TOP OF THE CLASS A centre opening, award-winning teachers and one gorgeous pooch

EDUCATION

HIGHLIGHTS FROM EXETER’S EDUCATION SECTOR

Minister Keegan cutting the ribbon

CONGRATULATIONS!

Selected from thousands of nominations, Matt Jenkins and Jo Fison from Exmouth’s Deaf Academy have been honoured with a Silver Award in The Lockdown Hero Award for Learner and Community Support for their outstanding commitment to changing the lives of the children they work with every day.

The pair have now been shortlisted to win one of just 15 Gold Awards later in the year, in a programme which will be broadcast on the BBC.

“Lockdown has been a very diffi cult time across the country, in particular for young people with additional needs and their families,” says Deaf Academy principal, Sylvan Dewing.

“A fantastic achievement for Jo and Matt and wonderful recognition for everyone who worked here during that diffi cult time. They are all heroes!” For more: Deaf Academy, Exmouth; www.thedeafacademy.ac.uk

CENTRE OF ATTENTION

Exeter College recently opened a brand new £10.3million Institute of Technology Digital and Data Centre, with the building being offi cially launched by Minister Keegan, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Apprenticeships and Skills.

The centre is designed to drive growth, providing employerled education opportunities in the digital sector, including courses around data analytics, cyber security, and software development,

“It was an honour to open the South West Institute of Technology Digital and Data Centre at Exeter College,” says Minister Keegan.

“Our Institutes of Technology are the pinnacle of technical education, helping to develop the highly-skilled talent pipeline employers will need for the future.

“By bringing together Further Education colleges, universities and businesses, Institutes of Technology are unique partnerships which will help to tackle skills shortages in vital sectors, from marine engineering to software development.”

John Laramy CBE, Exeter College’s Principal and Chief Executive adds,

“This is a vital development for our city and region, it is critical that we equip our students and apprentices with the skills of the future, that are in such demand from employers.” For more: Exeter College; www.exe-coll.ac.uk

Deaf Academy in Exmouth

© STRIDETREGLOWN

© DEAF ACADEMY Hero teacher Jo Fison All smiles with Matt Jenkins

© DEAF ACADEMY

Poppy and her friends ULTIMUTT NEW MEMBER

Queen Elizabeth’s School is ending a challenging year on a very positive note by welcoming a brand new, canine member of staff to their pastoral team. Poppy, a two and half year old Sprocket, is joining the school as their newest employee from September. Therapy dogs have been called ‘miracle workers’ because of their calming eff ect on students and school staff .

Poppy comes with very impressive credentials , and received top marks in her offi cial Dog Assessment Report.

“Poppy is an incredibly relaxed, calm dog and will play an integral role in our pastoral team, supporting the emotional wellbeing of our students and focused interventions with our SEN groups,” says Natalie Hunt, QE’s pastoral support lead and Poppy’s owner.

“As well as providing emotional support, science and empirical evidence has shown us that therapy dogs in a school setting can reduce blood pressure, promote physical healing, decrease anxiety, fatigue and depression.”

They can also focus interaction, stimulate memory, boost problem -solving skills and improve attendance. We can’t wait for her to get started!” For more: Queen Elizabeth’s School, Crediton; www.qe.devon.sch.uk