Excellence in Exeter tie pin

Schools score excellence in education

Rugby is a tough game of tactical play, determination and focus. This makes Exeter Chief’s fly-half Henry Slade the perfect sportsman to recognise the achievements of pupils from local schools at the Excellence in Exeter awards evening on Thursday 17 November.

The acclaimed novelist Philip Pullman will also be at the University of Exeter to celebrate young people’s achievements. Pullman was a teacher before becoming a full-time writer and is the author of many books including the trilogy His Dark Materials, the first volume of which, Northern Lights, was voted by readers their favourite of all those that have won the Carnegie Medal. The third volume, The Amber Spyglass, was the first children's book to win the overall Whitbread Award.

The celebrations are organised by the University of Exeter to help forge closer links between the University and local schools and colleges and encourage young people to engage with higher education.  Pupil’s 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. A community award is also being presented for a wider school based project that has a direct benefit to the local community

Emma Stephenson, Outreach Manager at the University of Exeter said,“We are delighted to be hosting the annual awards ceremony in recognition 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.”

Achievements range from that of Aaron Western from Southbrook School, who overcame his personal challenges and learning difficulties to achieve academic success. 16-year-old Aaron also completed a FA refereeing course requiring both a written and a physical assessment. He is now a qualified FA referee, has refereed both Adult and Youth games and is looking forward to having a possible career in this sport.

Steve Goss, PE teacher at Southbrook School said: “Aaron worked for the PE department on Fridays in his final year at Southbrook. As a member of the department he offered additional support helping enthusiastically in lessons. He also developed his leadership skills and was a keen participant of the Exeter School Sports Partnership Leadership Academy. He often officiated at our inter-school matches in a variety of sports but his real passion was being a football referee.”

11-year-old Jamie Rudd from St James School was nominated for his commitment to the school orchestra, performs and sings in school plays and plays the piano. Jamie said: “Sometimes I can’t stop myself humming a tune, I really enjoy piano and signing, I must get my talents from my parents, who are both musicians. I love singing at home all the time and often perform for my family and friends.”

Emma Jones studied Biology, Chemistry and Maths at Exeter College, and is now studying Natural Sciences (biological) at the University of Cambridge. Whilst at Exeter College Emma was extremely proud of getting full UMS marks on her last two Biology units at A2, and for getting 3 A*s. Emma said:” It is such a nice feeling to be nominated for your academic achievement. The Excellence in Exeter awards are a lovely way to make some people feel like what they are doing is worthwhile, because it's not always so easy to see the point in doing well, besides the vague 'prospect of better jobs' which seems so far away at this stage in my education.”

The Excellence in Exeter awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 17 November in the University of Exeter’s Great Hall, 6:45pm – 8:45pm.

The schools involved are:

Date: 16 November 2011