Red Carpet for Exeter’s young people

Over 180 young people have been nominated from all five of Exeter secondary schools, two specials schools and Exeter College. Pupils in years 7, 10,12 and 13 have been nominated by their schools, tying in with each key stage. A Community Award is also presented for wider school-based projects that have a direct benefit to the local community.

The Excellence in Exeter awards are designed to help forge closer links between the University of Exeter and local schools and colleges as a way of encouraging young people to engage with higher education.

Emma Stephenson, Outreach Manager at the University of Exeter explains: “We want to show that education is a good thing and that excellence is something which we should be proud of. By working in partnership the University hopes to contribute to this message and encourage young people to keep on learning.”

Jill Wainwright is a District Judge based at Exeter County Court and is the guest of honour who will present the Excellence in Exeter awards. District Judge Wainwright is a qualified solicitor and specialises in family cases and has close links with academics in the University’s Law department and a keen interest in the welfare and aspirations of young people in Devon. She said, ‘I’m delighted to be supporting an event that celebrates what is excellent about the young people of the City. We know that they are capable of tremendous achievements and this evening will help to give recognition to the many ways in which they demonstrate their talents.’

Making the event as spectacular as possible requires expert staging. Warwick Corp Events will add that all-important sparkle through supporting this year’s event by supplying the lights and Audio Visuals. The celebratory event incorporates performances showcasing the talents of pupils interspersed with speeches by Professor Mark Overton, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, District Judge Wainwright and a representative of Exeter Football Club.

An audience of teachers, community representatives and proud families will celebrate the pupils’ achievements and be entertained by music, dance and multi-media projections created by young people from all the schools. Each young person will receive a certificate and an ‘Excellence’ pin to wear on their uniform in the graduation style ceremony.

The ‘Excellence in Exeter’ awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 19 November in the Great Hall at the University of Exeter from 6.30 to 8.30pm.

The schools involved are:

• Southbrook College – A specialist centre for cognition & learning
• West Exe Technology College, St Thomas
• St Luke’s Science and Sports College
• Isca College of Media Arts, Topsham Road
• St Peter’s Church of England Aided School
• St James School, Beacon Heath
• Exeter College
• The West of England School and College for young people with little or no sight