advisor, has sourced some top tips on how to look after yourself during a challenging period.  Please also see advice from Young Minds, the NHS, and Mind. 

Connect

This is a huge one – everyone needs to socialise! Even if it’s not possible to pop to your friend’s house, make sure you continue to connect with them online.  

Make plans to video chat with people or groups you’d typically see in person. You can also arrange phone calls, texts or online messages.  

If you’re worried that you might run out of stuff to talk about, make a plan with someone to watch a show or read a book separately so that you can discuss it when you contact each other. 

You can also get yourself a study buddy. Team up with a friend from College to discuss your work and swap revision notes. Not only will this help you connect with others, but it will also make learning from home a lot more enjoyable.  

Routine

With so much uncertainty, sticking to your routine can really help you to maintain a sense of normality. It can also help to reduce anxiety and troubling thoughts.

You might want to add extra activities into your day that make you feel calm but try to keep to your daily schedule as much as possible.  

Figure out what you need to be working on. Write it down with timings on to paper or into an app like Outlook Calendar.  

Choose how long your work segments are. I like to work in 90-minute segments but do what works for you. 

Keep Active

Almost any form of exercise will stimulate the release of feel-good chemicals in the brain and will help you to focus your mind. For this reason, try and build physical activity into your daily routine. 

Most of us don’t have exercise equipment like treadmills where we live, but there are still activities you can do. Try cleaning your home, dancing to music, or following along to an online exercise class. 

Regular physical activity can also improve symptoms of anxiety, depression and help you sleep better.

Be aware of your health 

Eating regular meals and staying hydrated will help. You should also take breaks throughout the day to talk to someone or do something you enjoy.  

Be aware of your screen time too. It’s good to have a few hours a day where you are not looking at a screen – perhaps try calling a friend, reading a book or doing some housework.  

Find things that help you feel calm 

Like at any other time, it’s important that you are not only looking after your physical health but your mental health too.  

Acknowledge how you’re feeling. We know that things might continue to feel overwhelming or scary, so it’s good for you to talk about this where possible.  

Think about some activities that can help when you are feeling overwhelmed like breathing techniques, writing down how you feel, playing music, or talking to a friend. Try not to overexpose yourself to the news.  

To draw away from any stress you’re experiencing, write down three positive things at the end of each day. You can also look for opportunities to help others – doing good feels good.  

Extra Resources  

  • There is lots of additional advice on the NHS website. 
  • Check out our WHAM page on the portal for further health and wellbeing information.  
  • Headspace (the mindfulness app) is offering free resources to help people during this time. 
  • The charity YoungMinds offers mental health help and support.  

Remember that these new approaches can be difficult at first. Keep going, you will find a way to make them work if you stick with them.  

Ultimately, it’s down to finding out what works best for you. If you have any additional tips that you think could help others during their studies, share them using the hashtag #ExeCollTogether.    

Find out how exceptional learning is continuing at Exeter College during the Coronavirus outbreak.  

Six Tips on How to Study at Home

Just because the Exeter College site is closed, it doesn’t mean the learning stops.

If you need some help to get the most out of your study time from the comfort of your own home, then look no further.  

Thanks to our expert staff, your exceptional education can continue. But, in order to help you get the most out of digital learning, we’ve put together some top tips to help you study from home. 

Got your own tip for working from home? Use #ExeCollTogether on social media and we’ll share the best ones!  

Get Organised  

Before you begin your study session, make sure you’re prepared. Get your books out, line up your stationery and login to your laptop. Make sure you have everything you need before you get going.   

Plan Ahead   

Create a schedule and plan out your new daily habits; this new routine will become second nature before you know it. Next, think about what you want to achieve in your study sessions and set realistic goals for each. Finally, make sure you set yourself reasonable breaks… you need time to chill out, and those snacks aren’t going to eat themselves.   

Get a Study Buddy  

Make sure you’ve got a good support network. Everyone needs help and encouragement. Getting yourself a study buddy can make learning easier and a lot more fun. Bounce ideas off each other, share resources or compete in revision quizzes. Connect with a college friend and you’ll reap the benefits in no time. It’s also important to stay social during this time, so put time aside to have a chit-chat with your friends online!  

Rule of Three   

This is the perfect choice for all of you list lovers. The Rule of Three means that you reduce your list to three small tasks at a time. Once you’ve finished those three things, you can give each item a satisfying crossing-out before making a new list. This can help you break down your larger tasks into more manageable and achievable chunks.    

Find a Suitable Space   

Unfortunately, this suitable space probably isn’t your bed. Set yourself up at a desk or a table, and you’ll be so much more productive. Try and make sure you’re in a quiet place with limited distractions. By all means, make sure you have someone on hand for encouragement and support, but try and set clear boundaries. It’s hard not to procrastinate when you have people coming in for a chat every five minutes.  

Look Smart, Think Smart 

Sitting in your snuggly onesie all day sounds like a dream. But make sure you’re honest with yourself – is this going to make you more likely to slip into bad habits? Getting up and getting ready straight away can help set the mood for a productive day. Look smart, think smart.    

Ultimately, it’s down to finding out what works best for you. If you have any additional tips that you think could help others during their studies, share them using the hashtag #ExeCollTogether. 

Find out how learning is continuing with Exeter College during the lockdown.

Get the latest information on government guidance regarding awarding qualifications in summer 2020.

50th Anniversary Celebrations Kick Off for Exeter College

The new year represents a momentous occasion in the history of Exeter College, marking 50 years since we were named as the UK’s first tertiary college, although our roots date back to the 1800s.

Exeter College was established as a fully-fledged tertiary college in 1970, providing an education centrepiece for the community. Over the past 50 years the college has grown, developed and adapted but it still serves the wider Exeter community with a varied education offering that aims to meet the skills challenges of the future in a proactive way.

“It’s down to a collective effort from students, staff and partners that we have always remained true to our history of serving our city and wider region,”

John Laramy, Principal and Chief Executive

To celebrate the occasion, Exeter College will be celebrating throughout 2020 with special events, celebrations and reflections on 50 years of excellence as a tertiary college.

The first landmark event for the 50th anniversary celebrations will be the college’s annual Exeter College Awards, which has been extended to celebrate past and present students to reflect on a legacy of success. The Awards, which take place in January, will be held in the spectacular setting of Exeter Cathedral with alumni, staff and students celebrated in a glittering 50th anniversary event. More details are set to be announced in the coming weeks.

Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy said, “I feel really privileged to be the person steering the ship as we celebrate our 50th year as a tertiary college. It’s no understatement to say that we wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for all the students, staff and friends who have helped us develop a reputation as one of the leading further education colleges in the country.

“It’s down to a collective effort from students, staff and partners that we have always remained true to our history of serving our city and wider region. However, our long traditions haven’t stopped us innovating and developing with the needs of our students as we continue to develop new partnerships and look to the future of what the education landscape will look like in the next 50 years.

“Throughout 2020 we want to celebrate everyone who has played a role in making us one of the leading colleges in the country as we continue to forge our path as an education innovator of the future.”

As part of celebrations, Exeter College will be sharing inspirational stories from the past 50 years of excellence and is actively seeking friends, partners and alumni to share their stories with the next generation of students. If you or someone you know would like to join in the celebrations, please contact marketing@exe-coll.ac.uk.

Search the hashtag #ExeColl50 on social media or visit our 50th anniversary page to view the latest stories.

Exeter College Flying High in NICDEX 2019 Rankings

Exeter College has once again been ranked as one of the top colleges in the country in FE Week’s annual NICDEX rankings. 

This latest ranking means that Exeter College has never left the top five since the ranking’s inception four years ago. The Ofsted Outstanding college has topped the billing twice, come fifth once and this year’s fourth place ranking means they have been the highest ranked college across the four years since the NICDEX was created. 

“It’s an incredible achievement for us to consistently be one of the highest scoring colleges in the country when it comes to the NICDEX,”

John Laramy, Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive

The NICDEX, created by FE Week Editor Nick Linford, ranks 172 further education providers on four key criteria based on data published by the Department for Education. Institutions are given a mark out of 10 in each category and their four scores are combined to produce an overall ranking. 

Exeter College’s consistently high ranking in the NICDEX is reflected in their scoring in each of the four categories. Both Employer Satisfaction and 16-18 Learner Destinations categories were marked as a perfect 10, with the college also impressing on Learner Satisfaction and Adult Destinations. 

Principal and Chief Executive at Exeter College John Laramy said, “It’s an incredible achievement for us to consistently be one of the highest scoring colleges in the country when it comes to the NICDEX. 

“The NICDEX is a measure of how we’re doing as a college based solely on data that is published by the Department for Education. It’s a very open and transparent process and we’re continually one of the top colleges in England.” 

This latest achievement follows the news that employers rated Exeter College as the best further education Apprenticeship provider in the four counties of the South West for the second year running. 

The college’s latest round of academic results were also exceptional, with A Level learners celebrating a pass rate of 99.7%, well above the national average of 97.6%. International Baccalaureate students also delivered the best results in the college’s history of delivering the qualification; 100% passed and nearly a third of students achieved 40+ points, which is the equivalent to five A Levels at A/A*. 

Following the publication of the NICDEX, FE Week Editor Nick Linford said, “The NICDEX was an enjoyable intellectual challenge to create an annual performance table with an overall score, from a mix of key measures,” said Nick. 

“Most importantly, NICDEX is transparent. The four measures that make up the NICDEX are published by the DfE.” 

Find out how every college in the country ranked in the NICDEX 2019 on the FE Week website. 

Want to find out why we rank so highly? Find out what Exeter College has to offer by registering for our next Open Event. 

Applications are open now to study at Exeter College in 2020.

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.  

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