Academic brilliance, vocational excellence, determination and sheer hard work were celebrated in style at Exeter College's Annual Student Awards ceremony.
Some 200 family, friends, college staff and local civic, business and community leaders gathered for the ceremony at the Thistle Hotel, Queen Street on Thursday January 8.
The 28 student award winners represented both the wide range of full time and part time courses for all ages at the city's college as well as the broad geographic spread of students from Exeter and across Devon.
Richard Atkins, Principal of Exeter College said: "Throughout the year faculties and departments hold a wide variety of events and award ceremonies but tonight we are celebrating our top awards, the winners of the winners in many cases. These awards illustrate the inclusive, highly academic and strongly vocational nature of our college for young people and adults from right across Exeter, Devon, Torbay and West Dorset. What makes this such a great place are our students, who are our best ambassadors and each of our special award winners have contributed to the success Exeter College enjoyed last year – a truly outstanding year. We're very proud of their successes."
The award categories at the gala event spanned across the college's broad curriculum, ranging from Higher Education, Adult Community Education, 14-16 Student, Apprentice of the Year to Sports Academy Student of the Year, and many more.
Many of the award winners were nominated not just for their academic and technical achievements but often for their support for their peers with them being congratulated for team work and their positive contributions to class discussions and project work.
The sponsors joining the college at the glittering evening were: Santander, Alcoa Howmet, City and Guilds, Devon County Council, Express and Echo, Exeter International Airport, Exeter Chamber of Commerce, Exeter City Football Club, Exeter City Council, Express and Echo, Foot Anstey, Jones Lang La Salle, Kier, the Met Office, Pearsons, Rokk Media and Saxon Spence.
Citations in full
The winner of the 14 – 16 Practical Learning Student award was MOLLY MAGGS, 17 from Buckerell, Honiton She has, in the words of her public services tutor, displayed a real passion for learning, not being fazed as the only female in her group and that her calm yet confident manner enabled her to take the lead at key moments. Coming to college once a week whilst at Kings School Ottery St Mary, Molly completed her level 2 course with a thoroughly deserved distinction star and was described as having the focus, drive and determination to achieve her aspiration of being an officer in the British Army. She is continuing in the college studying Classics, English Literature, History and Drama AS levels and she described her experience as interesting, fun and memorable! This award is presented by Cllr John Hart from Devon County Council.
The Access to Higher Education Student of the Year, CHARLOTTE DEAN, 26 from Okehampton - is a true example of someone with the ambition to succeed. Her attendance and punctuality was 100% despite travelling from Okehampton but it is for her consistently high quality of work in this challenging course that she was recognised at the awards event. Her tutor described how she often helped those who found it harder to complete their work and showed a real commitment to her reflective journals "she was a pleasure to teach and a real credit to the college". She is now studying Accountancy and Finance at the University of Exeter with hopes of being a future chartered accountant. Describing the Access course as kickstarting her future, Charlotte says her time at the college was "life-changing, supportive and challenging!"
The 2013/14 Adult Community Education Student of the Year - JOHN SHEPHERD, 71 from Kenton Exeter was presented with his award by Councillor Rob Hannaford of Devon County Council. John started at the college in 2013 in French beginners and English GCSE. He passed both courses with flying colours and, despite health difficulties, achieved 100% attendance and was always cheerful and enthusiastic in class. Interestingly, both John and his tutor use the term 'extra mile' when asked to describe their experience. His tutor says "he always goes the extra mile, translating film synopses in French for me to mark and loves going to France to practice what he has learnt". John praises the college staff as going that extra mile and cites the friendly environment and excellent teaching as some of the elements he most enjoyed and has now progressed to the French Intermediate course AND GCSE Maths.
Our Adult Essential Skills Student of the Year RYAN DEMETRIOU, 27 from Luppitt, Honiton was described as another example of determination to succeed. He started at the college in 2012 and has worked his way up through the levels in functional skills English and Maths. Last year he achieved his GCSE English and displayed a real talent for creative writing, amazing his teachers and classmates with a wonderful piece about an earthquake. Describing him as a joy to teach due to his motivation and openness to try new approaches his tutor is sure that his diligence, commitment to learning, excellent communications skills and desire to help others will be a great asset to him and future employers. Now studying for GCSE Maths alongside his professional cookery apprenticeship at the well known River Cottage in East Devon, Ryan says "Exeter College is a great place to push yourself, no matter what level you are. Every class I've been to has been welcoming and helpful - it's almost like a small family." The award was sponsored by Councillor Richard Westlake from Devon County Council.
The college's important area of work – apprenticeships were recognized with the Apprentice of the Year 2013/14 award going to KIERAN HANLEY, 17 from Exmouth and was presented by Cllr Peter Edwards. Kieran is spoken of glowingly by his employer M and D Motors in Exmouth and his college skills recruiter said "he stands out amongst the 800 apprentices at the college for his true grit and determination to succeed." Having originally joined the college's 14-16 programme he set his vocational aspirations early on. He found academic studies a challenge but, not deterred by not meeting the entry criteria initially for his apprenticeship programme, he found a job and with motivation and commitment continued to push for an apprenticeship place. Kieran praised the enormous amount of support from the college that has helped him believe in himself and he was joined by his employer when he won overall apprentice at our Skills Awards event earlier this term at the impressive Flybe Training Academy.
The Art and Design Student of the Year - HARRY COOKE, 18 from Exeter- praised the great teaching and excellent facilities at the college noting his experience as inspirational, directional and social. Completing the Extended Diploma in Art and Design specialising in Photography with triple distinctions he is described as being an inspiration to other students, setting the highest bar in terms of both effort and outcomes. A truly talented photographer, Harry had already had work published in a number of magazines and undertaken commissions from Urban Outfitters amongst others. Harry is described by his tutors as "making achieving top marks seem like fun and his passion and energy for photography was infectious to all." Now studying Commercial Photography at Arts University Bournemouth he was the first of five former St Peters students being honoured at the event. Cllr Emma Morse from Devon County Council, kindly sponsored the Art and Design Student of the Year award.
The Business and IT Student of the Year - BILLY SENE 18 from Exeter - another former St Peters student was nominated because he proved himself to be an outstanding student throughout his two years at college. His tutor selected him since he engaged in all activities and was always looking for ways to develop himself, whether volunteering over the summer or finding a part time job to support his studies. Completing his BTEC Extended Diploma in Business with triple distinction star grades his tutor says it is not only his outstanding academic achievements that singles him out. He was an excellent member of his tutor group, supporting his peers and was always willing to lend a hand. Now an accountancy apprentice with Francis Clark Billy hopes to progress to being a chartered accountant and described his time at college as rewarding, fun and memorable.
The Construction Student of the Year award was presented by Tim Westwood from Kier who are working with the college on the exciting new Maths and Science Centre at the end of Queen Street. GEORGIE RAND, 17 from Tiverton, the award winner, has specialised in plumbing- a career that is enjoying a particularly successful profile at the college since another of its students won the prestigious World Skills Gold medal at the NEC competition last November - the best in the country. Georgie's enthusiasm to be a plumber started when she visited the college's Women in Construction event whilst she was at Uffculme School. After gaining excellent GCSE grades she was determined to pursue her ambition and, joining us in 2013 she quickly excelled, passing her exams and practical assessments at the first attempt. She described her greatest enjoyment at college as meeting and training with different classmates and teachers and she was one of six students who gained valuable work experience with the University of Exeter. Through her hard work and enthusiasm Georgie is now a plumbing and heating apprenticeship at the university - a job she thoroughly enjoys saying " I hope to become a fully qualified gas engineer at the university in the future"
The Engineering, Aerospace and Automotive Student of the Year JAMES PARSONS, 18 from Exeter formerly from St Peters was described as a dedicated student who had worked his way from an entry level programme in 2010 to achieve an impressive distinction in his level 2 programme. His tutors described how he has worked hard to develop the skills and knowledge needed to achieve. Not only was he always ready to support his classmates but he worked to improve the spirit and life of his community as well. He was however particularly nominated for his effort to secure work experience at one of the region's most reputable local garages - Exminster Garage - which resulted in him being offered an apprenticeship - a step towards his goal of being a qualified mechanic. "He will be a key asset to his workplace and local community" his tutor promises. James' award was sponsored by one of the city's key employers - Alcoa Howmet.
The English and Languages Student of the Year Award winner - JAMES LETTEN, 19 from Exwick was nominated for his outstanding academic ability as well as for the enormous role he played in college life. His success at A level was truly outstanding, with A* grades in English Literature, Human Biology and the Extended Project and an A grade in History. But his other achievements are equally impressive. He was a member of the Reach Academy, an active member of the Learner Voice representing the student body at the Governors Away day, mentored the Cadet Force at St James and was a key member of the College Debating team. His tutor was full of praise saying "He is mature and thoughtful beyond his years, utterly reliable, takes delight in discovering new ideas and maintains a modest and sensitive manner towards others. In 25 years of teaching he stands amongst the most exceptional people whom I have taught." Formerly from St Peters, James is now reading History at Balliol College, Oxford with a bursary from the Royal Navy which he will join as an officer in 2017. He says that he would definitely recommend Exeter College because 'staff and lecturers really care and invest time in you as a student'. Simon Gregory from Foot Anstey kindly sponsored this award.
The Enterprise Academy student of the year 2013/14 - HARRIETT STEVENS, 18 from Braunton - demonstrated a keen business sense and passion for entrepreneurship through the Enterprise Academy - the first year the college has celebrated this new Academy which has been supported through the business mentors from Rokk Media, Toucan and Lifestyle Group. Harriett, 18, originally from Braunton, made a great transition from school to college and adapted quickly to her combination programme of A levels plus the Enterprise Academy as well as the journey of hour and half each day to college. Not only did she manage her business successfully as part of her Academy programme but also completed each one of her qualifications with distinction stars. Now studying Philosophy and Sociology at the University of Greenwich London, Harriett said "The Enterprise tutors always delivered interesting and dynamic lessons. They had a genuine passion to teach and for us to learn from their knowledge and experience in the business world. Exeter is a vibrant city and a great place to be a student. The college offers a wealth of opportunities with some great tutors and facilities – exciting, interesting and fun." Adam Stone from RoKK Media presented the award
The English for Speakers of Other Languages Student of the Year - GEORGE GEORGANIS, 32 living in Exeter is someone who was a highly motivated and conscientious student whose enthusiasm for studying and obvious pleasure in learning was infectious and was described by his tutor as contributing to the positive attitude of the whole class. Moving to the UK from Greece he took up a job as a barman but since his ESOL course has improved his English Skills and boosted his confidence and he has recently enrolled on an AAT level 3 accountancy course which will give him a qualification similar to the ones that he gained in Greece. Our winner describes his experience at college as 'fun, full of knowledge and communication'.
The Flybe Student of the Year award celebrates the college's important partnership work with Flybe and Matt Roach, Managing Director of Exeter International Airport has kindly sponsored this award. The award winner KELSEY CARPENTER, 19 from Exeter - is an exceptional example of the standards set by the partnership and the Cabin Crew staff team had no hesitation in recommending her for the award. "Kelsey consistently worked hard in every task she was presented with" they said "and ensured all the work she submitted was at distinction level. She set out from the beginning to achieve great things and by the end of her time at college her commitment and dedication had paid off for her – she achieved triple star distinctions AND employment offers from both Camp America and British Airways." Her tutors gave her a glowing reference saying "She is an outstanding student and this award is a wonderful opportunity to recognise and thank her for all her hard work, enthusiasm and strong leadership qualities that she was never afraid to demonstrate." Now working at London Heathrow for British Airways Kelsey returned to Exeter for the evening event.
The Foundation Studies Student of the Year - CHANTELLE WELCH, 18 from Exeter - was described by her tutor as "starting as quite shy and unwilling to ask for help but as she challenged herself to take part in activities and class discussions her confidence really grew." After completing vocational studies Chantelle joined the level 1 health and social care course, getting on well with everyone, supporting other learners as they went through difficult times. She gave not only 100% to her course but also worked hard in and achieved her functional skills maths and English which has allowed her to progressed onto a level 2 health and social care course. The first of four Isca Academy, winners she was particularly nominated for her maturity and willingness, qualities that were noted by her work experience leaders at Greenslades Nursing Home who wrote a glowing report of how she supported residents.The award was kindly sponsored by Saxon Spence, a former councilor and long term supporter of the college.
The Healthcare, Childcare and Public Services Student of the Year – REANNA KILLEEN-MCGUIRK, 18 was nominated for her fantastic portfolio of work AND the way she worked with her peers. Her tutor on the Extended Diploma in Public Services described her as "the epitome of what the public services strive for. She is a confident young lady, driven to succeed, however at the same time ensuring that she is compassionate and thoughtful towards others." Reanna has had an outstanding year, not only completing her course with an impressive triple star distinction but was also crowned as the national BTEC Public Service Student of the Year in the summer. Describing the public service staff team as amongst the friendliest people she as ever encountered, she went on to say "the resources and education the college provided was faultless, I was given so many opportunities because of the passion for the students – their care and attention allow us to shine and I found my time unforgettable, nurturing and amazing." She is now joining the Metropolitan Police as a constable with her sights set on progressing as a senior office. The award was presented by Cllr Olwen Foggin from Devon County Council.
The Higher Education Student of the Year - URSULA GOLIATH, 57 from Sidmouth - was nominated since, in the words of her tutors, "she has shown tireless commitment and dedication in pursuing her desire to complete her Foundation Degree in Early Years." The past three years have not been easy as she has battled to understand the requirements of each task and overcome the barriers and obstacles that dyslexia has put in her way. Every time she has faced a challenge, she has found a way around this using her mantra of 'Quitters do not make winners!'" Despite the added pressure of working in the early years' industry alongside her degree Ursula passed every assignment in her final year – a real credit to her inner strength, resilience and determination to succeed. Working as a family support worker for a children's centre she is hoping to return to college to complete the PTTLS teacher education course and hopes to run her own nursery and described her time as 'challenging yet rewarding'. The award was sponsored by Charles Kislingbury from Jones Lang La Salle.
The Hospitality, Hair and Beauty Student of the Year, LAUREN BOSTON, 20 from Chudleigh Newton Abbot and formerly from Teign School, was a member of the inaugural Michael Caines Academy programme and then continued onto the VRQ3 programme. Over the three years she had shown determination, focus and massive commitment in all of her work. She was described as being "taken into the hearts of all her classmates and excelled on multiple work placements." During her level 3 VRQ programme our winner blossomed, demonstrating the attributes of all excellent leaders with continued hard work, thirst for improvement and an ability to maintain high standards of work in all areas. Alongside her course work, Lauren represented her tutor group, faculty and the college and in her final year was a student governor. She is now at the Edge Hotel School, University of Essex studying a degree in hotel management.
The Humanities Student of the Year Award EMMA FURZER, 18 from Exeter was described by her psychology tutor as "a model student, always keen and eager to learn, improve her academic skills, help staff and throw herself into all that college had to offer." Originally from West Exe School she demonstrated excellent leadership qualities in class and acted as a fantastic role model and ambassador for students of psychology. Now studying medicine at Cardiff University, Emma achieved impressive three straight grade As in Psychology, Biology and Chemistry and is particularly praised for her A* Extended Project that demonstrated her mature understanding of the need for a more 'human' relationship between doctor and patient to best ensure a successful diagnosis and outcome. Emma was unable to be at the event since she had already returned to University for her new term, but described that she enjoyed meeting new people, the variety of help available and the great quality of teaching at college, and asked to "please pass on my thanks to the teaching staff who taught me".
The College is proud of its International Baccalaureate course since it was the first college in Devon to introduce this challenging but fulfilling programme. The 2013/14 IB Student of the Year winner – LUCY PEARCE, 20 from Exeter exemplifies all that is good about the course. Despite joining part way through the diploma from Dartford Grammar School she managed the adjustments to her programme admirably and quickly established herself at Exeter College as a popular and much respected member of the year who was generous with her time to support her peers. Her tutor nominated our Lucy not just for her academic success but also for her impressive determination to succeed and her ability to keep her eyes on the prize. And prizes she has – not only achieving excellent results in her IB – an impressive 38 points out of 45 - but also fulfilling her dream of studying law at Christchurch College Oxford.
The Journalism Academy Student of the Year award, presented to MADELEINE HOLMES, 20 from Bovey Tracey is only the second year this has been awarded and was sponsored by Pearson who have been instrumental in setting up this Academy. The worthy winner was a consistently hard working member throughout the year, actively being involved in projects from editing, to meetings and to publications. Her leading role on FreeFall magazine helped push the publication forward, and, with consistent attendance took up the opportunities to meet with employers such as Express and Echo, Exeter Daily and FE Week. As well as her contribution to the Academy she was a talented writer and is described "As simply the backbone of the Academy last year showing what can be done when you take opportunities and run with them." Our winner, originally from South Dartmoor School in Ashburton, is currently studying multimedia journalism at Southampton Solent University with plans to continue her journalism career possibly in New York. She loved the atmosphere at the college saying "the staff encourage you to excel in what you do".
The Maths and Science Student of the Year - NATALIE FISK, 18 from Exeter – is sponsored by Santander, the event sponsors. Natalie was described as being a delightful and modest student – which is surprising given the vast list of her achievements. After gaining straight A grades in her 5 AS subjects in her first year here AND the worthy winner of the faculty's AS Award for Academic Excellence, our star student gained a further four A* grades at A level. She studied the Extended Project, Maths, Biology and Chemistry averaging an incredible 97% in her A level subjects. On top of these achievements she helped out at many faculty events and with students at Uffculme School. She also worked towards her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, Jiu Jitsu, contributed to the running of the Modern Foreign Languages Club, the Science club and was an active member of debating and the Model United Nations Team. Another of the Isca Academy winners, Natalie gave credit to her great teachers saying she really enjoyed the environment and support at the college. She is now studying Natural Sciences at Downing College, Cambridge.
The Media and Performing Arts Student of the Year 2013/14 - BRODIE LEWORTHY, 19 from Exeter has had her own rave reviews from her tutors and is described as having shone in her subjects. Originally from St Peters School She blossomed from a level 2 media learner into a hardworking and creative student who completed her level 3 Sub Dip Arts Management course with a distinction star and her fast tracked Print Media programme with a distinction. She was honoured by her faculty winning one of their own Oscars award for her magazine work in print media and was the project manager and key active member of the arts management team who ran our exciting music festival in May. She described her experience at Exeter College as a mixture of inspiring, stressful and inventive – a powerful combination - and goes onto say "I really enjoyed the sense of independence, opportunity and social environment" Brodie is now planning on using that independence in the hopes of travelling in April. The award was presented by Jon-Paul Hedge editor of the Express and Echo the proud sponsors for this award.
Emily Colling, 17, from Okehampton scooped the prestigious Michael Caines Academy Student of the Year award. She was described as an outstanding member of the specialist hospitality and catering Academy set up by the college's Michelin starred famous chef alumni in an innovative partnership sponsored by City and Guilds and supported by a range of industry leaders. Her tutors described Emily's progress in the college as 'very impressive' and went on to say "Emily achieved such progress through her exceptional commitment and her desire to improve her skills and it is not just for her culinary skills that she is being rewarded tonight but she was always the first to volunteer for extra curricular events, was a model student within the Academy and a great ambassador for the whole catering department." Emily is another student who is used to winning awards since she recently won the high profile SW Chef of the Year competition – student chef category – beating off students from across the west country in a competition described by Michael Caines MBE himself as 'the best yet with the highest standards ever seen'. Emily has now successfully graduated from the Academy but continues her professional cookery training at the college while she works as a level 3 apprentice at the 2rivers restaurant in Okehampton. Picking up her award she said "I enjoyed studying at the college because of the amazing standard of teaching. The tutors were always around to help and constantly pushed me to achieve better things. The facilities are great and the trips I went on really helped expand my knowledge. I'd love to one day have my own restaurant."
The Music Academy Student of the Year was won by HARRY DOWELL, 19 from Topsham - who was described as a highly dedicated and able music student who came to Exeter College with great potential. He developed this potential in both musical performance and academia and achieved triple distinction stars in his Extended Diploma in Music and A* in his A level Music. The third Isca Academy winners he was a keen supporter and participant in a whole range of extra curricular college activities including Jazz Project, Big Band, Chamber Orchestra and student choir. In all of these ensembles he made a valuable and highly musical contribution helping to inspire and motivate other students. Harry also played an active role as one of our dedicated music department ambassadors and student reps stating that he enjoyed being "totally immersed in the faculty and it was a joy to study at college". He is now pursuing his musical career at Bristol University.
The winner of the Reach Academy Student of the Year - –JOSEPH MCSHANE, 18 from Exeter was described as a truly outstanding ambassador for the Reach Academy AND the college. His finest achievements have arguably been as part of the Model United Nations debating team. He won 'best delegate' in every single conference that he attended including the highly prestigious Bath International Schools MUN conference where he was part of the best delegation – the first time a state institution had won the award. He was also described as a phenomenal debater in the college's debating team, was completely reliable in attending the Reach Academy's inspirational lecture programme and was always ready to ask searching questions. Now studying Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Pembroke College Oxford after amassing 2 A* grades in Economics and Maths and 2 A grades in History and Critical Thinking in the summer, Joe, originally from Isca Academy said his experience of college was "successful, sociable and inclusive." He was presented with his award by Ralph James from the Met Office who continue with strong support for the Reach Academy.
The Spencer Dale Economics Student of the Year award was sponsored by the Exeter Chamber of Commerce with Barclays, and named after the former Chief Economist of the Bank of England, former Exeter College student, Spencer Dale now chief economist for BP. The winner, CHRISTIAN LOWE, 19 from Highampton is travelling in Australasia but his parents picked up his award at the event. Christian achieved an excellent A* in Economics A level and his most impressive quality was his genuine interest in economic ideas with requests for further reading. His tutors noted "He was never content to understand the material superficially, he always dug deeper to really grasp the underlying concept; he was especially interested in linking Economic theory to his two other A level subjects, Politics and History." He asked perceptive questions through the year and could articulate his position in both writing and speech with sturdy evidence – in 2012 he reached the last 40 of 1,200 entries of the Royal Society Young Economist essay competition. Originally from Holsworthy College Christian stated that the best thing about studying at Exeter College were the inspiring teachers who could adapt their lessons to suit the class.
The Sports Academy Student of the Year award was present by Cllr Roy Hill from Devon County Council to MATTHEW HANDFORD, 18 from Exeter. Matthew, a former West Exe pupil was described as an excellent role model for all young people. He completed his BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport Performance and Excellence achieving the maximum triple distinction stars at the end of the course. Alongside this achievement he made it through to the England Under 18s final rugby trial whilst also being an integral member of our rugby academy. He played at Twickenham in the NatWest Vase final and was a fundamental part of the team which went on to lose the tantalizing final by the closest of whiskers. Outstanding achievements certainly but made more remarkable since Matthew is partially sighted. His tutors nominated him saying. "He never used his lack of sight as an excuse in anything that he has undertaken, in fact he has a desire to achieve the very best in everything that he does and will not let barriers stand in his way – he is an inspiration!" Matthew described his time at Exeter College as "motivational, inspirational, educational, innovative, determined and committed." He is now continuing with his sport training studying the Personal Trainer's course at college and continues with our rugby academy.
ROSIE BIRCH, 18, from Bideford won Sport, Leisure and Tourism Student of the Year award and was another student whose academic achievements and determination to succeed were celebrated. Rosie is no stranger to awards having scooped the National BTEC Student of the Year Award in the summer but she was being honoured for achievements closer to home at the event in Exeter wither award sponsored by Exeter City Football Club. Rosie was nominated by her faculty as a valued member of her tutor group and an excellent role model, helping to keep her fellow students on track by offering support both as a friend and academically. Originally from Great Torrington School, Rosie lived in Buckland Brewer and travelled a challenging four hour round trip to college and back every day – she was never late and never missed a deadline. Her tutor remarked "We were not surprised that Rosie completed her BTEC Travel and Tourism course with the highest triple distinction star qualifications and her work placement at Zephyr Travel went from strength to strength. She impressed them with her customer centred approach and knowledge of destinations. Rosie is already working in the demanding tourism industry in the Winter Sport resort of Alpe d'Huez and recorded a video message for the guests at the glittering event saying "I'm really sorry that I can't be with you tonight." and described her experience during her course as "Everything was brilliant – I loved travelling to college and meeting a whole new group of people - it's been award winningly fantastic."
