West Exe School, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, welcomed members of the economics department from the University of Exeter to the school this month as part of a joint initiative from the university and the ‘Discover Economics’ programme.

Discover Economics is on a mission to increase the diversity of economics students. They aim to broaden the appeal of economics to potential students, change their perceptions of economics and economists and attract more students from under-represented groups (women, state school/further education college students and minoritised ethnic groups).

Budding economists and entrepreneurs taking GCSE Business Studies heard from three current Exeter university students who ran brilliant sessions looking at topics such as, what is gross domestic product and how your take home salary is affected at different income levels. Students were shocked at what their take-home salary would look like after they’ve paid their income tax and national insurance!

The group went on to look at the government's current budget deficit, and what approaches politicians could take to address this. They had a large debate about whether tax should be increased for top earners and what other ways more income could be brought into the UK.

The university students will be back again later this term to examine other careers in economics and answer questions.

Economics students at the University of Exeter cover a variety of topics including inflation, monopoly control, the study of developing economies and the finance of multinational companies. The University is in the top ten in the UK for economics.

Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said:

“I want to say a big thank you to the Exeter University students who took the time to come and discuss economics with our Business Studies class. It was great for them to be introduced to some new concepts and to have them start thinking about the wider applications of what they are studying.”

Debbie Du Preez, Economics lecturer and ‘Discover Economics’ lead at the University of Exeter said:

“It is a privilege for us to go into the local state schools and promote Economics to a diverse set of learners. We want to transform learner perceptions of what “Economics” actually is and show them just how accessible and rewarding a career in Economics can be.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust said:

“At the Ted Wragg Trust we are really keen to see organisations in our communities collaborate and this was a great example of how local educational institutions can work together for the benefit of all young people.”

West Exe School, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, recently hosted their first inter-school chess competition with 9 of the school’s Year 8 students who attend a lunchtime Chess Club taking on their counterparts from Matford Brook.

There were a few nerves alongside a lot of excitement amongst the students who were proud to represent the school.  Both sets of students played some excellent chess over the course of the afternoon, with a lot of incredibly close games as students got to grips with the pressure of playing under timed conditions for the first time. 

The West Exe students ultimately won the majority of the games played, claiming an overall victory on the day!  Overall, it was a fantastic afternoon with students from both schools showing both a competitive spirit, as well as fantastic sportsmanship all round.

Texts referencing the origins of chess date from the start of the seventh century.  The game received a surge in popularity in recent years following the TV show The Queen’s Gambit which centres on a woman trying to become a chess champion.

 Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said:

"I am delighted that West Exe students won our very first inter-school chess tournament and want to offer everyone who took part a big congratulations!  Watching our Year 7s take such joy not just in their chess, but in hosting students from MBA was the highlight of my week.  I am incredibly proud of them all."

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust said:

“It was great to hear that West Exe has hosted this chess challenge and to see that so many students were excited to take part.  Many congratulations to the West Exe students for their victory.”