The next generation of leaders in maths and science are being inspired at Exeter College’s state-of-the-art Maths and Science Centre – cementing the College’s reputation as a leader in STEMM education.
The Centre, which has been open for just over a year, provides inspirational and inspiring academic science labs and classroom spaces.
Students from all four corners of Devon and beyond are now taking advantage of the excellent facilities and teaching on offer at the Centre.
The facilities include six maths classrooms, a computer science suite and twelve purpose built science labs covering biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, geology and forensic science.
All of the teaching and learning spaces have been designed to the highest specifications to support inspirational and innovative teaching. The Centre also houses a student cafe, learning hub, interview rooms, and a staff room.
Subjects on offer range from A Levels in maths, physics, geology, environmental studies, computer science, chemistry, biology, and further maths, as well as the Applied Science (Forensic Science) BTEC Extended Diploma, and Access to Higher Education courses.
Students studying at the Centre have enjoyed recent award winning national success, with Exeter College student physicists achieving Gold at the British Physics Olympiad earlier this year. The British Physics Olympiad has run for 25 years and is entered by more than 1,600 talented young physicists. The College had two second year A Level physicists, Tom [surname?] and Matt [surname?], in the top 130 candidates in this year’s contest with both achieving Gold.
Lecturer Ashley Dyer said: “The students have worked really hard over the last two years, taking part in Physics Club and extra-curricular events. They have challenged themselves on a weekly basis and this has paid off with them going on to achieve Gold.”
Exeter College also entered its largest ever team into the recent Biology Olympiad, with ten students being awarded medals: one Gold, six Silver, and three Bronze.
The Maths and Science Centre is located in the former JobCentre Plus building on Queen Street, which had been unoccupied for many years until the College acquired it in 2013. The building, occupying more than 2,000 square metres, is located on one of the major gateways into the City.
The building was officially opened by Professor Sir Steve Smith, Vice Chancellor of the University of Exeter, in November 2015. The project saw the installation of passive ventilation systems, as well as photovoltaic panels to improve the building’s energy efficiency. There are also additional cycle racks, showering and drying facilities to support the growing number of students and staff opting for the environmentally friendly ways of getting to the Centre.
Exeter College is recognised as a leader in the provision of STEMM subjects. The College is also creating a multimillion pound Centre of Excellence in Robotics and Engineering at its landmark Technology Centre, on the edge of Exeter. The Centre is due to open in September 2017 and will feature eight new, world-class, manufacturing robots, 3D printers, and a virtual welding facility.
Meanwhile, in line with its reputation for academic excellence, thirteen Exeter College students have been offered places at the world-leading universities of Cambridge (seven) and Oxford (six). The offers cover a range of subjects including the STEMM subjects biochemistry, mathematics, and engineering sciences.
