One of the key assets to any business is its staff, and modern apprenticeship schemes are a cost effective way for employers to recruit and train staff who will become a real asset for the future.
Options Hair & Beauty in Yeovil is a great example of a local company that has embraced the scheme and found real benefits for the business and their apprentice.
With the help of Strode College in Street, the salon employed local girl Georgia Oliver as a trainee stylist. She recently completed her intermediate hairdressing apprenticeship and is now training for her advanced apprenticeship. The salon has a qualified, motivated and increasingly skilled stylist and Georgia has a career with excellent prospects.
Strode College in Street offers a wide range of apprenticeships and also sets up new apprenticeships to meet the needs of local businesses.
To find out how apprenticeships can benefit your business, call Strode College’s apprenticeship team on 01458 844553.
Photo: Hairdressing apprentice Georgia Oliver works at Options Hairdressing Salon in Yeovil and also trains at Strode College in Street. She won Strode’s hairdressing competition last year with this Red Carpet Hollywood look.
If you’ve organised a party or a special event and you’ve looked online for decorations and novelties to add some fun and colour, then you’ve probably visited the Party Packs website: www.partypacks.co.uk
Party Packs specialises in themed party paraphernalia including decorations, costumes and fancy dress, tableware and novelties. The company operates from a small business park in the village of Westbury-sub-Mendip, between Wells and Cheddar.
Kate Turner set up the business in 1986 using her experience of promoting events for breweries; she now employs 25 staff including three apprentices. In 2012 Kate decided she needed more staff to help grow the business, but she thought it would be unwise in the current economic climate to take on another full-time, fully-paid member of the team. She contacted Strode College to find out about apprenticeships.
In Spring 2012, Party Packs employed two 17 year old apprentices, Naomi and John, on the Advanced Business Administration scheme. Kate is so pleased with the outcomes that she’s just employed a third apprentice, Megan.
She said: “I was not too sure about the scheme to start with as I was concerned that it was just a way for employers to get cheap labour, but seeing how much both the company and the apprentices have benefitted from the scheme, I am now hugely enthusiastic about it.
“Naomi and John have learnt a huge amount already. At work they are on a three week rolling programme working in our sales and IT team, our buying and accounts team, and our warehouse team. They also get in-house training from the full-time staff in various aspects of the business such as Photo-shop and digital printing. At Strode they gain a wide range of knowledge to help them thrive in the business world such as business communication skills, time management, health and safety, professional development and working relationships.
“Apprenticeships are a cost effective way to employ staff who are eager to learn and contribute to the business, but equally important is the great opportunity these schemes are providing for young people, who, without work experience, would find it very tough to compete against the many older and more experienced people who are also looking for jobs. They will be in a much stronger position to get a permanent fully-paid job having worked and learnt with us and Strode.”
Apprentice: Naomi Spearey (age 17 and lives in Draycott), Advanced Business Administration
Naomi Spearey did well at Kings of Wessex School in Cheddar, but she knows that she is much better suited to hands-on learning. This led her to an apprenticeship, where her skills, confidence and future prospects have grown a great deal in a short time.
“I started thinking about working in business when I was 16 because the skills and knowledge you learn in business can open so many doors and you don’t have to decide early on which type of business to go into.
“The Party Packs job looked perfect – it covered every aspect of business and it was close to home. I love being in a real business environment and putting my knowledge into practice in the workplace. I’ve learnt so much about how business works. I get involved in many different aspects of the company including processing orders, making products, sales and customer service. I also go to Strode College every fortnight and Strode’s assessors visit us at work. The College resources such as books from the library, computers, training and the online work portfolio are really helpful.
“After my apprenticeship I’d like to find a job in a company where I can work my way into a higher level and gain more knowledge of how business works.”
Apprentice: John Moulton (lives in Coxley, Wells), Advanced Business Administration
John Moulton did well at school, but he was ready to move on from full-time education. When his friend Naomi got an apprenticeship with Party Packs he decided this might be the right path for him also. Another apprenticeship vacancy came up at Party Packs and John applied.
“After years of education I wanted to do something more active and involving and the apprenticeship scheme is a valuable way to get hands–on experience and qualifications. The practical nature of it helps to impart knowledge and skills for people with different learning styles. It’s a pleasure to work with like-minded people and to see how academic knowledge is applied in the working world.
“I enjoy working in the different roles at Party Packs and I know this experience will give me a better chance of finding a good job in the future. I am learning new skills and how to apply them in different business situations so I am adaptable. When my apprenticeship finishes I plan to continue expanding my business skills and experience by working for another local company.
“The apprenticeship staff at Strode have been incredibly professional and helpful in guiding me through the new systems and requirements that go with starting a completely new course.”
Apprentice: Megan Morgan (age 17, lives in Street), Advanced Business Administration
Megan enjoyed her time at Crispin School and liked learning, but increasingly she felt that it made more sense to be out doing business instead of sitting in a classroom and studying business.
She did begin a business course at college, but at the same time she was working in a bakery and found she was enjoying working more than studying. She joined a work skills course at Strode College where she got information and advice with a range of work related topics such as writing a CV, interview skills, health and safety at work, rights and responsibilities. She also got help researching job opportunities, including on the national apprenticeship website: www.apprenticeships.org.uk
After a few job applications Megan successfully applied to Party Packs and became the company’s third apprentice in January this year. Megan said: “It’s really good here, I’ve learnt so much already. The apprentices are on a rolling rota of work which means that no one is doing the same thing all the time and we get to learn a lot of different tasks. Even though I know there’s no guarantee of a job at the end of my apprenticeship I think this is a great training scheme and I’m happy that other young people will get the same opportunity that I have once I move on.”
Strode student Gabriel Niedojadlo enjoys a good read to celebrate 'World Book Day' in March. Gabriel’s twin brother Robin came up with the idea for the photo and their friend James Doley took the shot. The three students are in the final year of their Level 3 Extended Diploma in Broadcast Media.
On Tuesday 19 March, final year students from Strode College’s BTEC Extended Diploma in Music will host a fantastic evening of acoustic music at Holy Trinity Church in Street. Performances start at 7.30pm and tickets are £3 from the College shop or on the door.
The venue, which has wonderful acoustics, is the perfect place to present some of the area’s best new musical talent.
Last year’s unplugged concert featured eclectic and sublime original music and innovative covers and this year you can expect a similarly exciting programme of musical delights featuring ukulele’s, mandolins, pedal steels, double bass and eclectic percussion.
Somerset based musician Lee Rahn, a former Strode student, will perform some of his songs, along with Strode College performers, including acoustic versions of local bands ‘According to Dave’, ‘Sons of Natives’, ‘Lost in Existence’ and ‘Tallulah & the Talkbacks’. Solo performers include Yazie MacNeil, Henry Wacey and Theya Fowler amongst many others.
As well as providing a great evening’s entertainment, the students – known as the production company ‘Strode Live’ – are supporting the local music scene and encouraging musicians to get out there and perform.
Proceeds from the gig will go to two excellent local projects. The Red Brick Building in Glastonbury, which is being renovated by volunteers to cater for many local events, and Dianna Greenfield’s Scrap Store, which is located at the Red Brick Building and provides craft materials to community groups.
Eloise Balian, one of last year’s performers, spoke positively about the event, saying, ‘unplugged was an experience - the atmosphere in the church was magnificent, it was packed and it was a good audience.”
One of the key assets to any business is its staff, and modern apprenticeship schemes are a cost effective way for employers to recruit and train staff who will become a real asset for the future.
The Nutmeg Restaurant in Bridgwater is a great example of a local company that has embraced the scheme and found real benefits for the business and their apprentice.
With the help of Strode College in Street, the restaurant employed local girl Jade Edwards as a trainee chef. She completed her intermediate apprenticeship and is now training for her advanced apprenticeship in professional cookery. The restaurant has a qualified, motivated and increasingly skilled chef and Jade has a career with excellent prospects.
Strode College in Street offers a wide range of apprenticeships and also sets up new apprenticeships to meet the needs of local businesses.
To find out how apprenticeships can benefit your business, call Strode’s apprenticeship team on 01458 844553.
Photo: Apprentice Chef Jade Edwards works at the Nutmeg House Restaurant in Bridgwater and also trains at Strode College in Street; she’s pictured here with Manager Sue Nolan
Professional trainers from the Jane Iredale Make-up company visited Strode College recently to train Level 3 Beauty Therapy students in advanced make-up techniques. Level 2 beauty students got the chance to increase their knowledge of the Jane Iredale Make-up range by learning about ingredients used in the company’s products. Students particularly enjoyed the practical session where they got to apply the make-up and practice their skills with the guidance of the make-up artist.
Beauty Therapy Course Manager, Marcie Mickleburgh, said: ‘The extra training sessions we put on throughout our Level 2 and Level 3 beauty courses really enhance the students skills and help make them more confident when carrying out treatments here at Strode College”.
Pictured is Frankie Silcox from Yeovil with the Jane Iredale Make-up artist.
Archaeology A Level and Degree students at Strode College spent the day being Forensic Anthropologists recently, identifying the sex, age and height of individuals by examining their bones and considering the possible causes of their death.
Archaeology uses the same techniques as Forensic Anthropology in the analysis of human remains. It is an important element of the AS Archaeology course and post excavation analysis which is taught as part of Strode’s History, Heritage and Archaeology degree.
The hands-on workshop was taught by Forensic Anthropologist Dany Rafferty of Sherlock Bone, who brought along some human skeletons for students to work with.
Photo: Strode’s A Level Archaeology students found the forensic anthropology work-shop fascinating. Pictured left to right: Ashleigh Chamberlain, Will Davies, Jack Reading, Will Dunisthorpe, Lucy Kitching and Chloe Mott
Students at Strode College have been learning how to manage their money during the College's Money Management Awareness Week which coincided with the end of their qualification in 'Managing Personal Finances'.
Strode College specialises in teaching students aged 16-18 and College Principal, James Staniforth, believes a good understanding of personal finance is an essential part of his students wider education.
He said: "Learning to manage your personal finances effectively is an important lesson for young people as they become increasingly independent. We provide a wide range of opportunities to broaden our students' education, including the personal finance course. Our students like the fact that we treat them like young adults, and this course gives them the knowledge and confidence to take responsibility for their finances as they prepare to go onto university or into employment."
All of Strode's A Level and advanced vocational students take the 'Managing Personal Finances' course at Strode. It covers a range of topics including student finance, income and expenditure, starting work, borrowing money, card and internet fraud, banks, building societies and savings accounts. The course is taught during student tutorials and through the College's e-learning facilities, with students assessed by a final test before they gain their qualification.
Photo: Learning to manage a budget, including money for food and drink, will set these Strode students in good stead for the future. Pictured here (left to right) are: Kath Wall, Catering Assistant at Strode, and A Level students Minowa Norton, Laurie Griffiths and Hannah Halway
A truly inspiring and creative evening of contemporary dance featuring AS and A level students exam work was presented in Strode Colleges Dance Studio Theatre on Wednesday 13 March.
The evening was a blend of solos, group performance pieces and group choreography. Themes and starting points ranged from exploring poetry by Leonard Cohan, work by land artist Richard Shilling, exploration of Commedia dell arte characters, to hard hitting, emotive themes of the holocaust, 9/11 bombing and Hiroshima.
The evening was a credit to the students who had worked so hard to prepare for their practical exams.
‘Gravit8 Dance Company’ will be representing Strode College on Friday 22 March as part of ‘Spring Forward’ Take Art’s Youth Dance Platform. They will be performing amongst 30 groups with over 500 young people over the four nights. They will be premiering our new work ‘Fragments of the Mind’ which explores self-perception, image and Identity.
They will also be performing at the same event at the Octagon Theatre on 21 May.
Every year we stage a college musical production in the wonderful Strode Theatre, with students performing or working back stage to make the event a great success. In 2013 the show was 'Miss Saigon', based on Puccini’s opera Madame Butterfly, which tells the story of a doomed romance in 1970s Saigon between a Vietnamese bar girl and an American lieutenant serving in the Vietnam War.
The annual musical is a cross college production which is open to all students as an enrichment activity. Students and staff work really hard to deliver a quality production and in the process they have a lot of fun and make some great friends.
Strode A Level dance student, Rose Hadfield, has been selected to join the National Youth Dance Company.
Rose, who lives in Norton Sub-Hamdon and previously attended Stanchester Academy in Yeovil, is one of only thirty young dancers selected from the hundreds who auditioned.
She will train with the company in London during the April and May College breaks before performing in a tour of major theatres around the country during the summer.
Rose said: “I’m so pleased and grateful for the opportunity. We’re going to be working with the famous contemporary choreographer Jasmin Vardimon and I know I’m going to learn so much. Selection was hard work with two day-long auditions, but I enjoyed the dancing and I met some really interesting people from across the country.”
Becky Harvey Strode’s course manager and teacher for A Level Dance said: “I am very proud of Rose, this is an amazing opportunity and I know she will rise to the challenge. Rose is a dedicated, talented dancer who will flourish studying under the direction of a professional choreographer. I am very much looking forward to seeing the work when it comes to Bristol in July.”
Rose also trains with the Somerset Youth Dance Company who are based in Yeovil and Taunton.
Students studying textiles at Strode College had the chance to work with a world-class designer recently when Julian Roberts, who also lecturers on the prestigious MA Textiles course at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, presented his pattern cutting master-class at the College.
Julian Roberts travels around the world teaching his unique and pioneering method of pattern cutting and garment construction, which also encourages a no waste approach to fashion. He works with top fashion designers and industry experts as well as students and is internationally recognised as one of the most highly skilled designer technicians behind some of the big designer names.
He took to the stage at Strode Theatre to explain his 'subtraction pattern-cutting' technique to 85 students from Strode’s A Level textiles, Art Foundation and BTEC Art and Design courses.
After the presentation 42 textiles students got the chance to work with Julian Roberts in a practical workshop, trying out his pattern cutting technique to create their own dresses.
Strode College’s textiles course leader and teacher, Sue Green, organised the event. She said: “It’s important to challenge our students to think creatively and to develop their own work in new and innovative directions. Working with a professional designer like Julian Roberts gave our students a great opportunity to build on their skills, knowledge and confidence. We are now planning to hold an end of year mini fashion show in June and some of the dresses made with Julian will be featured in the show.”
In 2012 Strode College’s A Level Textiles course achieved a 100 pass rate for AS and A2, with 88 per cent of students achieving high A* to B grades compared to 46 per cent nationally (Advanced Level Performance Systems, 2012).
An aspiring music journalist who is studying A Levels at Strode College in Street, Rhys Buchanan, 17 from Street, had a mind-blowing experience when he was asked along to review the finals of Glastonbury Festival’s unsigned band competition, ‘The Emerging Talent Competition’, last weekend. Held in the Pilton Working Men’s Club, the event featured live performances by the eight finalists who made it through from eight thousand entries.
Rhys, who contributes to local publications 'The Basis' and 'The Fix', was asked to go along and write the review by magazine owner Arran Dutton.
When Glastonbury’s ‘ETC’ organiser Sue Wheeler - who also works for Strode College - read Rhys’ review, she was so impressed that she immediately ‘tweeted’ a link to it from Strode’s Twitter account. Glastonbury Festivals, who have a huge following of almost 300,000 on Twitter, the social networking site, then ‘retweeted’ it.
“It was one of the biggest moments of my life”, said Rhys. “To have my work shared to that many people, by something as iconic as Glastonbury Festival. It’s the kind of thing that drives me to do more. It gives me an incredible buzz”.
Rhys had an impressive 650 hits to his music blogsite ‘Charming Man Music’ within days of writing his review, due mainly to the ETC bands ‘sharing’ it on their Facebook pages, and he is now in talks with some of the country’s more established music bloggers such as Neon Filler and Play Pause Rewind.
In his second year at Strode studying Photography, Media and English, Rhys has also just been accepted for a week of work experience later this year by the renowned music magazine NME in their London offices, which for Rhys is a dream come true. He then plans to return to Strode for a third year or possibly take a specialist course in Music Journalism.
Photo: Strode student Rhys Buchanan has had a fantastic week as his passion for music and his talent for writing about it has really paid off - exciting time ahead!
Strode College in Street celebrated the achievements of thirty outstanding students from across Somerset, and the breadth of learning opportunities at the College, at an awards evening held in Strode Theatre this week.
The students, who completed courses at Strode College last year, were honoured with awards in front of around 350 family, friends and staff. They heard how each student had demonstrated high achievement in their subject and great commitment to their studies.
James Staniforth, Principal of Strode College said: "2012 was another enormously successful year for the students on all of our courses, who consistently achieve some of the very best results nationally before progressing on to a wide range of exciting higher education courses and careers.
"Our awards evening is a wonderful opportunity to congratulate some of our most outstanding students for their hard work and achievements. It is also a great opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the high quality and commitment of our teachers who supported these students during their time at Strode.
"One of the greatest things about Strode is that we provide such a broad range of quality learning opportunities for so many people. Most of our students are aged 16 to 18 and study A Levels and advanced level vocational courses, but we have a course for almost everyone, including Foundation Degrees, part-time leisure courses and apprenticeships. We have outstanding academic students and we have those who need extra support with their learning. We value all of them and these awards reflect the breadth of their success."
In 2012 Strode College achieved its best ever results for advanced level 16-18 education, significantly above national benchmarks. It is the best performing college in the South West for A Levels; the second best state school or college in Somerset for all advanced level qualifications, including A Levels and BTEC Extended Diplomas (Department of Education Performance Tables); and it is in the top 5% of 1251 school and colleges nationally for improving students’ performance after their GCSEs (Ofsted QAA inspection and ALPS 2012).
Details of awards and successful students
1. Overall student of the year 2011/12 - Rosie Billenness Studied: A Levels: Biology A*, Chemistry A*, Maths A* and Geography A* Home town: Somerton Previous school: Huish Episcopi Academy Where now? Enjoying a range of work placements in the UK and overseas before taking her place at either Nottingham or Liverpool University to study Veterinary Science in 2013
2. Outstanding contribution - Joel Nichols (also Media Student of the Year) Studied: BTEC Extended Diploma in Broadcast Media, Level 3, Triple Distinction* Home town: Yeovil Previous school: Westfield Academy Where now? Running his own business providing a professional audio service for live events, equipment hire and recording service.
3. Adult student of the year - Paul Wren Studied: Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector Home town: Burtle, Bridgwater Where now? Working in a teaching and training role in the gas fitting industry
4. Apprentice of the year - Helen Edwards Studied: Level 4 Accounting Apprenticeship Home town: Somerton Previous school: Huish Episcopi School Where now? Working for Accounting Angels in Somerton
5. Beauty and complimentary therapies student of the year - Sophie Penny Studied: National Diploma, Complimentary Therapies, Level 3 Home town: Henstridge nr Sherbourne Previous school: King Arthur’s Community School Where now? Working for a beauty salon in Gillingham, Dorset
6. Biology and environmental science student of the year - Laura Bentley Studied: A Levels: Biology A*, Chemistry A*, Maths A*, Extended Project A* and AS Human Biology A Home town: Castle Cary Previous school: Ansford Academy Where now? Cambridge University studying Natural Sciences
7. Business student of the year - Sophie James Studied: Extended Diploma in Business, Level 3, Triple Distinction* Home town: Norton Sub Hamdon nr Yeovil Previous school: Stanchester Academy Where now? Exeter University studying Business and Management
8. Engineering and Technology student of the year - Luke Brine Studied: Extended Diploma Engineering, Level 3, Triple Distinction Home town: Evercreech Previous school: Ansford Academy Where now? Self-employed constructing and manufacturing green oak buildings, and also in discussions with an engineering company about employment opportunities.
9. English student of the year - Brigit Smith Studied: A Levels: English Language A*, Psychology A*, French B and Maths C Home town: Glastonbury Previous school: St Dunstan’s Community School Where now? Gap year before going to York University in 2013 to study English Language and Linguistics
10. Foundation student of the year - Cheryl Noble Studied: Diploma, Personal Social Development, Level 1 Home town: Glastonbury Previous school: Avalon School Where now? Will study BTEC First Diploma in Hospitality, Level 2, at Strode in 2013
11. Hairdressing student of the year - George Webber Studied: Barbering Apprenticeship, NVQ Level 2 Home town: Wellington Previous school: Courtfields Community School Where now? Working at Manny’s Barber Shop in Wellington
12. Health and Care student of the year - Christina Wall Studied: Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care, Level 3, Triple Distinction* Home town: Coxley, Wells Previous school: The Blue School Where now? University of the West of England, Bristol, studying Adult Nursing
13. Higher Education student of the year - Ellen Watson Studied: History, Heritage and Archaeology Foundation Degree Home town: Wincanton Where now? Studying the final year of the Archaeology Degree at Bristol University
14. Hospitality student of the year - Hannah Chick Studied: BTEC Extended Diploma in Hospitality, Level 3, Triple Distinction* Home town: Glastonbury Previous school: Crispin School Where now? Employed in a pub restaurant in Glastonbury
15. Humanities student of the year - Laura Dibble Studied: A Levels: Geography A, History A, English Literature B, and Business Studies B Home town: Glastonbury Previous school: St Dunstan’s Community School Where now? Plymouth University studying Primary Education (Humanities)
16. IT student of the year - Tommy Lewis Studied: A Levels: ICT A*, Computing A and Film Studies A Home town: Milbourne Port nr Sherbourne Previous school: King Arthur’s Academy Where now? Kings College University, London, studying Computing Science
17. Maths (Brian Jefferson cup) - John Gay Studied: A Levels Maths A*, Further Maths B and English Language B Home town: Somerton Previous school: Huish Episcopi Academy Where now? Liverpool University studying Maths
18. Media student of the year - Joel Nichols (also Outstanding Contribution award) Studied: BTEC Extended Diploma Broadcast Media, Level 3, Triple Distinction* Home town: Yeovil Previous school: Westfiled Academy Where now? Running his own business (see 2 above)
19. Modern foreign languages (Richard Frapwell cup) - Fay Evans Studied: A Levels: French A, German A and Maths A Home town: Shepton Mallet Previous school: Whitstone School Where now? Bristol University studying French and German
20. Music student of the year - David McSparron Studied: BTEC Extended Diploma in Music, Level 3, Triple Distinction* Home town: Martock Previous school: Richard Huish Sixth Form College Where now? Newport University studying Creative Music
21. Performing Arts student of the year - Joe Sawdon-Smith Studied: Performing Arts, Level 3 Extended Diploma, Triple Distinction* Home town: Street Previous school: Home educated Where now? Will be joining Bristol University to study drama in 2013
22. Physical science student of the year - James Paterson Studied: A Levels: Physics A*, Maths A*, Further Maths A* and Computing A Home town: Catcott nr Bridgwater Previous school: Crispin Where now? Year in Industry placement with EDF Energy before going to the University of Southampton to study Mechanical Engineering
23. Psychology student of the year - Becky Horobin Studied: A Levels: Psychology A, Archaeology A, English Literature B and AS Human Biology B Home town: Street Previous school: Stanwell Comprehensive Where now? University of Sussex studying Anthropology
24. Social Sciences student of the year - Sophie Dearborne-Bloom Studied: A Levels: Business A, Government and Politics A, Law B and Maths B Home town: Glastonbury Previous school: St Dunstan’s Community School Where now? Cardiff University studying Business Studies
25. University of the West of England Law School Prize - Ffion Jones Studied: A Levels: Law A*, English Language A, AS Psychology A and AS History of Art B Home town: Glastonbury Previous school: Crispin Where now? At Strode College studying Psychology and History of Art A Levels before studying History or Art at the Courtold Institute
26. Skills for life (Rachel House award) - Stephen Haeckel Studied: Since 2007 Entry Level 3, Level 1 Literacy and Level 1 English Functional Skill, Entry Level 3 Numeracy and Level 1 ICT Functional Skill. Home town: Frome
27. Sport and public services student of the year - William West Studied: Extended Diploma in Sports (Development, Coaching and Fitness), Level 3, Triple Distinction* Home town: Charlton Lodge, Shepton Mallet Previous school: Sexey’s School Where now? Southampton Solent University studying Sports Journalism
28. Success against the odds/Greatest progress - Anetka Kruk Studied: BTEC Extended Diploma in Public Services, Level 3, Triple Distinction Home town: Shepton Mallet Previous school: Whitsone Academy Where now? University of West London studying Business Management
29. Visual arts 2D student of the year - Sophie Pitt Studied: A Levels: Photography A and Art and Design B Home town: Meare nr Glastonbury Previous school: St Dunstan’s Community School Where now? Working and building her photography portfolio and aiming to join the police force as a forensic photographer
30. Visual arts 3D student of the year - Lucy Rose Andrews Studied: Extended Diploma in Art and Design, Level 3, Distinction* and Double Distinction Home town: Priddy, Wells Previous school: The Blue School Where now? University of Derby studying Creative Expressive Therapies (Art)
Students from Strode College's BTEC Extended Diploma in Music recently organised a fantastic concert of live music and performed to a packed audience in the Holy Trinity Church in Street.
Ex-Strode student and talented performer, Lee Rahn, headlined the all-acoustic event. Strode Music Course Manager Daniel Shaw said: “We were watching a performer communicating perfectly with his spell bound audience. I strongly recommend seeing Lee perform live - he will be appearing at the Godney Gathering this summer - and for those who can’t, he has just released a new ep called 'Scruffy Hair & Ragged Shoes'”.
Some excellent original work from Strode’s music students was showcased for the first time at the gig: 'The Rusty Lungs' with their quirky 'Autumn Colours' by Yazie MacNeil on piano and vocals, Keiran O'Byrne on bass and Brendan Sweetman on melodica and ukulele; 'Sons of Natives' (Connor Crabb, Lucas Male and Jon Pole) were joined in their contemporary country style by a pedal steel; 'Mr Keep Calm' performed an original number which included a double bass; and 'According to Dave' (Ben Armstrong, Matt Carter, Jake Wareham, Alexis Barker and Aidan Turner) performed an original song which they had arranged for a string quartet, acoustic guitars and glockenspiel.
There was a poignant moment when student Reece Blake’s performance, and the entire concert, was dedicated to the memory of fellow student Mike Norman, who died in a tragic motorcycle crash in March. Reece played 'Alice in her wonderland', a song he had last performed with Mike.
Members of the audience commented on the value for money for a wonderful evening’s entertainment and a terrific atmosphere. Diana Greenfield, pioneer of the parish said: “This building was made to reflect the Glory of God and to enhance acoustic music; it is wonderful to see it used in this way.”
The concert was recorded by Strode’s Music Technology and Broadcast Media students, so if you missed the concert, you can watch some of the highlights on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/StrodeCollege
A Strode College album, showcasing some of the live recordings made at the unplugged concert and the best recordings made in Strode’s studios this year, is due to be released to coincide with the exciting 'Blackstar Showcase' in Strode Theatre on the 30 April.
This event promises to be an electrifying demonstration of the new range by the premier British guitar amp manufacturer, polished off with a wonderful blend of live music from some fantastic local bands. Featuring 'Casimir', 'My Story', 'Awaken the Silence', 'All us Authors', 'According to Dave', 'Tallulah and the Talkbacks' and others, the event is a must see for all guitarists and lovers of music. Check Strode Theatre website for more details: www.strodetheatre.co.uk
Photo: Duncan Almy, who lives in Glastonbury and previously attended St Dunstan’s School, was among the many talented music students to perform at the Strode College unplugged concert.
Strode College A Level student Lucy Maitland-Cullen, who lives in Street, will be following in her Principal’s footsteps this autumn when she goes to Cambridge University to study history.
Strode Principal, James Staniforth, gained his history degree from Cambridge University and understands just how rigorous the selection process is to gain a place at this prestigious university. He was delighted when Lucy was shortlisted for interview and wanted to help her make the most of the opportunity.
He said: “It’s great news that Lucy is progressing from Strode to Cambridge University, and particularly pleasing for me that she will be studying a subject so close to my own academic interests. I worked with Lucy in the run up to her Cambridge interviews to extend her knowledge of historical theory and to build her confidence - she obviously did a great job.
“Lucy is one of twenty Strode students to win Oxbridge places in the last four years and in September 2012 67 students progressed to Russell Group universities, including seven who studied BTEC Extended Diplomas. Our A level and advanced level vocational students are 13% more likely to get a place at university than the national average – this is great news for our college and our students.”
Lucy found the one-to-one teaching with her Principal a great help, she said: “Studying history at Strode has been fantastic; my subject teachers are inspiring and really enthusiastic. The extra support and lessons with James Staniforth definitely extended my knowledge and I felt more confident when it came to answering questions from the lecturers at the Cambridge interviews. I’m really looking forward to studying there and to meeting people who share the same academic interests.”
Photo: James Staniforth, Principal of Strode College, with student Lucy Maitland-Cullen who will be following in his footsteps by studying History at Cambridge University next year.
Strode College beauty students recently visited Lancôme in Paris for a seminar and demonstration of the latest skincare and cosmetics products.
It was an exciting experience for the Level 2 and 3 beauty students who learnt new techniques from international Lancôme therapists, gained an insight into the company and took inspiration for their own studies and careers.
The students were complimented by Lancôme on their personal presentation and professional behaviour, and one student was selected as a model for the skin care and make-up demonstration. (Photo caption: Level 3 Beauty Therapy student, Tash Watson from Shepton Mallet, helps the Lancome beauty therapist with her make-up demonstration.)
The students also had a great time seeing the sights of Paris, visiting the Disneyland Parks and spending their evenings at the Planet Hollywood and Rainforest restaurants.
Strode College film and media students had an inspiring day recently finding out from industry professionals about the diverse and interesting careers they could pursue in the media - one of the fastest growing industries in the UK.
Guest speakers at Strode’s Media Day included a film pyrotechnics expert from the team behind numerous blockbusters such as the The Dark Knight, Sherlock and Skyfall, and a texture artist and animator who worked on Harry Potter and Wrath of the Titan. There were talks from an advertising executive, a music blogger, two radio news journalists and a live satellite link up with a TV runner in Australia.
Students gained valuable insight into the production of a wide range of media, with behind the scenes footage, entertaining anecdotes and a lot of sound advice.
They also heard from lecturers at the University of the West of England, Bristol, about opportunities to study Film and Media at university.
The day finished with a presentation from two former Strode A Level Film and Media students, Jack and Boris Thompson-Roylance, who since leaving Strode have set up their own film company Deadbeat Films and worked on numerous projects for Secret Cinema and UKF music. Jack, who was slightly jetlagged having just flown back from Miami where he had been working on a music video, said that he was happy to ‘champion the cause’ and ‘come back to where it had all started’. He said: “I remember sitting in the front row of Strode Theatre at the College’s previous Media Day event, watching this and taking it all in. To be able to come back and try to inspire the next generation is fantastic.”
Kev Cook, Subject Leader for A-level Media at Strode was extremely grateful to all those who came to speak with the students. He said: “It’s a big ask of these people who are working to tight deadlines to give up their time to speak with our students. Seeing and
hearing from the people who make the media that fills our everyday lives is revealing and enlightening and I hope that we have inspired more of our students to pursue a career in what is one of the UK’s fastest growing industries.
“To say that studying film or media won’t get you a job is a complete myth – the creative industries account for six per cent of GDP and employ over two million people in this country. Working in the media is more than being a TV presenter. There are a vast range of career opportunities out there and I hope today we have shed light on some of them.”
Five French Beauty Therapy students, from Lomet College in Agen South West France, visited Strode College with their teachers last week as part of an exchange programme between the two colleges.
Strode Beauty students treated their French visitors to a variety of treatments and all the students worked together in the Strode Beauty Salon on waxing, manicures, make-up, massage and eye treatments.
The students learnt new skills and techniques, they had a great time experiencing life in a bigger college and they enjoyed socialising together, including a trip to Bath and Glastonbury to see local places of interest.
Susan Omeara, who teaches Beauty Therapy at Strode said: “This was a great exchange visit and both groups of students are looking forward to Strode beauty students visiting Lomet College next year. The French students were impressed by the size of our college and our facilities and by the variety of courses that we offer. This was their first visit to England and we made sure they felt very welcome.”
Photo: Back row, Strode beauty students (left to right): Sophie Sartin, Frankie Silcox, Hannah Chaddock, Lauren Coe, Charlotte Burletson, Ellie White, Lily Sandford and Sophie Palmer Front row French beauty students (left to right): Charline Vico, Océane Dos Santos, Fanny Leal, Ophélie Dejouy and Océane Ferry.
