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How Being a Centre of Online Excellence Has Helped Our Students Achieve Their Goals

Following the Government’s lockdown of all schools and colleges from mid-March, education faced a huge, unprecedented shift to online teaching and learning.

For many, this leap to digital education was an immense learning curve. However, thanks to our longstanding commitment to digital transformation, we at Exeter College were remarkably well-placed for the transition.

From the very beginning, we made it our priority that all our students and Apprentices continued to receive the outstanding education they joined us for. Our online learning portals became a key tool in providing students with expert online tuition through recorded lectures, live interactive seminars, and independent study sessions.

Our readiness for using digital learning to its full potential was aided through our long-term digital strategy. Due to this, our students and staff were able to quickly become fully-fledged digital citizens and were able to utilise online learning and unlock its full potential. Although the shift to digital learning came much quicker than anyone could have expected, our digital strategy meant that we already had the building blocks in place to ensure the process would be a success.

Microsoft Showcase College 

We’re proud to be one of only a handful of further education providers in the country to be named as a ‘Microsoft Showcase College,’reflecting our commitment to providing outstanding online learning opportunities. During the lockdown, our Microsoft Showcase status helped to enable both our staff and students to confidently move to online learning, with great results.

Students studying subjects from Barbering to Maths, and everything in between, were able to receive tuition purely online. Sam Pestridge, A Level student studying Spanish, Politics and History has been very impressed with the transition to digital learning during the lockdown.

“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.” 

As a College, we’ve received an exceptional amount of positive student feedback, proving the success of our digital strategy. We aim to continue using our digital prowess in future by helping other schools and colleges make the most of remote learning opportunities, throughout the current pandemic and beyond.

EdTech Demonstrator College 

We were recently announced as an EdTech Demonstrator College by the Department for Education. This means that we will be using our digital expertise to help other education providers deliver exceptional teaching and learning online.  

The EdTech Demonstrator Programme, which is backed by the Department for Education, The National Grid for Learning, The Education Foundation and Sheffield Hallam University, provides a platform for peer-to-peer support in education. We are very excited to now be tasked with providing tailored support to other schools and colleges to upskill their staff, technology and, ultimately, their online teaching.  

Exeter College Assistant Principal Jenny Leach, who led our offer of help on the Programme, said, “We wanted to get involved in this scheme to help other schools and colleges in any way we can. We aim to deliver the best possible online learning experience for their students.   

“The EdTech Programme is in response to some of the challenges schools have faced during the Coronavirus lockdown, but this will also be an opportunity to make a lasting impact on how education works for a lot of schools.  

“The aim is obviously to help schools through the current uncertain period, but online learning can be used to enhance teaching, learning and assessment beyond this, and that’s one of the secondary aims of the programme. We want this to have a lasting impact on schools and help enhance the learning environment of their learners for many years to come.” 

Exeter College – The College of the Future 

Here at Exeter College, we have a reputation as an education innovator, continually developing in line with the needs of our learners and the local area. In addition to outstanding online learning resources ready for the future, we are also evolving our education offer, helping individuals and businesses to thrive for the economy of the future.  

The construction of our new Digital and Data Centre is currently underway, which is due to be completed by early 2021. The new Centre forms part of a South West Institute of Technology plan to revolutionise digital, engineering and manufacturing technology education across the region. The bespoke digital facilities will provide skills training to create the digital and data professionals needed for the economy of tomorrow.  

Next Steps 

We are currently preparing for enrolment for a September 2020 start.

There is also still time to apply online to study with us. Once all completed documents have been sent in and reviewed, students will be given a conditional offer.

Ministers take part in virtual tour of Exeter College

Government Ministers attended a virtual tour of Exeter College as part of their plans to continue the gradual reopening of schools and colleges in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

“I was impressed and inspired by the passion and enthusiasm shown by their students who have continued to receive the best education and training possible during Covid-19,”

Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson MP

The Secretary of State for Education Gavin Williamson MP and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Apprenticeships and Skills Gillian Keegan MP joined the College’s students, staff and leaders to discuss how the College adapted to online teaching and learning during the lockdown, how the College has further opened to more students from the 15th June 2020 and how the College is looking forward to welcoming students in September.

The Ministers also heard directly from current College students and Apprentices about their experience and future plans. 

Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson MP

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson MP said, “It was a pleasure to virtually visit Exeter College and meet their students and staff.  It was great to see how by working in partnership with local schools, universities and employers, they are making sure young people get the skills and experience they need to have rewarding careers. 

“I was impressed and inspired by the passion and enthusiasm shown by their students who have continued to receive the best education and training possible during Covid-19. 

“Now, more than ever, it’s vital young people have access to high quality technical education. Exeter College offers our new T Levels as well as high quality Apprenticeships and by being a part of the wider South West Institute of Technology ensures students have the skills and support they need to succeed. I wish them all the best and look forward to hearing more about their brilliant work.”  

The College also provided an update on the ongoing developments at the College, including the construction of a range of new facilities which will be ready for September to support the introduction of T Levels.  In one group session the College shared its approach to partnerships and the delivery of Apprenticeships, which was recognised this year by being shortlisted in the coveted Beacon Awards.  

Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Gillian Keegan MP

Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Gillian Keegan MP said, “It was a pleasure to virtually visit Exeter College and hear about the fantastic work they are doing to make sure more young people get the skills they need to reach their full potential. 

“It was great to talk to students and staff, and find out more about how the College is preparing to deliver our exciting T Levels from September, and their new state-of-the-art Digital and Data Centre which will help more young people learn a range of important skills.  

“I wish them all the best and look forward to hearing more about their great work.” 

College leaders also spoke on the ongoing construction of a new £10m Digital and Data Centre as part of the South West Institute of Technology, which will help to revolutionise digital and data training within Exeter, and engineering and manufacturing technology education across the wider region. The building is set to be completed in early 2021 and will play a core part in making the South West a leading area for technical education in the country.  

Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy said, “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome the Ministers today, albeit virtually.  The College was able to talk about its reaction to the challenges of the lockdown, but also able to share how brilliantly staff and students quickly adapted to working in a different way. 

“We were able to outline our College’s contribution to the City of Exeter, as a key civic partner that works closely with the University of Exeter and schools to create a clear and successful education eco-system.” 

The College was also able to share its ambitious plans for the future and outline how colleges, such as Exeter, can play a key part in economic recovery.  In addition, the College spoke about the new Future Skills Centre, which is a new partnership with Devon County Council, to support SMART Aviation, technical education and adult retraining, based at Exeter International Airport. 

Find out about T Levels with Exeter College.  

Digital and Data Centre Flythrough

Exeter College Announced as EdTech Demonstrator College

The Department for Education has announced Exeter College will be a part of the EdTech Demonstrator Programme and will provide support for other education providers to deliver remote learning during the Coronavirus outbreak and beyond.  

The EdTech Demonstrator Programme, which is backed by the Department for Education, The National Grid for Learning, The Education Foundation and Sheffield Hallam University, provides a platform for peer-to-peer support in education, and Exeter College will be one of a number of Demonstrator Colleges helping other institutions get the most out of online learning.  

“We felt it important to use our expertise in online learning to try and help any schools or colleges who might not be using online learning to its full potential,”

Jenny Leach, Exeter College Assistant Principal

Exeter College has long been an advocate of advancing digital learning opportunities, and is one of just a handful of colleges in the country to be a ‘Microsoft Showcase College’, which recognises the College’s commitment to engage in innovative online teaching and learning for staff and students.  

Since the Government lockdown of schools and colleges in response to the Coronavirus outbreak, the majority of Exeter College students have been receiving their education online, either through interactive online seminars, recorded lectures or via College email addresses.  

It’s hoped that the College’s involvement in the EdTech Demonstrator Programme will help share this expertise with other providers who may feel like they’re not making the most out of digital learning opportunities.  

Exeter College Assistant Principal Jenny Leach, who led the College’s offer of help on the Programme, said, “We wanted to get involved in this scheme to help other schools and colleges, in any way we can, deliver the best possible online learning experience for their students.  

“At present, there are a few different ways learning could take place for students in the next academic year, and we felt it important to use our expertise in online learning to try and help any schools or colleges who might not be using online learning to its full potential.” 

The EdTech Demonstrator Programme will run until 31st March 2021 and Exeter College will be one of the institutions tasked with providing advice, guidance and support to other schools and colleges. This could be in the form of helping to upskill teaching staff, introducing best practice for digital tools and technical support on the behind-the-scenes working of learning online.  

Jenny said, “The Programme is in response to some of the challenges schools have faced during the Coronavirus lockdown, but this will also be an opportunity to make a lasting impact on how education works for a lot of schools. 

“The aim is obviously to help schools through the current uncertain period, but online learning can be used to enhance teaching, learning and assessment beyond this, and that’s one of the secondary aims of the Programme. We want this to have a lasting impact with schools and help enhance the learning environment of their learners for many years to come.” 

Support will be given by Demonstrator schools and colleges in the form of Continuous Professional Development opportunities for staff, as well as providing one-to-one and group support for those who want to improve their online education practices. Time has also been allocated specifically for how schools can engage pupils with special educational needs or disabilities in online learning, so the content is accessible to all.  

If your school needs support from EdTech Demonstrators, please flag your interest on the EdTech website or visit the London Grid For Learning website. 

Find out more about Exeter College’s status as a Microsoft Showcase College.  

Teacher reflects on remote education

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. 

We decided to catch up with Rob Casey, Programme Leader for English Languages and International Baccalaureate, to see how our teaching staff have found the transition to digitally educating. Here’s what he had to say…  

There’s an old proverb I rather like, which states that ‘necessity is the mother of invention’. In other words, nothing drives creativity quite as much as need. This is certainly something I identify with. 

As a creative writer, the one thing that guarantees I’ll produce something new and to a professional standard is when I’m given a deadline, such as for publications or an upcoming gig.  

Teaching is no different, with its timetable and the rhythms of the academic year. And as anyone in the profession will be able to tell you, the best laid lesson plans are often dashed by forces beyond our control. Whether it’s a fire alarm, a power-cut, internet problems, snow, or, in the current situation, a major global pandemic, the main skill required in teaching is adaptability. The lessons must go on wherever possible, and often in completely different ways.  

The aim now, therefore, is to continue to provide high quality learning opportunities but without the one thing that has always seemed most central to the experience: a classroom, designed for face-to-face interaction. 

It would be easy to take a defeatist approach and accept that remote learning could never replace the ‘live’ experience of a buzzing lesson, with quick questions, group work, and the ability to pick up on students’ non-verbal cues that perhaps my jokes aren’t as funny as I imagine them in my head. But just as certain things are lost amongst this change, many others are gained. 

I ended one week dashing between classrooms with my different folders and a pocketful of pens, then started the next Monday morning juggling between online platforms (Moodle, Microsoft Teams, email, Zoom, Skype) whilst sitting in my study with a monitor full of USB sticks. 

We have had lots of training to help us adapt to online learning but there’s nothing quite as motivating to embrace new technology as to suddenly find it’s the only way to carry on. So even when I get back in the classroom, I will seek to maintain many of the benefits that have come from this experience. 

Remote learning inevitably puts more emphasis on the student, as it becomes more about what they do than what we tell them. It’s an opportunity to promote independence, to take a more differentiated approach and to provide much more targeted support. Freed from having to sit and listen to my witty anecdotes for half the lesson, the class can get on with what they do best: not just learning but also learning how to learn.  

Yes, it is a struggle, and there are many who lack the resources to suddenly change their way of working, and they will need even more support when classroom learning resumes. But I am also confident that lockdown learning will equip a generation to better manage the realities of the workplace, and certainly university level study, building their resilience and ability to deal with different circumstances and to problem solve when faced with uncertainty.  

I welcome a return to the classroom when it comes. It’s where I belong and where the students learn best. However, remote teaching and learning has been a lesson for me too. There is always a place for technology in education and lockdown life has helped to put a new perspective on all aspects of society, as well as education. And the way I teach from now on will be different as a result. Through necessity I have had to invent new styles and approaches, embracing new platforms and enabling new ways of supporting learners. 

Change can be a challenge, but also an opportunity. And often the best opportunities are not those we intended. 

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. 

News round up: Exeter College supporting the community during the lockdown

Over the last few months, we, as a college, community, and a nation, have experienced a lot of firsts. We’re proud to have stepped up to help, supporting people through these difficult times. Here’s our round up of the most popular stories on our website since the lockdown began.  

WE MOVED TO HOME AND ONLINE LEARNING 

Following the advice from Public Health England, the Government and the NHS, Exeter College sites closed for the majority of learners.  

Although the Exeter College site closed, learning never stopped. Thanks to our expert staff, students’ exceptional education continued remotely.  

In a bid to offer further support, we provided our top tips on how to study at home, a guide on how to set up work and learning areas and our Health and wellbeing expert shared his advice on how to look after yourself during the lockdown.  

Find out more about our move to remote learning. 

WE OFFERED ACCOMMODATION TO NHS WORKERS

Exeter College has opened the doors of its Clock Tower accommodation to NHS workers in need of a place to stay during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.   

“Staff at Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital are working incredibly hard to save lives on the front line. As a community organisation, we felt it’s only right that we offer everything we can to help them and the NHS,”

– Kristyn Woodward, Exeter College Director of Student Experience. 

Find out more.   

WE LAUNCHED FLYING START FOR STUDENTS JOINING US IN SEPTEMBER

We knew lots of students were keen to get a head start on their College subjects before joining us. So, we developed Flying Start; our suite of pre-enrolment learning content, getting students to think about their new subjects with us.  

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

– Jade Otty, Exeter College Vice Principal. 

Access our Flying Start pre-enrolment work.  

Find out more about Flying Start.  

WE JOINED FORCES WITH PPE4EXETER

In Partnership with PPE4Exeter, a grassroots community project, Exeter College supported the production and distribution of Personal Protective Equipment for community-bases health and care workers. 

We have helped PPE4Exeter provide local centres with safety glasses, face masks, gloves and face shields. 

Find out more about our partnership with PPE4Exeter.  

WE LINKED UP WITH FOOD4HEROES TO PROVIDE MEALS TO NHS STAFF

We offered our state-of-the-art industrial kitchen facilities to Food4Heroes; a charity that provides free nutritious meals to frontline NHS staff during the Coronavirus pandemic.   

Exeter College’s @34 training kitchens are now in use, providing 200 nutritionally balanced, free meals to NHS staff at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital daily.  

Find out more.  

WE CAUGHT UP WITH OUR STUDENTS

We shared how our students were getting on with their remote learning. 

“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,”

– Tom Matthew, FE Student Governor.

We also got in touch with Madeline Crow, an Exeter College student who ended her studies early to join the NHS front line staff in the fight against coronavirus. 

Find out more about how our students have found remote learning. 

WE MOVED OUR OPEN EVENTS ONLINE

We wanted to offer people the chance to discover everything our Ofsted Outstanding further education provider has to offer, from the comfort of their own home. 

With our Apprenticeship Online Open Event and our Online Showcase being a success, we will soon be rolling out our Adult Online Open Event for anyone who wants to learn a new skill or further their career. 

Register for the Adult Online Open Event. 

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

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