Excellence in Exeter awards evening celebrates youngsters' achievements

Polar explorer and University of Exeter honorary graduate Ann Daniels congratulated pupils from schools in Exeter by recognising their achievements at the annual Excellence in Exeter awards evening on Thursday 27 November.

The celebrations were organised by the University of Exeter, in an awards evening 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.  Pupils’ achievements whether academically in sports, the arts and community efforts will be recognised and heralded by the parents, staff and fellow students at the event.

Over 180 young people have been nominated from all five Exeter secondary schools, special schools and Exeter College. Pupils in years 7, 10, 12 and 13 have been nominated by their schools, tying in with each key stage.

Ann Daniels motivational talk reflected on her polar expeditions which are often about learning something new and being part of a world so different from most people’s everyday world.  She said: “That nervous energy that taking yourself out of your comfortable and familiar surroundings brings, such as a polar expedition is one of the many exciting aspects of going somewhere that you’ve never been to.”

Ann’s first major move took place in her childhood when her parents relocated and half way through her school years, which meant changing schools. The experience turned out to be positive with the help of an inspirational teacher.
Ann added: “Seeing what was being achieved by other pupils who were no different from me. It taught me what belief in yourself and hard work could achieve. Before I began to apply myself, a maths teacher pulled me to one side and gave me a good talking to. He told me I was one of his brightest pupils and I was wasting my talents, which wasn't acceptable. His belief in me, gave me the impetus to change my attitude and my fortune at school and beyond.”

Emma Stephenson, Head of Widening Participation and UK Student Recruitment at the University of Exeter said: “Recognising that education is a good thing and that excellence is something which we should be proud of, makes hosting this annual award ceremony so special. By working in partnership the University hopes to contribute to this message and encourage young people to keep on learning.”

St James School won this year’s Community Award for school based projects that have a direct benefit to the local community through their involvement with a local care home. 

The ‘Kissing it Better’ project involved a small group of 15–16 year olds reading, playing music or doing puzzles with elderly members of the Jack Simpson Care Home in Exeter on a regular basis throughout term time. 

Head Teacher, St James School, Moira Marder said: “The Community Award is a true recognition of all the hard work put into the ‘Kissing it Better’ project over a significant period of time.  

"The impact on the residents of the Care Home as well as developing our students’ life skills has been positive.   We are really pleased with the outcome of this important project and delighted that this has been recognised with the Excellence in Exeter Community Award.”

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

The schools involved are: Southbrook School, a specialist centre for cognition and learning; West Exe School, St Thomas; St Luke’s Science and Sports College; Isca Academy, Topsham Road; St Peter’s Church of England Aided School; St James School, Beacon Heath and Exeter College.