Strode College celebrated the outstanding achievements of over 30 students who completed courses last year, at an uplifting awards evening held in Strode Theatre this week.

The students, who were joined by friends, family and teachers, were praised for their excellent academic achievements and the exceptional personal qualities which helped them to reach their goals and fulfil their potential.

The majority of students honoured with awards had completed A Levels and vocational qualifications last year, but there were also awards for Higher Education Student of the Year, Adult Student of the Year and Apprentice of the Year. Seven Strode students who successfully completed the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award were also presented with their awards during the evening.

James Staniforth, Principal of Strode College said: “At Strode we are committed to delivering high standards of education and support to all of our students, regardless of their individual academic abilities or personal needs. The combination of high standards of education and inclusivity creates an incredibly powerful and fruitful learning environment where students thrive.

“We are proud of all of our students who make such outstanding progress and go onto enjoy successful futures. These awards however, recognise the exceptional achievements, both academic and personal, of some extremely talented and hard-working young people; they should be truly proud of themselves. I would also like to recognise the outstanding quality of Strode teachers and the support given to these students by their family and friends. This has undoubtedly contributed to the students achievements at Strode and provided a solid foundation for future success.“

Strode College is the only Ofsted 'outstanding' sixth form in Mendip and South Somerset and one of only two sixth form or tertiary colleges nationally to have been graded outstanding in the last two years.

The college has 1500 students studying A Levels and vocational courses each year; it also trains apprentices, and offers university-level courses and courses for adults.

Strode College Student Awards - 14 April 2015

Overall Student of the Year 2015 - Altair Brandon-Salmon
Studied: A Level History of Art (A*), History (A*), English Literature (A*) and Government and Politics (A)
Home town: Ston Easton
Previous school: Home Educated
Where now? Oxford University, studying History of Art.

Outstanding Contribution – Amy Clegg
Studied: A Level Biology (A*), PE (A) and Psychology (B)
Home town: Shipham
Previous school: The Kings of Wessex Academy
Where now? University of Exeter, studying Psychology with Sports and Exercise Science.

Adult Student of the Year – Anna Mitchell
Studied: Education and Training, Level 5 Diploma
Home town: Street
Where now? Teaching Health and Social Care at Strode College.

Apprentice of the Year – Nancy Hutchings
Studied: Childcare, Intermediate and Advanced Apprenticeships
Home town: Street
Previous School: Crispin School
Where now? Employed as a Nursery Nurse at Fairfield Montessori Pre-School.

Beauty/Complementary Therapies Student of the Year – Chloe Blackwell
Studied: Level 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy
Home town: Langport
Previous school: Huish Episcopi Academy
Where now? Beauty Therapist at the Cedar Falls Hotel Spa in Bishop’s Lydeard.

John Lewis Award for Biological and Environmental Sciences Student of the Year – William Orchard
Studied: A Level Biology (A*), Chemistry (A*), Physics (A*) and Maths (A*)
Home town: Glastonbury
Previous school: Crispin School
Where now? Cambridge University, studying Natural Sciences.

Business Student of the Year – Jessica Brankin
Studied: Extended Diploma in Business (Triple Distinction Star) and Level 3 AAT Diploma in Accounting
Home town: Wedmore
Previous school: Crispin School
Where now? Strode College, studying a Foundation Degree in Managing in the Public Sector Services.

Engineering and Technology Student of the Year – Jack Jarvis
Studied: Extended Diploma in Engineering (Triple Distinction Star)
Home town: Barton St David
Previous school: Ansford Academy
Where now? Employed as a Design Draftsman at CWS Engineering Ltd in Glastonbury.

English Student of the Year – Isabella Hicks
Studied: A Level Art and Design (A*), English Language (A) and Psychology (A)
Home town: Street
Previous school: St Dunstan’s School
Where now? Studying Art Foundation, Pre-degree Diploma at Strode College.

Foundation Student of the Year – Jordan Mason
Studied: Foundation Learning, Level 1 Diploma; Functional Skills in English, Maths and ICT
Home town: Street
Previous school: Avalon School
Where now? Strode College, studying Level 2 Diploma in Sport and Public Services.

Hairdressing Student of the Year – Lauren Chinnock
Studied: Level 1, 2 and 3 Diplomas in Hairdressing and Functional Skills in Maths and English
Home town: Wells
Previous school: The Blue School
Where now? Employed as a stylist at Sense in Coxley, Wells.

Health and Care Student of the Year – Bethanie Cook
Studied: Level 2 Diploma and Level 3 Extended Diploma in Childcare, grade A
Home town: Bruton
Previous school: King Arthur’s Community School
Where now? Bath Spa University studying Early Years Education.

Higher Education Student of the Year – Natasha Paine
Studied: BA Hons Degree, History, Heritage and Archaeology (First Class)
Home town: Martock
Previous school: Huish Episcopi Academy
Where now? Advises a consortium of museums in Dorset, delivers heritage workshops in local primary schools and is setting up a regional young archaeologists club.

Humanities Student of the Year – Aaron Davidson
Studied: A Level History A, Geography B and English Literature C
Home town: Glastonbury
Previous school: St Dunstan’s School
Where now? University of Southampton, studying History.

IT student of the year – Dominic Routley
Studied: Extended Diploma in IT, Triple Distinction Star
Home town: Ashcott, Bridgwater
Previous school: Crispin School
Where now? Cardiff University, studying Computer Science.

Brian Jefferson Cup for Maths – Edward Beaty
Studied: A Level Maths A*, Further Maths A*, Physics A*, History A* and STEP Maths grade 1
Home town: Street
Previous school: Crispin School
Where now? Cambridge University, studying Maths.

Media Student of the Year – Luke Brickley
Studied: Extended Diploma Broadcast Media, Double Distinction and Merit
Home town: Littleton nr Somerton
Previous school: The Park School
Where now? Birmingham City University, studying Film Production.

Richard Frapwell Cup for Modern Foreign Languages – Myfanwy Craigie
Studied: Spanish (A*), English Literature (A*) and German (A)
Home town: Bruton
Previous school: Sexey’s School
Where now? Oxford University, studying Spanish and German.

Music Student of the Year – Sofie Hunter
Studied: Extended Diploma in Music Technology, Distinction Star and Double Distinction
Home town: Shepton Mallet
Previous school: Sexey’s School
Where now? Working in live sound, including running the sound team for the West Holts stage at the Glastonbury Festival.

Performing Arts Student of the Year – Matthew Blake
Studied: Extended Diploma in Performing Arts (Distinction Star and Double Distinction)
Home town: Shepton Mallet
Previous school: Whitstone School
Where now? From September he will be studying a Foundation Degree in Musical Theatre at Buckinghamshire New University.

Physical Sciences Student of the Year – Charlotte Day
Studied: A Level Chemistry A, Biology A and Maths B
Home town: Yeovil
Previous school: Preston School
Where now? Gap year before studying Medicine at university.

Psychology Student of the Year – Megan Stupple
Studied: A Level Communications and Culture (A*), Psychology (A) and English Language (B)
Home town: Street
Previous school: Whitstone School
Where now? University of London Royal Holloway, studying Psychology.

Social Sciences Student of the Year – Chloe Broadribb
Studied: A Level Sociology (A), French (B) and History (B)
Home town: Yeovil
Previous school: Buckler’s Mead Academy
Where now? Winchester University, studying Primary Education.

Rachel House Award for Skills for Life – Kerrie Harvey
Studied: Functional Skills in Maths and English
Home town: Wells
Where now? Planning to study the Access to Higher Education course before studying Midwifery in the future.

Sport and Public Services Student of the Year – Ellie Green
Studied: Extended Diploma Uniformed Public Services (Triple Distinction Star)
Home town: Yeovil
Previous school: Westfield Academy
Where now? Applied to be a Physical Training Instructor in the RAF.

Success Against the Odds – Alice Daisy Gibbings
Studied: A Level Archaeology (A*), Psychology (A) and Maths (C)
Home town: Wells
Previous school: St Dunstan’s School
Where now? Cirencester College, studying Rural Land Management.

Visual Arts (2D) Student of the Year – Jade Morgan
Studied: Extended Diploma in Art and Design (Triple Distinction Star)
Home town: Wincanton
Previous school: Gillingham School
Where now? Gap year while considering future plans.

Visual Arts (3D) Student of the Year – Kayleigh Davies
Studied: Foundation Pre-degree Diploma in Art and Design (Distinction)
Home town: Yeovil
Previous school: Yeovil College
Where now? Gap year before studying at university next year.

Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards 2016

Edward Beaty (See above, Brian Jefferson Cup for Maths)
Amy Clegg (See above, Outstanding Contribution Award)
Ellie Green (See above, Sport and Public Services Award)

Laura Angus
Studied: Art and Design Extended Diploma (Triple Distinction Star)
Home town: Crewkerne
Previous school: Wadham School
Where now? Plymouth University, studying Graphic Communication with Typography.

Andrew Bryer
Studied: Maths (A*), Further Maths (A*), Physics (A) and Biology (A)
Home town: Walton
Previous school: Crispin School
Where now? University of Birmingham, studying Maths and Computer Science.

Steven Dowden
Studied: Extended Diploma in Uniformed Public Services (Triple Distinction Star)
Home town: Street
Previous school: Crispin
Where now? Strode College, studying Managing in the Public Sector Services, Foundation Degree.

Molly Nugent
Studied: Maths (A), Psychology (A) and Biology (B)
Home town: Street
Previous school: Wells Cathedral School
Where now? Leeds University, studying Psychology.

Our Beauty Therapy students recently returned from an amazing trip to Iceland where they experienced the unique and inspiring facilities of the Blue Lagoon Spa. 

Among its extensive facilities, the Spa includes a dramatic natural lagoon with warm geothermal heated waters in the middle of black lava field in a volcanic landscape. The high natural levels of silica and minerals give the lagoon its rich blue colour.

The students enjoyed a full day at the Spa, with a guided tour and a careers seminar allowing them to see how the Spa manages to mix luxury with the finely balanced eco-system.  They had full use of the facilities including the sauna, the steam room and the lagoon where they relaxed in the 39˚C. heated waters.

A trip to Iceland would not be complete without taking in some other wonderful natural sights, so the students also visited the Gullfloss waterfall, geysers, the National Park and the Northern Lights, as well as enjoying some shopping in Reykjavik.

Susan O’Meara, Strode’s Level 3 Beauty Therapy Course Manager said: ‘All of the students agreed that they had some wonderful experiences in Iceland and this was definitely THE spa trip of a lifetime.’

If you missed the recent production of Strode College’s ‘The Wiz’, you may well have missed the opportunity to catch some stars of the future.  

From the opening bars of the overture, skilfully played by the 16-piece Strode College ensemble, the young team brought a vibrant energy to the familiar tale of Dorothy and her friends on their quest for happiness. The updated score, a fusion of disco, soul and Motown, got the audience toe-tapping from the outset as they were led through an Oz occupied by weird and wonderful creatures and the odd witch or two!

Having found herself in a strange place after being caught in a tornado, Dorothy, played by Emily Roberts, from Yeovil, is given a pair of silver slippers and sent to consult the Wiz by the sassy Addaperle, played by Sam Crane, from Cheddar.  Emily complimented strong acting with excellent vocals throughout, especially for the emotional ballad ‘Home’ to finish the show.  On her journey Dorothy meets The Scarecrow, played by Greg Maple from Martock; the Tinman, played by Noah Chant, from South Petherton; and the Lion, played by Shane Bustos, from Street.  All three students made the well-known characters their own. Greg and Shane made excellent use of movement to bring out the comedy of their roles, while Noah’s strong characterisation brought some lovely pathos.  His rendition of ‘If I Could Feel’, pulled on the heartstrings of the audience to great effect.

Dani Gore, from Norton Sub Hamdon and studying Performing Arts, as Evilene, displayed a strong rock vocal and provided some lovely comic moments with her ‘righthand man’ played by Patrick Olliffe from Frome.

The good witch Glinda, played by ably by Beth Irving, from Street, eventually reveals the secret of the silver slippers allowing Dorothy to click her heels and return to Kansas.

The enthusiasm of the entire cast was infectious, their energy filling the stage.  Dance numbers were polished and slick, and the ensemble singing was strong and joyful.  Smaller roles were all played convincingly well.

Charmaine Bray, Strode College Performing Arts teacher, said: “Our annual musical production is an enormously popular enrichment activity at the college, and provides fantastic opportunities for performing arts, drama, dance and music students, as well as opportunities for students from other courses to perform and work behind the scenes. A huge well done to all the students who took part in yet another stunning Strode College production.”

Our Public Services students gain the skills and knowledge they need to work in a range of public services including the armed forces, the prison service and security services. Practical learning is a key feature of these courses so that students learn the skills they will need in their future careers. 

Thanks to a donation of professional body armour and security equipment by SafeGuard Armour, we can now demonstrate to our students the type of equipment they are likely to come across if they choose to pursue a career in the uniformed public services.

Kevin Bushby, Course Manager for Uniformed Public Services at Strode said: “As part of our on-going commitment to students and their educational experiences, we are pleased to be working with SafeGuard Armour, an international manufacturer and distributor of body armour. This donation is of particular use to our Public Services students as it will provide them with hands-on learning and allow them first-hand technical knowledge of the equipment with industry standard information. The body armour provided will be used in role-play and technical analysis.”

Photo: Public Service student Zak Wheeler practices personal search techniques whilst wearing a protective vest provided by Safeguard Armour.

If you have some free time between Monday 11 July and Friday 22 July and would like to spend time doing something interesting, fun, creative or relaxing, then have a look at Strode College’s Summer Workshop courses for adults. The specially created programme of short courses includes many activities not normally available at the college, taught by talented local teachers and practitioners. 

There are over 60 different courses on offer over the two weeks - and places are selling fast. Workshops include: acrylic etching, bread-making, creative writing, jewellery-making, quilting, social media, Thai cookery and many more.

To find out more or to book a place via the Strode Theatre website, visit: www.strodetheatre.org.uk or call 01458 844448.

This is the sixth year that Strode College has run its Summer Workshops, which were introduced to extend the number and range of courses offered to adult learners and are taught in Strode’s modern specialist classrooms and studios, and they are a great way for the college to share its excellent facilities and teachers with the local community.

On 22 April, Strode College Learning Centre staff shared their love of reading and joined over 8000 volunteers around the country handing out books in celebration of World Book Night. The event is sponsored by the charity, The Reading Agency , and since World Book Night began in 2011 over 2.25 million books have been handed out to inspire people to become confident and enthusiastic readers.

Learning Centre staff were delighted to be chosen to give away books, staff said it was a “real feel good event” and the students quickly snapped up the books. The college gave away two popular fiction titles, Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, and Am I Normal Yet? by Holly Bourne and the non-fiction book Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig, a memoire about coping with depression and coming out the other side which has received rave reviews from the likes of Stephen Fry, Jo Brand and Joanna Lumley.

Twenty-five Strode College Art and Design students visited Berlin recently to seek inspiration for their work from the vibrancy and creativity of the city.

Foundation course manager and trip leader Duncan Cameron explained: “The educational visits we offer to students make a clear and positive impact on their work, in terms of vision and ambition. Following these exciting trips, the quality of work generated by students shows that they’ve become receptive to new imagery and concepts. I’m sure we’ll see Berlin references in the students’ work in the End of Year show, which opens 13th – 22nd June.”

The students enjoyed a full and varied itinerary and highlights for the students included the Story of Berlin museum, The Medical History Museum and the Berlin Wall, all providing a social historical perspective on Berlin and the development of the city.

Other visits included a trip to The Holocaust memorial at the Brandenburg Gate, contemporary art galleries and museums, including a fantastic collection of classical artefacts from Ancient Greece and Rome in the Altes Museum and the Pergamon.

Jamie Rochford, from Bruton and studying Foundation Art & Design said: “This was a really great trip. Berlin offered a wealth of material, from classical collections through to modern art. I found the visit to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp both fascinating and thought provoking. The Natural History Museum was a particularly enjoyable venue because of the breadth of the collection. It gave me many opportunities to draw and gather material for my art work.”

Isadora Carter, from Wells and studying Level 3 Art & Design, said: “The Berlin trip gave us days packed with exciting venues. I found the contemporary art at Museum Hamburger Bahnhof and the many galleries at Museum Island particularly enjoyable and it gave me a chance to draw from the exhibits.”

Previous Art and Design trips have included visits to Florence, Barcelona, New York and Washington, Paris and Prague and next year’s trip is already in the planning stages. Duncan added: “We are currently considering New York as our destination for 2017.”

Students who are in the first year of our Extended Diploma Public Services  course enjoyed an interesting visit to a Bristol Mosque recently to help them with their course unit on `citizenship, diversity and the public services`. This study topic requires students to explore diversity in Britain and how this effects the public services in the UK, so the visit was a great way enhance their classroom learning. 

During a recent visit to the most iconic of all Roman buildings - the incredible Colosseum amphitheatre in Rome - students studying for a degree in History, Heritage and Archaeology at Strode College in Street were surprised to learn that its builder had a significant Somerset connection.

The Colosseum was constructed between AD 72 and AD 80 under the command of the Roman Emperor Vespasian. Many years before he became emperor in AD 69, Vespasian was the most celebrated general during the Roman conquest of Britain in AD 43. The greatest resistance was met in the tribal territories of the Durotriges whose lands covered the whole of Dorset and much of Somerset, stretching north as far as Glastonbury.

Here Vespasian besieged a number of the great Durotrigan hillforts including Hod Hill on Cranborne Chase and Maiden Castle near Dorchester. No doubt some of those he captured were sent back to Rome to be displayed in Emperor Claudius’ victory parades. The most impressive of the Durotrigan hillforts in Somerset is at South Cadbury - quite as magnificent in its own way as, and three times larger than, the Colosseum. It is most famous for being, reputedly, the site of the legendary Camelot - the court of King Arthur.

Strode College runs two degree programmes in History, Heritage and Archaeology - a Foundation Degree and a BA (Honours) Degree, both of which are awarded by Plymouth University. The Romans and King Arthur are among the many topics studied.

There are places still available on these courses starting this September. They require college based study either two days a week full-time or one day a week part-time and costs are significantly lower than most universities. Find out more about our History, Heritage and Archaeology Foundation Degree and Degree or contact the Course Manager Andrew Pickering: 01458 844400.

Photo: Strode College Degree students discover a Somerset link with the Coloseum in Rome. (Left to right: Cameron Fewell (from Street), Evie Francis (from Bristol), Dave East (from Glastonbury), Keri Vigars (from Glastonbury), and Matt Timmins (from Bridgwater).

Paul Gray, former bassist with the band `The Damned`, joined Strode College music students recently, to share his knowledge of the music industry to help them with their course and their future careers..

Paul Gray has made his living as a musician for most of his life, having played bass guitar for a number of high profile rock and punk bands, most notably 'The Damned', 'Eddie and the Hotrods' and ‘UFO’.  He is also regional officer for the Musicians Union in Wales and the South West. 

The students gained valuable information and advice for their coursework and for their own development as music producers, musicians and song writers. They discussed issues such as copyright, music contracts, licensing and selling music, instrument insurance and public liability cover.  They also asked Paul Gray questions relating to their own music production projects, events and performances.

Adrian Smith, course manager for Strode’s BTEC Music Technology courses, said: 'Paul Gray's visit has given our students an important insight into the many pitfalls in the industry and how important it is to get the right advice and guidance early on. Our music industry continues to thrive and to attract many young people who want to combine their love of music with a career.  We want our music students to develop a good understanding of the industry alongside their creative skills and talent, because we know it will help them achieve their ambitions and succeed in the future.”

Strode College offers A Levels and BTEC Extended Diplomas in both Music and Music Technology.  Previous music students have gone on to study a range of subjects at university including Creative Music Technology and Commercial Music at Bath Spa University, Audio and Music Technology and Marketing at the University of West of England, and Creative Events Management at University College Falmouth.

We have been informed by Somerset County Council that WebberBus ceased to operate on Thursday 12 May.

While this does affect some of the bus services used by our students, Somerset County Council have reassured us that alternative arrangements are in place, all of which will accept the County Ticket.

Please go to somersetnewsroom.com for details of alternative services.

A group of students, staff, musicians and producers from Strode College are performing a live soundtrack to a silent film at the Red Brick Building on Thursday, 26th May at 8pm.

Decasia is an artful collage of pre-1950 footage, shot on a cellulose-nitrate base and most of it in advanced stages of decay. The footage is slowed down to allow a greater appreciation of the effect and character of the visual damage to the original films, which include newsreel footage; wildlife documentaries; fragments of silent melodramas; ethnographic studies; and travelogues. Music Technology students from Strode College will accompany this hypnotic film with their own live soundtrack, combining electronics, MIDI controllers, computer software and live instruments to create a compelling audio-visual experience.

Strode College teacher Adrian Smith said: “This is an exciting and challenging project and the students have come up with some great music.”

Decasia premiered as a live event in 2001, and has enjoyed numerous high profile performances globally over the past 15 years, collaborating with some of the world's top conductors and orchestras. The film’s the film’s score, by composer Michael Gordon, is integral to the film, and producer Bill Morrison has given special permission to the students to use a new live soundtrack.

Tickets are priced at £3 and will be available on the door. 

Students and staff at Strode College enjoyed a lively and interesting debate on the EU Referendum last week, organised by student Patrick Olliffe, who is acting President of the Strode College Students Association and a Student Governor.

The debate was held in Strode Theatre in front of a full audience who were keen to hear the different sides of the argument about whether to stay in Europe or to leave.

It was not surprising that the debate was enjoyable as well as informative, as it featured prominent Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg who is known for his debating prowess in the House of Commons. Mr Rees-Mogg was joined by former Strode student Altair Brandon-Salmon to put the case for leaving the EU. Altair is now studying at Oxford University where he sits on the committee of the student’s Conservative Party. 

Putting forward the case for staying in the EU was Tessa Munt, former MP for Wells and Private Secretary to Vince Cable when he was Secretary of State for Business; and Anthony Smallwood a former European and British diplomat who lives in Somerset.

Questions from the students were put to the speakers by Patrick Oliffe who chaired the debate. A wide range of issues were discussed including trade, workers’ rights, terrorism, sovereignty, the difference between the EU and being European, and whether Boris Johnson would be the next leader of the Conservative Party.

Patrick said: “When I was elected to be Strode College Student Governor, one of my main aims was to find ways to engage students in politics by making it more relevant to young people. I think it’s brilliant that we have engaged so many students in the biggest constitutional question of our time. Also, I had fun organising and chairing the debate.“ 

James Heappey, MP for Wells, recently visited Strode College for a seminar with twenty of our AS Level Government & Politics students.

The students enjoyed his presentation about life as a MP both in Parliament and in the constituency and then enjoyed asking a range of interesting on a variety of topics including political ideology, the refugee crisis, the 2016 EU referendum and the likely next Conservative Party leader.

Government and Politics students have enjoyed some lively political discussion and debate recently, with this latest session following closely from the recent EU debate in Strode Theatre, where they were able to hear Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg argue the case for leaving the EU and former Liberal Democrat MP Tessa Munt put the case for remaining.  These debates prove why studying Government and Politics is such an interesting, stimulating and important subject. 

Strode College Performing Arts students are putting out an appeal for a motorbike prop for their upcoming play ‘The Monster in the Hall’ which is being performed at Strode Theatre on Thursday, June 16. Charmaine Bray, Strode College Performing Arts teacher, said: “The bike doesn’t need to be in working order but is an important part of the set as it is often referred to. Ideally we need it to be a Ducati, but it would be really great to have anything with an engine and two wheels!”

The contemporary play follows the struggles of teenager Duck and her dad, and is brought roaring to life with sensitivity, hilarity, emotion and compassion.

The performance takes place on Thursday, June 16 at 7.30pm in Strode Theatre. Call 01458 442846 or visit www.strodetheatre.org.uk to book tickets.

If you enjoy going to art shows and galleries or take delight in going to the theatre, then you will appreciate the fantastic creative talents being showcased at Strode College’s End of Year Arts Show, which runs from Tuesday 14 June to Wednesday 22 June.

Strode College is holding a number of events to celebrate the high standards of work achieved by  students across a range of creative and performing arts, as they as they prepare to move on to higher-level study at university or specialist colleges, or into employment.   

This is a great opportunity for members of the public, or those thinking of studying at the college, to see the diversity and quality of work achieved at Strode while also taking a look at the college’s extensive and specialist arts facilities. 

End of Year Art Show:  Free, Tuesday 14 – Wednesday 22 June 2016, 9.30am - 4.00pm

Strode creative arts students are known for producing excellent and imaginative work.  The show will feature work from over 100 students completing art and design courses this summer including painting and drawing, sculpture, textiles, photography, graphics, film and video. 

Students presenting work are studying A level Art and Design, Graphics, Photography, Textiles, Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design and Foundation Diploma in Art & Design.

Free and open to the public (maps available from College Reception): Tuesday 14 – Wednesday 22 June 2016, 9.30am - 4.00pm; open until 8pm on Wednesday 15 June (College Open Evening); and closed at the weekend.

Dance Showcase:  Friday 17 June, 7.30pm

Friday 17 June, 7.30pm. Tickets £6.00, full concessions £5.00 and Strode College students £4.00; prices include a 50p contribution to the Strode Theatre Support Fund. The production is raising funds for college educational activities.  Book through Strode Theatre: www.strodetheatre.org.uk

Strode College’s A Level Dance students and Extended Diploma in Performing Arts students will showcase the best of their performance work including musical theatre, contemporary dance and street dance.  An energetic and entertaining evening is promised.

Almost 300 Strode College hairdressing, barbering, nail and beauty students and their models took part in the college’s Hair and Beauty End of Year Showcase and Competition recently, displaying incredible creativity and technical know-how with some slick, stylish and stunning hairstyles, make-up and nail art. 

The event, held at Strode Theatre in front of friends, family and industry professionals, gave the students the opportunity to showcase their skills, imagination and resourcefulness outside the everyday salon situation, while experiencing the excitement, pressures and high standards of competition work.

The students are studying a variety of courses at Strode, including full-time, part-time and apprenticeships. And they certainly gave the judges a difficult task on the day by presenting some dramatic and eye-catching looks in the nine themed categories: At the Movies, Circus, Worldwide bride, 1980s, 1960s, Rock, Fantasy, Avant Garde Masked Ball, and Mythical Creatures. For all categories students were required to create a ‘total look’ which included hair, make-up and costume.

The ten judges, most of whom are previous Strode College students, all took time out of their busy schedules to judge the competition. Head judge, Kate Morse from Pure Hairdressing in Street, said: “This is my 8th year as head judge and the entries were once again outstanding! I'm always excited to see how the hair and beauty students at Strode College interpret the briefs they are given. They really raised the bar this year - there was a lot of skill on show this evening. I’m sure they will do well in their future careers.”

Strode’s Hairdressing and Barbering Course Manager and competition organiser Sandra Hellier said: “The competition is a really exciting element of the students’ course. It gives them the opportunity to experience a competition and use their imagination to show off their creative flair, technique and skill. The students work hard at researching and planning their looks and they were required to produce a mood board to show where their inspiration and ideas came from.”

James Staniforth, Principal of Strode College said: “This competition is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our students' hard work, skills and success in front of family, friends and industry professionals. Our enthusiastic and experienced teachers take great pride in developing the students' abilities and professionalism to an extremely high standard which leads them onto excellent and varied careers in the hair and beauty industry.  This is also a great opportunity to thank the many employers who work with us to help hair and beauty thrive at Strode College."

Winners received certificates and prizes that included a spa day for two and top brand hairdressing equipment and products.

In the same week, four beauty students and a hairdressing student entered the national vocational skills competition, ‘WorldSkills UK’: Beauty students Meleesa Ambrosini, from Wells and previously at St Gregory’s Catholic School, and Charlotte Modley, from Yeovil and previously at Millfield School, both made it through to the UK final, which will be held in November at the NEC; beauty students Olivia Nelson, from Walton and previously at Crispin School,  and Sophie Hickman from Somerton and previously at Huish Episcopi Academy, achieved 2nd and 3rd place respectively and have also made it through to the UK finals; hairdressing student Clara Coward from Polsham nr Wells and previously at The Blue School, made it through the incredibly tough first stage of the hairdressing heat and will compete in the second stage which is being held at Wiltshire College later this month. Nail services student Vicky Bolus, from Wells and previously at The Blue School, entered the national Nail Tech UK competition and was placed first in the ‘Student Snap Shot’ round.             

Strode College is currently accepting applications for a wide range of full-time and part-time hair, beauty and barbering courses starting in September 2016.  For more information or to apply, call: 01458 844400 or visit www.strode-college.ac.uk.

Strode College has announced its new programme of courses for adults and, with a wealth of opportunities catering for a wide range of interests and abilities, this is a good time to think about what you could gain from signing up for a course as an adult.

You might want to try something for your personal enjoyment such as pottery, painting, photography or upholstery; you could learn a language, dress-making or take up ballroom dancing; or you could find out about psychology, art or mindfulness.

You could improve your career prospects by developing a skill or taking a job-related course such as accountancy, child care, counselling, English, engineering, food hygiene, hair and beauty, management, maths or teaching.

And there are many computer and IT courses available for all abilities, including absolute beginner’s courses such as how to use e-mail, i-pad or the internet, and courses for more experienced users leading to qualifications. 

James Staniforth, Principal of Strode College said: “Leaving school, college or work doesn’t mean you have to stop learning. There are many good reasons to sign up for a course as an adult; learning can have really positive effects on people’s social, personal and professional lives. Last year around 1500 adults took part-time courses at Strode, showing how important adult learning is for many people in our community. I am delighted that we are able to share our excellent facilities and expert teachers with the local community.” 

Strode’s courses for adults run at different times and dates throughout the year starting from September 2016. If you haven’t received a copy through your letter box this week, you can request a ‘Courses for Adults’ brochure by calling: 01458 844400, or click here to find out more.

On the afternoon of Thursday 16^th June at Glastonbury Market cross, StrodeLive students helped to launch the fifth annual Glastonbury Fringe. The fringe continues with a packed programme until 27^th June and programmes can be bought from many venues around the Town. www.glastonbury-fringe.org.uk.

With the motto ‘There’s always Something Happening in this town’ it couldn’t be more true of the fantastic performers from the level three extended Diploma in music who can often be found performing in and around the thriving cultural hub that is Glastonbury town.

Strode College’s creative arts A Levels and vocational students have enjoyed showing off the fruits of their labours at this year’s highly successful End of Year Arts Show. Strode’s arts department is known for delivering exceptional work, receiving the highest possible praise from Ofsted at their last inspection.

The college’s End of Year Art Show (14-22 June) celebrated the work of 140 students from across the region, who study a range of creative arts courses and was launched with an awards presentation in Strode Theatre. Seven students were honoured for their outstanding achievements in painting and drawing, sculpture, graphics, illustration, textiles and photography. The students each received a certificate and a cheque, and a piece of their work has been purchased for ‘The Strode Collection’ by the college or the award sponsors.

James Staniforth, Principal of Strode College said: “Art and design is a strong and vibrant area of study at Strode. The quality of work on show demonstrates a level of creativity and teaching ability that rivals that of specialist art colleges and many university-level institutions. It makes me proud to see what can be achieved when young talent and skill is nurtured with such excellent teaching.”

Petrina Rochester, Head of Art and Design at Strode said: “The End of Year Show generates great excitement and energy around college as students and staff work together to present a summary of a terrifically busy academic year. It is also a time for reflection as we review work, as we consider how far our students have come and the possibilities for their future. Our students have produced outstanding work, and for the first time this year three of the awards were sponsored by local businesses: Burns the Bread: 3D Fine Art Award ; Clarks: 2D Fine Art Award; and Dilliway and Dilliway: Textiles Award. We are proud that we prepare students for their next step by allowing them an opportunity to showcase their talent, skill and creativity in this way.”

Strode College art and design students consistently achieve outstanding results and win places at some of the country’s top specialist institutions for arts and media, including Goldsmiths; University of Winchester; University of the Arts Bournemouth; Chelsea College of Arts; City and Guilds of London Art School; and University College Falmouth. 

Students exhibiting work at the college show will be completing courses this summer in A level Art, Graphics, Textiles, Photography, Level 3 Extended Diploma Art and Design and Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.

Students receiving awards for excellence in their work

These Strode College arts students were honoured with awards for their outstanding work (left to right): Nino Meriano, Nelly Mason, Sol Chadwick, Rebecca Calderbank, Jamie Rochford, Chloe Allen, and Principal James Staniforth.

2D Fine Art Award – Nelly Mason

Sponsored by Clarks

Lives: Bruton

Studying: Foundation Diploma in Art & Design

Previous school: Sexey’s School and Strode College

What next: BA Hons Fine Art, Bath Spa

2D Fine Art Award – Alexa James

Lives: Street

Studying: A level Art & Design.

Previous school: Crispin School

What next: BA Hons Architecture, offers from Bath, Edinburgh and Nottingham University.

3D Fine Art Award – Jamie Rochford

Sponsored by Burns the Bread

Lives: Bruton

Studying: Foundation Diploma in Art & Design 

Previous school: Sexey’s School

What next: Gap year, Higher Education in 2017.

Photography Award – Rebecca Calderbank

Lives: Yeovil

Studying: A level Photography.

Previous school: Stanchester Academy

What next: BA English Language and Linguistics, University Sussex

Textiles Award – Chloe Allen

Sponsored by Dilliway and Dilliway.

Lives: Street

Studying: Foundation Diploma in Art & Design 

Previous school: Ansford Academy and Strode College

What next: BA Hons Textiles, Manchester Metropolitan

Graphical Art – Solomon Chadwick

Lives: Shepton Mallet

Studying: A level Graphic Design

Previous school: Ansford Academy

What next: BA Graphic Communication, University of Westminster, London

Illustration – Nino Meriano

Lives: Street

Studying: Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design.

Previous school: St Dunstan's School

What next: Gap Year followed by Higher Education in 2017.