Specialist college hails success of students

Students at Exeter’s “InFocus College” celebrated another year of amazing achievements at last month’s annual Achievement and Celebration Ceremony.

The young people all have vision impairment and other disabilities, and come to Exeter from across the UK to access learning, support, therapy and healthcare.

The College community also hailed some of the staff, volunteers, businesses and community groups who have supported their students through the last year. This included the Exeter Chiefs Community Coaches who won the Partner of the Year award for inspirational adapted rugby sessions for people with vision impairment and complex needs.

There was a chance to enjoy highlights from the “InFocus Prom” and the adapted, multisensory musical performed earlier in the term.

Martyn Cox, Interim Principal, said:

“It’s been an incredible year, and a time of ‘bouncing back’ after the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our students haven’t let their own set of challenges get in the way of achieving great things, and taking part in a huge range of learning opportunities”.

“They enjoyed meeting Simon Jupp MP for UK Parliament week, sharing their views on a range of local and national issues, including the importance of better pay for nurses and healthcare workers dealing with COVID-19.

“We also worked with some inspirational local partners, including Exeter’s Double Elephant Print Workshop, Wren Music and Rhythm Sticks percussion (run by a former student of our College).

YOung lady in a yellow t shirt smiling as she holds a certificate high in the air. There's a lady in red laughing behind her and a bright blue banner — Rhythm Sticks picking up a Highly Commended certificate for Partner of the Year

“For many the ultimate highlight was a series of adapted rugby sessions from the Exeter Chiefs Community Coaches.

Jane Bell is standing in front of an infocus backdrop passing a certificate to Tom who is wearing black rugby kit

They visited our students, learned about the challenges caused by vision impairment, communication difficulties, and physical disability, and adapted their sessions accordingly.

Young man in a wheelchair holding a rugby ball and smiling up at a coach

“For six weeks they had young people from across our community taking part, whether that was in wheelchairs, out on the pitch, or even in the swimming pool, all taking part.”

The young people all attend the College on Topsham Road run by InFocus. They all have a range of complex needs and disabilities in addition to their vision impairment.