Our BTEC Performing Arts and A Level Dance students visited the Tacchi Morris Arts Centre in Taunton in April, to watch the EarthFall Dance Company’s exciting new work 'Chelsea Hotel'.

Following the show students took part in a workshop at College led by dancers from the EarthFall dance company. They were introduced to new ways of moving through a challenging, physical and daring workshop. This included a technique class in which students learnt pieces from the 'Chelsea Hotel' work, and trust work which introduced them to new ways of lifting and supporting each other. 

Becky Harvey, Strode's course manager and teacher for A Level Dance said: “The workshop was physically demanding and really exciting. Our students embraced it wholly, pushing themselves at times to their physical limits.”

Georgia Green of Yeovil, who is studying A Level dance at Strode, said: “Working with a professional company has introduced me to the level of physicality and strength required of a professional dancer. I am very thankful for this fantastic opportunity.”

Check out the Strode Dance Facebook page for photos and video footage from the workshop.

Visit the EarthFall website: www.earthfall.org.uk

If you want to learn something new, develop a talent or interest, or get a qualification to progress your career, then you should take a look at the new 'Courses for Adult Learners' at Strode College in Street (brochure available from Friday 24 May). 

There is something for everyone, with over 200 courses running at different times and dates throughout the year starting from September.

You may want to improve your career prospects by taking a job-related course, for example in, accountancy, engineering, food hygiene, hair and beauty, marketing and promotion, preparing to teach or counselling.

Or you might want to have a go at something for your personal enjoyment such as learning a language or stained glass, digital photography, jewellery making, upholstery, pottery or yoga. 

And there are a wide range of computer and IT courses available for all abilities, including absolute beginners courses such as how to use e-mail 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 or trying new things. Last year around 3000 adults took part-time courses with 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 in this way."

To find out more about Strode’s 'Courses for Adult Learners' call: 01458 844400 or visit: www.strode-college.ac.uk

Tessa Munt MP joined forty job seekers at Strode College in Street last week as they graduated from Strode’s retail skills and customer service training and earned themselves a job interview with Waitrose.

A new Waitrose store will open in Wells in July and, with a staff of 140, the store will create many new jobs for local people. All those who successfully completed the training at Strode are guaranteed an interview with Waitrose.

Strode College teamed up with Wells Job Centre and Waitrose to plan and develop the joint scheme designed to get job seekers into work. As well as successfully training forty job seekers, the College will host pre-employment days, open days and activity days. 

Strode’s involvement in this project is part of their on-going support for unemployed people. They work with the jobcentre on a daily basis and visit each week giving individual interviews and guidance to people who are unemployed.

Shirley Theedom, Deputy Principle at Strode College, said: “This has been a fantastic partnership and a great example of how Strode works with the Job Centre and local employers to train people in skills they need to gain employment. Over the past few years Strode has trained many adults in retail and customer service skills and we have become renowned for our work with people who are unemployed. We are delighted to have helped make such a difference to all those who trained with us and wish them well in their job interviews in the coming weeks.”

Tessa Munt MP for Wells and Street joined the graduation ceremony to celebrate the students’ successes. She said: “I had a brilliant day at Strode College and a huge amount of fun. I welcome this innovative project to help local unemployed people back into work and I congratulate the graduates. Strode really is an inspirational learning centre which I’m proud to have in my patch and I commend all the staff and students there.”

Photo: Tessa Munt MP and Shirley Theedom, Deputy Principal at Strode, with tutors and jobseekers as they graduate from Strode’s retail and customer skills training ahead of interviews with Waitrose.

Strode College’s Festival of the Arts, which runs from Tuesday 11 June to Wednesday 19 June, will celebrate the achievements and hard work of its creative and performing arts students before they move on to university and employment. Arts, design, dance and drama events will be presented during the week at College and at Strode Theatre. 

End of Year Art, Design and Media Show

Tuesday 11 - Wednesday 19 June 2013, 9.30 - 4.30pm (closed at weekend). The exhibition is free and open to the public - maps available from College Reception.

Strode creative arts and media students are known for producing some excellent and innovative work. The show will feature work from 125 students completing art and design courses this summer including painting and drawing, sculpture, textiles, photography, graphics, film and video. This is a great opportunity to take a look at some young and exciting creative talent and to see the diversity and quality of work achieved at Strode.

Students presenting work are studying A level Art, Graphics, Photography, Textiles, Level 2 Diploma in Art & Design, Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design, Foundation Diploma in Art & Design and Level 3 Extended Diploma in Broadcast Media.

Jerusalem, by Jez Butterworth

Tuesday 11 June - Wednesday 12 June 2013, 7.30pm. Tickets £6.00, full concessions £5.00, Strode College students £4.00. Ticket prices include a 50p contribution to the Strode Theatre Support Fund. Book through Strode Theatre.

Strode College Performing Arts students present a comic, contemporary, vision of rural life in England's Green and Pleasant Land. On St George’s Day, the morning of the local county fair, Johnny Byron is a wanted man. The council officials want to serve him an eviction notice, his son wants his dad to take him to the fair, and a motley crew of mates want his ample supply of drugs and alcohol. 

Students will also present a short contemporary play, 'The man who went insane from money', by Ann Wuehler.

Dance Showcase

Friday 14 June 2013 7.30pm, tickets £6.00, full concessions £5.00, Strode College students £4.00. This production is raising funds for College educational activities. Ticket prices include a 50p contribution to the Strode Theatre Support Fund. Book through Strode Theatre.

Strode College’s A Level Dance and Extended Diploma in Performing Arts students will showcase the best of their performance work including musical theatre, contemporary dance and street dance. The show promises to be full of energy and entertainment.

Book tickets for all performances at Strode Theatre by calling 01458 442846 or online at www.strodetheatre.co.uk

If you have some free time between Monday 8 July and Friday 19 July and you would like to spend time doing something interesting, fun, creative and relaxing, then have a look at Strode College's Summer School courses. 

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 45 different courses on offer this year including: archery, allotment gardening, book binding, bridge, cake decoration, creative writing, felt making, genealogy research, geology, Indian cookery, jewellery-making, painting, pattern-cutting, singing, sculpture, social networking, song writing, using your i-Pad, willow craft yoga and many more.

This is the third year that Strode College has run a Summer School. Summer courses were introduced to extend the number and range of courses offered to adult learners and they are a great way for the college to share its excellent facilities and teachers with the local community.

The courses, which are aimed at adults, will be taught in Strode’s modern specialist classrooms and studios. To find out more or book on-line visit the Strode College website or call 01458 844400 to find out more.

The Strode College 'End of Year Arts Show' opened on Monday evening (10 June) with a private view and an awards evening to celebrate the creativity and quality of work of 125 arts, design and media students.

Awards were presented to nine outstanding students by Strode College's Principal James Staniforth. The students received a certificate and a cheque and the College has bought work from all the winners to add to the 'Strode Collection'.

The diverse and inspiring show features painting, drawing, sculpture, graphics, textiles, photography, animation, film and video.

Strode's extensive art and design facilities have been turned into a variety of gallery spaces to display the work professionally and to great effect, including larger open gallery spaces and smaller more intimate studio galleries. Work is also exhibited in Strode Theatre.

James Staniforth, Principal of the College said: "This is a fantastic showcase, not just for our creative arts and media students, but also for the College. The high standards of work achieved over the range of our creative courses are clearly on display for everyone to see; I am extremely proud of our students and their teachers."

Petrina Rochester, Head of Art and Design at Strode said: "Our End of Year show is an exciting and inspiring event. It brings a vibrant and positive focus to the end of the year as our students prepare to move on from Strode, many to higher education. Our students have produced some outstanding work, much of which rivals that of specialist art colleges and many university level institutions. We are delighted to be able to showcase their talent, skill and creativity in this way."

Students exhibiting will be completing courses this summer in A level Art, Graphics, Textiles and Photography, Level 3 Extended Diploma Art and Design, Level 2 National Diploma Art and Design, Foundation Diploma in Art and Design and Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Broadcast Media.

Local architect Nigel Skelton, visited the arts show on Monday evening. He said: "Many thanks for the invitation to view this year's remarkable achievements. It would take all day to ponder over the students' imagination, and like wandering around in a sweet shop, it was difficult to know what to take in next - inspirational and very enjoyable."

The show is open to the public until Wednesday 19 June between 9.30am and 4.30pm (closed at the weekend). Work is displayed around the College and in Strode Theatre, with maps available from the College reception.

Students receiving awards for excellence in their work

Photography Award - Chris Willis

Lives: Corton Denham, near Yeovil

Studying: A level Photography

Previous school: Gillingham

What next: Self employed as a photographer

Textiles Award - Lucy Cox

Lives: Tintinhull, near Yeovil

Studying: A level Textiles  

Previous school: Huish Episcopi Academy

What next: Further A Levels at Strode College

Textiles Award - Charlotte Street

Lives: Street

Studying: Foundation Diploma in Art & Design

Previous school: Worthing College

What next: BA/MA Fashion and Interiors, Bath Spa University

3D Fine Art Award - Lizzy Moseley

Lives: Langport

Studying: Foundation Diploma in Art & Design

Previous school: Huish Episcopi Academy

What next: BA Contemporary Crafts, Falmouth University

2D Fine Art Award - Abi Boddy

Lives: Barwick, Yeovil

Studying: A level Art & Design

Previous school: Preston School

What next: Foundation Diploma at Strode College

2D Fine Art Award - Mike Cox

Lives: Langport

Studying: Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design

Previous school: Huish Episcopi Academy

What next: BA Fine Art, Falmouth University

2D Fine Art Award - Oliver Hillier

Lives: Sherbourne

Studying: A level Art & Design

Previous school: Gryphon School

What next: Foundation Diploma in Art & Design, Strode College

Illustration/Graphical Design - Olivia Moores

Lives: Yeovil

Studying: A level Graphics

Previous school: Ansford Academy

What next: Foundation Diploma in Art & Design, Strode College

Film Award - Lila Babington

Lives: Glastonbury

Studying: Foundation Diploma in Art & Design

Previous school: Maria Immaculata Community College

What next: University in 2014

Level 2 Beauty Therapy students recently took part in Caflon ear piercing training.

Caflon is a manufacturer of the most widely recognized ear piercing systems in the world and provide piercing technicians the most affordable ear piercing systems of the highest quality.

Students were able to purchase special student kits.

Pictured are Casey Lintell from Bruton and Nikki Griffiths from Wincanton who took part in the training session.

All students travelling by bus to study at Strode College from September will get £150 towards the cost of the County Bus Ticket and those whose family income is below £26,000 will get a total of £450 towards their bus pass.

James Staniforth, Principal of Strode College, said: "Last year we were the top performing college in Somerset and we know that young people benefit enormously from learning with us. Most of our students travel to college by bus as we are well served by a number of bus routes. They come from across Somerset because they like Strode and can see that our approach to learning and support achieves excellent results both academically and personally. We do not want these young people to miss out on the fantastic opportunities they will get at Strode so we are helping with the cost of bus fares."

"We are on course to enrol record numbers of students in September to study A Levels and vocational courses, although we do still have places available on some courses. Many of these students will buy the County Bus Ticket and they will get financial help through our Travel Bursary Scheme."

More information:
Travel Bursary Scheme
Transport page
Apply to study at Strode in September

Strode College in Street is bucking the national trend by once again celebrating outstanding A Level and vocational results against a backdrop of falling national performance. The proportion of high A* and A Grades at Strode went up to 28% as national performance fell from 27% to 26%.

Strode’s results, which are above the national average, match the college’s best ever results achieved last year - a year when the national A Level pass rate and high grades fell for the first time in twenty years. The same set of results last year ranked Strode as the best performing college for A Levels in the South-West (January 2013 D of E league tables). 

Strode’s A Level pass rate is 99.3% with 56% of student entries achieving a high grade of A*, A or B and 81% graded C or higher. Results in the core A Levels of English, Maths, Science, Modern Languages and Humanities are even more impressive, with 65% high grades.

Strode’s vocational students managed to beat the outstanding results of their A Level counterparts. A quarter of students achieved the highest grade of Triple Distinction*, the equivalent of three A* grades at A Level; 113 students or 56% achieved Triple Distinctions or better, the equivalent of 3 grade As at A level or better; and 145 or 72% achieved high grades; results way in excess of the national averages of 34% and 56%.

James Staniforth, Principal of Strode College, is delighted by these outstanding results and by the consistently high levels of achievement attained by students at the college. He said:

“The fact that our A Level and vocational students have once again achieved such fantastic results makes us all extremely proud - it shows that our students work hard to achieve their ambitions and it proves that our approach to teaching and supporting students makes a real difference to their success. It is also a testament to the effective partnerships between Strode and our partner schools in Somerset. 

“It is particularly pleasing, in the face of recent comments about rural under achievement, that our students are achieving such great results.”

Download the Strode College Roll of Honour 2013

A Levels - outstanding student performances

Outstanding individual performances were led by Lucy Corfield of Butleigh, who achieved four A Levels with 3 A* grades and an A grade. Lucy, a former pupil of St Dunstan’s School, has won a place at Bristol University to study Biology. John O’Rourke of Bruton and Elizabeth Randall of Somerton both gained two A* grades and two A grades (she also gained an A grade in Maths last year). John, a former pupil of King Arthur’s Community School, also gained an A* in the AS level Extended Project for his study of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome, a piece of work which helped him win a place to study Medicine at Cardiff University, while Elizabeth, a former pupil of Huish Episcopi Academy, will study Chemical Engineering at Bath.   

Lucy Corfield said: “I’m so excited. I was up before 6am to go online - I can’t believe my results, I’d convinced myself that I wasn’t going to get the grades I needed to get into university. I’ve had a fantastic time at Strode. I was a little nervous starting my A Levels because I thought they would be challenging. They were, but the teachers at Strode are awesome.”

John O’Rourke said: “I knew I had a good chance of getting the grades I needed for university but I was still pretty nervous. I’ve had loads of guidance at Strode; my results are down to the teachers, particularly Chemistry. I’m a bit apprehensive about university, but it’s exciting – a new chapter. I’ve been learning to cook recently!”

Five students gained two A* grades and a grade A: Anna Butler of Moorlinch (Crispin Academy), who in June also won the award for Strode’s Overall Sports Performer of the Year, is progressing to Nottingham Trent University to study Journalism; Joanna Callender-Wood of Glastonbury (St Dunstan’s), who will study Geography at the London School of Economics; Kate Hoar of Babcary (Ansford Academy), who will study Psychology at Exeter University; Tom Perry of Queen Camel (Ansford Academy), who will study Maths at Jesus College, Oxford and Oliver Williams of Shapwick (Crispin Academy) who will study Business Administration at Bath.

Tom Perry said: “I didn’t get any sleep last night. I had problems with one exam question so there was an element of doubt in my mind about whether I’d get the grades I needed. It was a massive relief to get my results and know I can go to Oxford. I woke my parents with my shout!”

A further 24 students gained 3 or more grade A or A* at A Level. Charlotte Cooper of Yeovil (Ansford Academy), Megan Hart of Street (Crispin Academy), Megan Angell of Castle Cary (Ansford Academy), Esther Clarke of Wells (Wells Cathedral School), Charlotte Davies of Glastonbury (St Dunstan’s School), Torin Dickinson of Glastonbury (St Dunstan’s School), Louise Fallows of Walton (Crispin Academy), Joshua Holmes of Castle Cary (Ansford Academy), Louise Knight of Ashcott (Crispin Academy), Alice Murray of Catcott (Crispin Academy), Daisy Watkins of Street (Crispin Academy), Ashley Whiskerd of Street (Millfield School), Caroline Chippett of Glastonbury (St Dunstan’s), Katie Holmes of Yeovil (Huish Epsicopi Academy), Dominic Phippen of Somerton (Huish Episcopi Academy), Sorcha Floyd of Othery (Huish Epsicopi Academy), Daniel Green of Yeovil (Westfield Academy), Jacob Green of Wookey (Wells Cathedral School), Emmanuelle-Halima Henriot of West Lydford (home educated), Alexander James of Street (Crispin Academy), George Lindsey of Compton Dundon (Crispin Academy), Lucy Maitland-Cullen of Street (Mendip Link), Abigail Smart of Somerton (Huish Episcopi Academy) and Catherine Vickers of Moorlinch (Crispin Academy).

Megan Hart of Street will be studying Natural Sciences at University College London. She said: “Yesterday I felt sick and nervous but today I’m relieved and over the moon. I didn’t set my alarm but woke up at 6am to check my results anyway. I’m really glad I came to Strode to do my A Levels, the teaching, the facilities and the support are great.”

Louise Fallows of Street will be studying Psychology at Southampton University. She said: “I was excited yesterday, but also pretty nervous and nauseous! I went to work in the morning and then tried to take my mind off of it by going for a walk with my friend before watching a film. I got up at 6.30am this morning to check my results online - my mum sat on my bed and when we saw my results she presented me with a new kettle to take to university. I’m so excited”

Louise Knight of Ashcott will be studying Medicine at Liverpool University. She said: “It’s been a long wait for the results - I didn’t really sleep last night although I was quite excited.  I woke up at 4am and couldn’t get back to sleep. I checked my results at 7am and cried with my mum. I’m really excited about going to university - it’s a big step but I’m really looking forward to it.”

AS Level - outstanding student performances

In the AS examinations, Benjamin Crawford of Radstock led the way. Benjamin, a former pupil of Somervale School in Midsomer Norton gained five A grades, in Computing, Electronics, Maths, Further Maths and Physics. A further nineteen students gained at least three A grades: Annabel Agbo of Castle Cary (a former student of Ansford Academy), Jasmine Badman of Somerton (Ansford Academy), Jack Baker of Bruton (King Arthur’s Academy), Aimee Barlow of Shepton Mallet (The Blue School), Stephanie Bates of Baltonsborough (St Dunstan’s School), Matthew Bearman of Compton Dundon (Crispin Academy), Grace Bentham of Stathe (Huish Epsicopi Academy), Louelle Benjamin of Stoke-sub-Hamdon (Stanchester Academy), Elizabeth Bevan of Wells (St Gregory’s Catholic School), Maya Evans of Lamyatt (Ansford Academy), Eleanor Gore of Somerton (Ansford Academy), Christopher Molloy of Keinton Mandeville (Ansford Academy), Molly Nugent of Street (Wells Cathedral School), Alicia Peacock of Middlezoy (Huish Episcopi Academy), Molly Proud of Glastonbury (St Dunstan’s School), Amelia Sandy of Castle Cary (Ansford Academy), Caitlin Tilt of Sherborne (The Gryphon School) and Alice Watkins of Street (Crispin Academy).

Advanced Vocational Courses - outstanding student performances

Triple *Distinction students are listed by course below:

Art and Design: Rebecca Osmond of Langport, a former pupil of Huish Episcopi Academy.

Business: Chrissie Alexander of Glastonbury (St Dunstan’s School), Jack Allen of Shepton Mallet (Whitstone School), Sarah Austria of Glastonbury (The Blue School), Laura Dunsmore of Street (Crispin Academy), Isabella Ellis of Yeovil (Yeovil College), Emma Ferbert of Ashcott (Crispin Academy), Rochelle Lee of Ditcheat (Sexey’s School), Egle Mickeviciute of Yeovil (Preston School), Sabrina Morey of Shepton Mallet (The Blue School), Pia Norton of Street (Crispin Academy), Lauren Rendell of Wincanton (King Arthur’s Community School), Emily Rutherford of Glastonbury (Crispin Academy) and Reece Williams of Walton (Crispin School).

Reece Williams, who lives in Walton and formerly attended Crispin School, is going to the University of the West of England to study Accounting and Finance. He said: “I’m really pleased; I couldn’t have done any better. I really enjoyed my course and my time at Strode. I knew I was doing well and that my university place was safe, so that took some of the stress away.” 

Health and Social Care: Jodie Alford of Evercreech (Ansford Academy), Rosie Andrews of Wookey (The Blue School), Emmy Doble of Street (Crispin Academy), Alice Gilson of Crewkerne (The Park School), Sophie Porter of Shepton Mallet (Whitstone School), Iriene Simon of Glastonbury (St Dunstan’s School) and Ashley Veale of Shepton Mallet (Yeovil College).

Engineering: Jack Boddington of Gillingham, Leigh Booth of Glastonbury (St Dunstan’s School) and Geoffrey Earle-Marsh of Ansford (Ansford Academy).

Hospitality: Katy Bond of Ashcott (Crispin Academy) and Kyle Garland of Yeovil (Westfield Academy)

IT: Benjamin Buckley of Glastonbury (St Dunstan’s School), Francesca Bullock of Meare (St Dunstan’s), Henry Carpenter of Langport (Huish Episcopi Academy), Liam Hackett of Wincanton (King Arthur’s Community School), Clive Hoadley of Wincanton (King Arthur’s Community School), Danielle Laugharne of Shepton Mallet (Whitstone School), Samuel Martin of Street (Crispin Academy), Alexander Nelson of Wells (The Blue School), Joshua Nicholson of Somerton (Huish Episcopi Academy), Anders Pfyl of Shepton Mallet (Whitstone School), Mitchel Smart of Somerton (Huish Episcopi Academy) and Matthew Warner of West Pennard (Bexleyheath School).

Matt Warner, who lives in West Pennard is going on to the University of the West of England to study IT Management and Business. He said: “I knew how I was doing throughout the course and knew what grade I was aiming for. That took the stress away from finding out about my university place. I’m really pleased with my result and am looking forward to university. I love Strode; I thoroughly enjoyed it here. The teaching has been very good. It’s far more relaxed than school.”

Music Practice and Performance: Matthew Carter of Wells (The Blue School)

Public Services: Aaron Arnold of Castle Cary (Ansford Academy), Hannah Brown of Glastonbury (St Dunstan’s School), Jacob Czerny of Wells (The Blue School), Benjamin Jones of Langport (Huish Episcopi Academy), Keri Jones of Yeovil (Preston School), Jonathan Walford of Castle Cary (Ansford Academy) and Keiran Watson of Evercreech (Ansford Academy).

Sport: Stephanie Davis of Ilchester (Sexey’s School) and David Fouracres of Glastonbury (St Dunstan’s School)

CACHE Childcare & Education course - grade A: Danielle Callow of Street (Kings of Wessex Academy), Lauren Edwards of Glastonbury (St Dunstan’s)

Art and Design Foundation Diploma (post A Level) - Distinction
Lila Babington of Glastonbury (Strode College), Annabel Chillingworth of Sherborne, Thomas Craner-Buckley of Shepton Mallet (Strode College), Emma Deacon of Street (Strode College), Amber Greenman of Chilcompton (Strode College), Emily Ingle of Wedmore (Kings of Wessex Academy), Elizabeth Moseley of Curry Rivel (Huish Episcopi Academy), Meghan Remfry-Peploe of Shepton Mallet (Strode College), Madeleine Ryall of Dorchester (Thomas Hardye School), Charlotte Street of Street (Worthing College) and Jessica Thompson of Sherborne.

Level 2 vocational courses

First Diploma students also excelled with another superb set of results. 35 students achieved an overall distinction or distinction* in their First Diploma courses, the equivalent to 4 As or 4 A*s at GCSE. Two students also gained a grade A in the CACHE Childcare Diploma.

Art and Design: Natalie Flynn (D) of Frome (Faleigh FE College), Kimberley Lester (D*) of Glastonbury (St Dunstan’s) and Avena Rawnsley (D) of Glastonbury (Home Educated).

Engineering: Aaron Everett (D) of Glastonbury (St Dunstan’s), Andrew Lamb (D*) of Shepton Mallet (Whitstone), Nicholas Luff (D*) of Bruton (Sexey’s School), Kieron Meek (D*) of Huish Episcopi (Preston School), Harry Neale (D*) of Glastonbury (St Dunstan’s), James Oakley (D*) of Frome (Farleigh FE College), Alesso Pacifici (D*) of Glastonbury (The Blue School), Samuel Pennell (D*) of Yeovil (Yeovil College), Wen Wen (D*) of Shepton Mallet (Whitstone).

Health and Social Care: Zoe Dines (D*) of Martock (St Dunstan’s School), Melissa McGreal (D*) of Westhay (Kings of Wessex Academy), Jody Moreton (D) of Keinton Mandeville (Ansford Academy), Paige Stoodley (D*) of Street (Crispin Academy), Bethany Sutton (D*) of Glastonbury (St Dunstan’s) and Bonnie White (D*) of Somerton (Huish Episcopi Academy).

ICT Practitioners: Ellen Chapman (D*) of Glastonbury (St Dunstan’s School), Matthew Fling (D) of Sparkford (Home Educated), Alex Hatchman (D*) of Street (Crispin Academy), Jack Hunt (D) of Street (Huish Episcopi Academy), Rhys Taylor (D) of Somerton (Huish Episcopi Academy), Ryan Williams (D) of Sherborne (Chilton Cantelo) and Yusheng Zhang (D*) of Yeovil.

Music: Harry Carpenter (D*) of Street (Crispin Academy) and James Spender (D*) of Langport (Home Educated)

Public Services: Ashley Andrews (D*) of Shepton Mallet (Whitstone School), Ryan Bickham (D*) of Street (Crispin Academy), Keiran Breaden-Boyce (D*) of Castle Cary (Ansford Academy), Liberty Dudzayi (D*) of Street (Bridgwater College), Saul Ham (D*) of Yeovil (The Gryphon School), Bradley Harris (D*) of West Camel (Ansford Academy), Jack McInerney (D*) of Shepton Mallet (Saint Joan of Arc Secondary School) and Mbuso Ngema (D*) of Yeovil (Yeovil College).

CACHE Level 2 Diploma: Bethanie Cook of Glastonbury (The Blue School) and Connie Furlong of Bruton (King Arthur’s Community School)

Biology A Level students from Strode College recently returned from a fantastic two week field trip in Madagascar, where they got up close to the famous Madagascan lemurs and enjoyed finding out about the wildlife and culture of this fascinating country. 

The students enjoyed trekking through national parks and rainforests to seek out the lemurs. They managed to see 15 of the 113 different species, including the one metre tall Indri lemur which has an ear splitting territory call that can be heard for miles and the tiny, fluffy mouse lemur which could fit in the palm of a small hand.

The students also encountered a wealth of other wildlife including snakes, ants, chameleons, crocodiles, tomato frogs, leaf-tailed geckos and a family of tenrecs, which look like a hedgehog crossed with a guinea pig.

The trip was also a great opportunity to observe the culture and life of the Madagascan people. They visited rice paddies, a spice garden and they saw locals farming with bullocks and hand ploughs, in stark contrast to the mechanized farming students associate with Somerset. They met students and teachers at a high school and they also met a group of French medical volunteers who were giving medical treatment to the local community – the queue of local villagers stretched for over 50m.

The visit ended with a wonderful trip to the small island of St Marie where the students scuba dived on the coral reef and joined a whale watching research trip to collect data and get a close look at these spectacular creatures.

Fiona Deacon, Strode’s A Level Biology teacher, said: “Madagascar provided our biology students with a wealth of experiences and opportunities. They have expanded their knowledge about the native wildlife and culture, they have seen first-hand the effects of deforestation on the environment and they have been inspired and motivated to learn more about biology and the world. It’s wonderful to be able to offer such opportunities to our students.”

Strode student Olivia Shoemark from Sparkford said: “The trip proved to be far more educational than I imagined. It encouraged us to think about the biology behind rainforest life and to put theory into context. We could have learnt this in the classroom, but learning through first-hand experience is so much more valuable.”

Strode student Ellie Gore of Babcary summed up everyone’s feelings saying: “This has been one of the absolute best times of my life. I love Madagascar! I have had some of the most incredible experiences.”

Students studying A Level Biology at Strode College make more progress than at any other school or college nationally according to the Jan 2012 Advanced Level Performance Systems. This is the national system that measures student progress by comparing their AS and A Level results with their predicted grades based on their GCSE results. 

View the Madagascar Field Trip Gallery

You can find out more about studying Biology at Strode College and many other A Levels and vocational qualifications by visiting the college Open Evening on 23 October, 6.00-8.30pm. Pre-register online here.

Strode College's Level 2 Beauty Therapy students have been raising money for Breast Cancer Awareness month. Students donated money to wear pink and also collected money through various activities. They joined in with celebrities including Beyoncé and had their little nails painted pink to promote the campaign.

Last year, over 1000 schools and Colleges took part and helped raise £2.1 million to fund life-saving research.

Marcie Mickleburgh, Course Manager for Strode's Level 2 Beauty Therapy course said: "It is such an important Campaign to get involved in and the students have really enjoyed taking part. They have managed to raise over £100 for Breast Cancer."

Strode College’s Deputy Principal Shirley Theedom, recently returned from a visit to China where she joined representatives from nine Somerset schools as they sought to further develop educational links with the country. They travelled to the Chinese city of Yueyang in Hunan province to continue the work of the East Somerset Partnership over the past three years.

The Somerset teachers were welcomed energetically by their Chinese hosts and the young people of the city. Each teacher spent a week in a partner school reviewing the activities enjoyed by students from both countries as they have worked together over the past years. Shirley Theedom joined students at Strode’s partner college - the Central South Technical College in Yeuyang.

During the visit the Somerset teachers also discussed future plans with their Chinese colleagues, such as joint curriculum projects, student exchanges and ways of increasing the use of new technologies when communicating across the world. Teachers from Yueyang will visit Somerset next year, accompanied by representatives of local business to extend the opportunities created by this strong partnership into wider sectors of the Somerset economy. This development has the full support of UK trade associations as well as the Chinese government, since it will serve to strengthen further the ties with the south west. 

Next summer a large group of students from Somerset will visit partner schools and colleges in China to experience Chinese hospitality and improve their language skills as they prepare to be global citizens.

Since 2011 when Strode College and eight schools initiated this link, the cultural understanding of students and their awareness of this rapidly changing country has grown enormously. The number of schools and colleges involved has now risen to 17, moving from the origins in East Somerset to include schools in Yeovil and with more keen to join.

Students at Strode College and other schools have been learning Mandarin. The introduction of this new world language is set to speed up as senior colleagues come back from China determined to see this evolution in the curriculum take place.

Shirley Theedom, Deputy Principal, Strode College said: "This has been the fifth successful exchange visit between Strode College and our partner Central South Technical College. These inspirational visits have provided invaluable opportunities for students and staff to develop curriculum projects and cultural understanding and have created a deep professional friendship between both organisations."

Strode College is working with local Chambers of Commerce and Mendip District Council to provide support to new businesses across the region. Watch this video to find out more.

Strode College is holding its first video game day on Friday 13 December at Strode Theatre.

The day starts with a screening of the much lauded documentary King Of Kong: A Fistfull of Quarters, which is open to the public as well as Strode students for just £2 per person; profits will go to the college charity, The Gambia Project.

The documentary, rated PG, features the gripping but unlikely story of a tussle between two opposing, larger than life characters to become the world's champion at the classic arcade game Donkey Kong. The film is rated 96% on respected review site Rotten Tomatoes and will provide laughs and drama for non-lovers and fans of gaming alike.

After the film Strode Students will enjoy a series of talks on a range of subjects and careers related to video gaming, from some famous names and local successes Britain's highly respected video game world.

Film tickets are bookable via the Strode Theatre website at £2 plus booking fee or in person at the Strode Theatre box office.

The Film starts at 9.10am and runs for approximately 1 hour 30 mins. The film is helping to fund the event and profits go the The Gambia Project, the College's charity. 

Somerset County Councillors for Street and Glastonbury, Alan Gloak and Terry Napper, presented £5,000 to Strode College last week which will be used to build a 'Trim Trail' around the college’s sports grounds.

The Trim Trail, which is due to be in place for Spring 2014, will consist of a range of wooden exercise equipment placed around the college’s extensive sports fields to form a fitness and exercise circuit.

In addition to the £5,000 provided by Somerset County Council from the health and well-being budget, Strode College will contribute £1,000 to the project, Crispin School will contribute £500 and Councillor Gloak’s charity TS5C will also contribute £500.

Councillor Alan Gloak said: “The Trim Trail will be a great way for students to get fit and local residents will benefit too. I am glad to see that Crispin School is also involved as obesity is a hidden problem and we must act to combat it by educating young people about the importance of staying fit and healthy; this trail will help”

Councillor Terry Napper said: “We are lucky to have such an excellent college providing fantastic facilities for our local young people and the wider community. This project is a great example of how people are benefitting from Street and Glastonbury joining together.”

James Staniforth, Principal of Strode College said: “We are delighted to receive this grant from Somerset County Council. The Trim Trail will be a valuable addition to our sports facilities which are used by Strode students for their studies and their sports activities as well as by pupils from Crispin School. The local community also make good use of our facilities for a range of clubs, classes and individual activities; I look forward to seeing people enjoying this new equipment in the Spring.”

Student fundraising for the Philippines

Our Level 2 Hairdressing Diploma students held a cake sale at college and raised over £100 for the Red Cross appeal  to help people in the Philippines affected by the recent typhoon.

Children in Need

Staff and students joined in the fun for Children in Need with students raising over £150 through a cake sale and music event in the college refectory. Also, sports Students Shane Roche and Dan Berkeley had their heads shaved and staff and students bravely took part in an "It's a Knockout" style assault course!

Strode College Performing Arts and Dance students got the opportunity to learn from a West-end professional last week when Richard Murphy visited and delivered an inspiring musical theatre workshop.

Richard was trained to the highest level in musical theatre at Doreen Bird College in Kent before going on to enjoy tremendous success performing in acclaimed shows including; Chicago, We Will Rock you, Wizard of Oz and many more.

The workshop gave Strode students the chance to learn from the very best. They learnt repertoire and audition pieces from two hit West-End shows Chicago and Matilda and thoroughly enjoyed the session.

Students were in awe of Richard’s phenomenal ability and enthusiasm saying: “The workshop was amazing! So much fun and incredibly inspiring, we loved it!”

Richard commented on how impressed he was with the professionalism and hardworking attitude of Strode students saying: “They have been an absolute pleasure to teach”.

Strode College is now taking applications for A Levels, vocational qualifications and higher education courses. The college teaches A Levels in Dance and in Drama and Theatre Studies; it offers a Level 3 Extended Diploma and Level 2 Diploma in Performing Arts, as well as a Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts (Acting).

Photo: Strode College Performing Arts and Dance students learn from the best with West End musical performer Richard Murphy (centre).

Strode College Business Development team has joined forces with Old Mill accountants and financial planners and Train4All, a local construction company, to provide free information and advice for construction employers. 

Construction employers are invited to a free event at Strode College on Thursday 9 January, 6.00 - 7.15pm. 

They will be able to get advice about tax planning; business planning and finance; CIS, payroll and Real time guidance; commercial vehicles; and grants available.

For more information about the free event and services available to construction employers, contact the Strode College Business Development team: 01458 844457 or aosborne@strode-college.ac.uk

Twelve high achieving A Level Maths students from Strode College have won awards for their success in the UK Maths Trust Senior Maths Challenge.

The annual challenge is open to students from colleges and schools across the country. This year over 19,000 schools and colleges entered the competition with over 74,000 pupils competing. The top 10% of students received a gold certificate, the next 20% were awarded silver and the next 30% were awarded bronze.

Three Strode students were awarded gold certificates: Edward Beaty (Walton), Andrew Bryer (Walton) and Rebekah Botterill (Glastonbury). Eight achieved silver: Lauren Wittleton (Glastonbury) Matthew Bearman (Street) Alannah Brannagan-Fuller (Martock), Sam Taylor (Stawell), Clare Gollop (Charlton Adam), Ben Crawford (Radstock), Harry Dunlop (Street), and Elizabeth Down (Pedwell). Veyndan Stuart (Shepton Mallet) was awarded a bronze certificate.

Around 4000 of the top achieving students from across the UK were invited to take part in follow on competitions. Strode’s Edward Beaty (Walton) and Andrew Bryer (Walton) qualified for the Senior Kangaroo competition - results will be announced in January. 

Four students (Ben Crawford, Lauren Wittleton, Andrew Bryer and Edward Beaty) competed in the Team challenge in November at University of West of England in Bristol against teams from schools and colleges around the Bristol area. Competition was tough and the team’s third place was very well deserved.

Strode Maths Subject Leader and Teacher, Helen Kelsey, said: “Our students study a specific syllabus for their Maths A Levels, but this competition poses stimulating and interesting problems that require students to use their mathematical knowledge differently; it encourages them to think laterally and logically. We help our students prepare for the maths challenge by adding optional questions to their homework. They enjoy working on these problems and spend time discussing the solutions with each other.“

Maths is one of the most popular A level subjects at Strode College and in 2013 high grades of A*, A and B were achieved by 64% of students in Maths and 77% of students in Further Maths. In 2013 one Strode student went on to study mathematics at Oxford and over twenty Strode students went on to study degree courses that required maths A level at universities around the country.

Photo: Maths students from Strode College won gold, silver and bronze at the UK maths competition, where they competed with 74,000 students and solved maths problems that would challenge even the best mathematicians. Left to right back row: Rebekah Botterill (gold), Andrew Bryer (gold), Lauren Wittleton (silver), Lizzie Down (silver), James Staniforth (Strode Principal), Veyndan Stuart (bronze), Sam Taylor (silver), Harry Dunlop (silver) and Edward Beaty (gold). Left to right front row: Matthew Bearman (silver), Clare Gollop (silver), Allanah Brannagan-Fuller (silver), Ben Crawford (silver).

Strode College Beauty Therapy students visited the Clothes Show Live in Birmingham NEC recently, where they gained valuable insight into the world of beauty, make-up and fashion, and they got to meet some celebrities!

Strode’s Level 2 Beauty Therapy Course Manager, Marcie Mickleburgh, said: "The catwalk show gave the students the chance to see the latest make-up and fashion trends.  It was a very successful and enjoyable trip."

Photo (below, right): Strode College Level 2 Beauty Therapy student Naomi Stanley, from Yeovil, with celebrity Amy Childs, who became famous when she appeared on ITVs 'The Only Way is Essex' and has since launched her own beauty and fashion ranges.