At their annual Christmas concert last week, Strode College music students delivered a feast of musical entertainment with some outstanding group and individual contributions in a programme that catered for a range of musical tastes.

The marvellously staged seamless production started with the elegance of a string quartet playing a Schubert minuet, a fantastic choral rendition of seasonal music and a belting rendition of '`Mack the Knife'. The college jazz group played a wonderfully cool set including Herbie Hancock’s `Chameleon` demonstrating some exciting emerging improvisatory talent, most notable the guitar playing of second year A level music student Joe Armer (of Street) A fantastic folk-rock trio 'Archie and the Dictators' did full justice to the rhythmic syncopations of Richard Thomson’s 'Stuck on a Treadmill'.

The flavour of the event then shifted towards popular music with first year Music Extended Diploma students playing a spirit lifting version of a Peter Gabriel classic, a lively original Christmas song by Ben Tubridy (of Babcary, Somerton) and a sing-along Sufan Stevens number.

The second half of the show started with a fantastic surge of energy from Strode’s Extended Diploma second year students with a crisp and punchy cover of Black Keys’ 'Gold on the Ceiling' and a goose bump inducing performance of Beyoncé’s 'If Were a Boy' sung by Zelah Van-Gowler (of Bridgwater). Not to be out done, the Beach Boy style male close harmony singing in the peace number `California Dayz` supported Connor Crabb’s (of Yeovil) dreamy vocal rendition beautifully.

Close harmony featured again with a flawless and sparkling 'Andrew Sisters' tribute featuring A Level students Lizzy Bevan (of Wells), Charlotte Wisniewski (of Compton Dundon) and Sophie Mansergh (of Sherborne) driven by some fantastic playing by the college ensemble in a rendition of the 'Ferry Boat Serenade'. The house lights went up and the audience joined in with a festive closing number to round of a wonderful evening of entertainment.

Watch the video below for a behind the scenes look at the Strode College Christmas Show, featuring music students getting ready to perform and BTEC Extended Diploma Broadcast Media students filming the show:

A year 11 pupil from Crispin School, Lauren Cooper, has released a new EP recorded at Strode College Studios by Daniel Shaw, Course Manager for Strode College’s  Music Extended Diploma.

This was her prize for coming first in the ‘Celebration of Youth’ event held in Glastonbury Town hall in September, an initiative from the Glastonbury Mayor.

Olly Richens, Audio Technician at Strode College, plays drums on the EP and Daniel Shaw plays Double Bass.

The EP is available as a download form all the usual digital partners including iTunes/Amazon.

Strode A Level student Grace Bentham, who lives in Stathe near Bridgwater and previously attended Huish Episcopi School, is one of only 12 young British students who gained a place on an exciting UK-German Connection Pupil Course last year. Since her return she has been selected as one of fifty UK-German Youth Ambassadors and has been working with pupils at Walton Primary School, introducing pupils to German language and culture.

The UK-German Connection (www.ukgermanconnection.org/gpc), which is supported and partly funded by the British Council and the Pädagogischer Austauschdienst (Educational Exchange Service), aims to strengthen connections between German and British young people and to promote German language and culture throughout the UK.

As part of the Pupil Course, Grace spent two weeks in Germany staying with a host family, taking part in school lessons and visiting locations of interest. Through her work at Walton Primary School she is now sharing her knowledge and love of the language and culture with local children. 

Grace has worked on three projects with the Year 6 pupils at Walton Primary School: finding out about Germany and learning some basic words; writing autumn poems in German and exchanging home-made Christmas cards with the pupils from Astrid-Lindgren Primary School in Lower Saxony. Next, Grace will help the children exchange hand-made postcards from Somerset with their new German friends.

Grace really enjoyed her time in Germany and gained a lot from the experience. She said: “I returned from Birkenwerder near Berlin feeling enriched, having had so many new experiences which I will always remember. Before this course I had never stayed with a German family and had only spent a few days in Germany. I was overjoyed to be chosen.

“My host family warmly welcomed me and I had many interesting conversations in German about politics, the news and history, which helped me gain confidence, more fluency and cultural awareness. My language skills have really improved and, having been immersed in German culture, I have more knowledge of German history, which will no doubt help with my A Level course. I have made some really good friends, both British and German, and would urge other German language students to apply to the course – it’s a great opportunity!”

“We went on various trips to Berlin, Potsdam (Sanssouci Park and castle tour), Babelsburg Filmpark, and Hohenschönhausen Stasi Prison, which was both disturbing and of historical importance and gave me an insight into what life was like during the war.

“We took German lessons on a range of topics at an inclusive Gesamtschule called Regine Hildebrandt Schule. Due to my interest in education and special educational needs, I particularly enjoyed undertaking a project on inclusive education. It was also interesting, albeit confusing, to experience a French lesson in German with my host partner!

“We went to Claerchen’s Ballhaus in Berlin and I tried ballroom style dancing to celebrate the birthday of my host’s grandma. I particularly enjoyed seeing paintings by some German artists at the Old National Gallery; I admired Berlin’s impressive architecture during a boat trip on the Spree and saw the Berliner Dom where I enjoyed a Bach concert and an incredible atmosphere. I also visited the Bundeskanzleramt and the buildings where Angela Merkel is based.”

Strode’s A Level German Teacher Marian Jones, told Grace about the opportunity and supported her with her application. She said: “We are always pleased to take our students on exchanges and study visits, but an individual project like this shows real initiative. Grace gained so much linguistically and personally from the travel experience and from working on a joint project with young people from Germany. This will be useful in her university language studies and is bound to impress future employers.’ 

Strode College is now accepting applications to study A Levels in German, French and Spanish, starting in September 2014. Former Strode language students are currently studying at some of our top universities, including Oxford, Warwick and Bristol. Some pursue the language they studied at A Level and others choose a new challenge, such as Mandarin or Japanese.

The Government’s advanced level league tables, announced yesterday, show that A Level students progress more at Strode College than at any other school or college in Somerset. 

Strode is also ranked as the best performing college in Somerset for A Levels and the fourth best performing school or college in Somerset, using the measure for average points scored per A Level entry.

James Staniforth, Principal of Strode College, is delighted that this year’s league tables show how well students perform and progress at the college. He said: "Our students consistently gain outstanding results and high grades; these new league tables reflect this excellent performance and the positive impact of our teaching and support on these results.

"This is the first year that the league tables have published 'added value' information alongside the raw data for average points scored per exam entry. Value-added scores are really important because they tell people about the quality of teaching at a school or college, rather than whether a school or college simply recruits students who have performed well at GCSE. Value-added scores reflect the difference between what a student should have achieved based on their GCSEs and what they did achieve.

"We are by far the best school or college in Somerset for adding value to advanced level students, adding twice as much value as the next best institution in the county. And, although we teach many outstanding academic students, we do not rely on those good students to get good results. We rely on excellent teaching, support and guidance; it’s fantastic that the league tables now make it easier for people to see the positive difference we make as well as the great results our students achieve.

Strode is also the the best performing college in Somerset, Devon, Dorset, North Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and BANES, for both A Level achievement per student entry and for adding value. Nationally, Strode has the eleventh best A Level results in terms of achievement per entry, moving up the to ninth best when looking at adding value.

Strode students also gained excellent results for advanced level vocational qualifications in 2013 and the league tables show a similarly positive picture. Strode is the best college in Somerset for improving performance on vocational courses and the second best performing college in the South West, based on both average points per exam entry and value-added performance.

Examples of students who joined Strode College after their GCSEs and achieved higher A Level grades than anticipated based on their GCSE results.

Jessie from Glastonbury
A Level grades achieved: A*, A* and A
Predicted grades after GCSEs: C, C, and C
Where now? Exeter University studying Applied Psychology

Tom from Queen Camel
A Level grades achieved: A*, A and A
Predicted grades after GCSEs: B, B and C
Where now? Oxford University studying Maths

Amy from Wells
A Level grades achieved: A, A and B
Predicted grades after GCSEs: B,B and B
Where now? Loughborough University studying Sports and Exercise Science

George from Compton Dundon
A Level grades achieved: A, A, A
Predicted grades after GCSEs: B, B and C
Where now? Reading University studying Business and Management

Katie from Street
A Level grades achieved: A*, B and B
Predicted grades after GCSEs: B, C and C
Where now? Exeter University studying Geography

Katie from Yeovil
A Level grades achieved: A, A and B
Predicted grades after GCSEs: C, D and D
Where now? Southampton University studying Biology

Sorcha from Othery
A Level grades achieved: A, A, A and B
Predicted grades after GCSEs: B, B, B and B
Where now? Manchester University studying History

View the 2014 League Tables
Read the 2013 Results Day press release

Start dates: 5 Feb or 23 April (eight evening 2.5 hour sessions and a one all-day Saturday session)

"Mindfulness is about learning to pay attention to the present moment, in a particular way, without judgement" Jon Kabat-Zinn

Often we live our lives on automatic pilot, preoccupied with the future or the past, frequently 'swept away' by the current of thoughts and feelings, pressures and worries that have nothing to do with the present; wanting things to be different from how they are right now. This can be exhausting and draining.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) offers a way to reduce stress anxiety and depression leading to increased well-being, creativity and resilience. Mindfulness can lead us to choose a more useful way of responding to difficulties, rather than going round in circles in the same old way, we can learn to be present with these experiences in a conscious and compassionate way.

Mindfulness is not just a quick fix, but participants report significant changes in how they experience themselves and the world; the benefits can be felt immediately and can be real and lasting. Evidence based research shows MBSR to be effective in helping in a range of mental and physical illnesses.

During the course you will be guided through mindfulness practices and there will also be group discussion and reflection. Participants are encouraged to practice daily the mindfulness skills taught on the course in order to establish the foundations for a daily practice. A course work book and CDs are provided to help with this.

Course dates

Spring 2014, Wednesdays 6.30 pm to 9 pm (plus one Saturday)
5/2/14, 12/2/14, 26/2/14, 5/3/14, 12/3/14, 19/3/14, 26/3/14, 2/4/14, plus all day Saturday 15/3/14. Cost: £180.00

Summer 2014, Wednesdays 6.30 pm to 9 pm (plus one Saturday)
23/4/14, 30/4/14, 7/5/14, 14/5/14, 21/5/14, 4/6/14, 11/6/13, 18/6/13, plus all day Saturday 24/5/14. Cost: £180.00

Please contact Strode College on 01458 844468 to arrange a telephone interview before enrolling.

The Strode College student jazz group enjoyed a fantastic night out in Bristol this week when they went to a gig by the James Gardiner-Bateman Quintet and were treated to a surprise guest appearance from the acclaimed pianist Jason Rebello.

The Jazz Group, one of many enrichment activities offered at Strode College, gives students the chance to play, listen to and appreciate a wide range of jazz music. Six students went along to the gig with Strode College's Music Teacher Adrian Smith.

The James Gardiner-Bateman Quintet is made up of some of the UK’s leading jazz musicians. James Gardiner Bateman is an alto sax player who in recent times has found himself on some very big stages, playing horn for the likes of Beverley Knight and Mica Paris. He has established himself at a very young age as one of Bristol’s very finest jazz musicians. Playing with him at the gig was Josh Arcoleo on tenor sax, Matt Robinson on piano, Chris Hyson on bass and Ed Richardson on drums.

The night was made even more exciting when they announced that Jason Rebello would be performing. He is a well-known and highly respected pianist in his own right as well as playing and touring with Sting, Jeff Beck, Chaka Khan, Mica Paris, Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel.

Strode's Music Teacher Adrian Smith said: “The gig was amazing. We got there early so managed to get front row seats; the students were sitting just a few feet away from the band. We all came away buzzing from the experience. Jazz doesn’t get much better than this. Seeing music performed live to such a high standard has definitely been an enriching experience for our students.”

Returning to everyday life after mental illness is a difficult challenge that requires a great deal of support and encouragement. Mental health problems can make everyday experiences, such as getting a hair cut or going out in public, hugely stressful. 

As part of its work within the local community and also the first ever 'Time to Talk Day' (Thursday 6 February) Strode College Hair and Beauty Salon held a pamper day for 15 women who are recovering from mental illness. 

The event was organised in partnership with 'Heads Up', a mental health day centre in South Horrington, Wells, which helps people recover their lives after mental illness. The group enjoyed a range of treatments including aromatherapy massage, facials, manicures and pedicures. 

Laura Griffiths, Strode Hair and Beauty Salon Receptionist said: “The pamper day was a great way for the college to support the wider community. It was also a great opportunity for our students to gain experience of working in a professional salon, developing their confidence and social skills. Our salon is always open to the public, but for this event it was particularly important for students to understand and be sensitive to the client’s needs. They will be assessed on their work for the event. We ran a similar pamper day last year and I’m delighted that a number of clients in the past have enjoyed the experience so much that they now return for regular treatments.“ 

Bridget Harvey, Manager of Heads Up, near Wells, was delighted with the event. She said: “These women got so much out of the pamper day. I am sure it will help build their confidence and self-esteem, which will in turn help them on the road to recovery. The students and staff at Strode were fantastic. They were aware of our clients’ treatment requirements and, more importantly, they were aware of their emotional needs too. We

found the students to be professional, sensitive and caring and they took great effort to put everyone at ease. What was potentially a stressful experience was turned into a relaxing, enjoyable and positive one.”

Strode College, in conjunction with Heads Up, will be organising a similar pamper event for men later in the year. A pamper day is also planned for carers.

Strode’s Hair and Beauty Salon offers discounted haircuts and beauty treatments to the public during term times. For details and prices call 01458 844420 or visit the Hair and Beauty Salon webpage.

Strode College A Level Music and German students enjoyed an outstanding educational visit to Berlin in February, designed by their teachers to complement and enhance their studies.

The Music students were enthralled and inspired by four world-class professional concerts. A flute recital given by Jelka Weber showcased some exciting early 20^th century repertoire by Lili Boulanger, while a contemporary jazz quintet played some dynamic new material by Swiss lead-tenor sax player Tobias Meinhart. The students also enjoyed a night at the opera to see a deeply emotive performance of 'Salome' by Richard Strauss and the week was brought to a stirring climax with a performance of two symphonies (Hindemith and Berlioz) by the Berlin Philharmonic.

Strode's A Level German students used their time to discover the history and culture of the fascinating city Berlin. A visit to the Stasi Museum opened their eyes to life behind the Berlin Wall and they visited the Olympic Stadium, scene not just of the 1936 Olympics, but also of some of Hitler’s major pre-war rallies. A stroll along the East Side Gallery allowed the students to see some of the remaining parts of the wall, now covered in artworks by artists from all over the world.

The wonderful music combined with visits to the historic sights of the city made for a memorable visit which, in the words of student Jerome Moore, was "simply amazing".

Photo: Strode’s A Level Music and German students at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, just one of the sights and experiences that made the visit so 'amazing'.

The 'F1 in Schools' regional finals took place at Exeter University recently and a team of A Levels students from Strode College were delighted to come away with three prizes and a place in the national finals. 

The global competition requires teams to use CAD and CAM software to design, analyse, manufacture and race miniature compressed air powered balsa wood F1 cars. Teams have to raise their own sponsorship and manage their budget to fund research travel and accommodation.

The Strode team won awards for 'Best Engineered Car', 'Best Team Sponsorship and Marketing' and 'Best Rookie Team.

Team 'Venom' consisted of Alex Willsher (from Westhay), James Proud and Daniel Rolls (from Glastonbury), Danny Betts (from Stone) and Alexander Hurr (from Wells). They are studying a wide range of A Levels at Strode including Physics, Maths, DT, Computing, Business, English, French, Geology, History, Music and Music Technology, giving them a winning combination of knowledge and skills.

They were also supported in the competition by the DT department at St Dunstan’s School, where four of the team previously studied.

Team Venom will be competing in the national finals at The Big Bang Fair, NEC Birmingham on 14-15 March. Success at the nationals could lead to the international competition, with the chance to travel to another country to compete against students from around the world. The F1 in Schools World Champions win university scholarships to City University London.

Photo: Strode A Level students Alexandre Hurr, James Proud and Alex Willsher won a place in the national finals of the F1 in Schools competition.

Seventeen year old Corrine Foot, who studies A Levels at Strode College, recently won the gold medal in the British Schools Judo Qualifier competition in London, securing her place in the finals which take place in Sheffield on 8 March.

Students from schools and colleges across the UK competed in the qualifier competition with Corrine facing five other competitors in her age group. 

Corrine, who lives in Castle Cary and previously attended King Arthur’s School, is a member of the Shepton Mallet Judo Club where she has trained since she was aged five. She was delighted with her win: “I am thrilled to have won the gold medal. I have been competing for five years and due to the experience I have gained, I found this competition a lot easier than I thought it would be. I’m now looking forward to the finals in Sheffield and I am in training for the Dutch Cup in Amsterdam.”

Photo: Strode student Corrine Foot, is thrilled with her gold medal and she is hoping to repeat her success at the British Schools Judo Finals in March.

Our Performing Arts students will be presenting the rock opera 'Godspell' at Strode Theatre on Tuesday 4 to Friday 7 March, 7.30pm. 

This immensely successful rock opera was first produced on Broadway in 1971, breaking new ground in its staging of the Gospel According to St Matthew. Covering the last days of Jesus’ life, it includes dramatised versions of several well-known parables. And yet it is something more - a religious experience, a demonstration of joy, and a celebration of the family of man. The cast improvise scenery and costumes, and use many theatrical devices including pantomime, vaudeville and varied musical styles to interpret one of humanity's greatest events.

Tickets which cost £10, £8 full concessions and £6 for students and staff, can be booked via Strode Theatre Box Office.

Strode College Level 2 Beauty students learnt a lot when Lisa Want, a professional make-up artist who has worked for the BBC, films and adverts, visited college recently.

Lisa showed the students some advanced make-up techniques which greatly extended their skills and they were extremely motivated by her experience and careers advice.

Marcie Mickleburgh, Manager for Strode's Level 2 Beauty Therapy course said: "This was a great opportunity for the students to gain first hand advice and guidance on how to achieve wonderful career goals. The students enjoyed watching the demonstrations and practicing the new techniques with Lisa’s help."

Come and find out about courses and careers in Music Technology

Open Evening – Wednesday 12 March 2014  

Venue: Music Technology Suite (Room C2)

Session Times: 5.30pm - 6.50pm and 7.00pm - 8.20pm

We are holding an information and practical skills evening for secondary school pupils who are interested in studying A Level or BTEC Music Technology when they leave school.  There will be a short presentation followed by a practical 'hands on' session to give pupils a real taste of what they will do on each course and find out whether they have the necessary skills to do well in this field.  

Parents can find out more about the subject, the course options and future opportunities for employment and further study.

The first session will start at 5.30pm and it will be repeated at 7.00pm.

For more information and to book a place, contact:
Adrian Smith, Music Technology Course Manager:
Phone: 01458 844400
e-mail: asmith@strode-college.ac.uk

The founders of local audio production company Audio Factory returned to their former college recently to make a programme for BBC radio with the help of Strode College music and media teachers.

The children’s programme, one in a series called Poppy’s Play Dates, was aired on CBeebies Radio in February and it is available on the BBC website until 5 April.

In the series, Poppy, played by local school girl Ruby, is joined by other children and their families for play date activities, including a musical play date recorded in the Strode College music studios.

With the help of Dan Shaw, one of Strode’s music teachers, Poppy and her friends learn about different musical instruments and work together to make the sounds of a space rocket taking off. Strode’s Broadcast Media teacher Mell Turford was also on hand to assist with recording.

The series was created for the BBC by Arran Dutton of Glastonbury, who also co-wrote and produced the series with Dave Perry and Stuart Packer of Street. Arran and Dave chose to record the programme at Strode because they were inspired by their teachers to pursue media careers and they knew they would get great support at the college.

Arran said: "Strode’s Film Studies teacher Ben Boydell ignited my interest in a media career and Dave studied Music Technology at Strode which included audio production. We approached Dan Shaw to help with the programme because we admire his musical and teaching talents, his passion for encouraging young musicians and his work in the community. Mell Turford’s input in the voiceover sessions was invaluable.

"This has been an exciting project for Audio Factory and we were delighted to be able to produce a programme for the BBC right on our doorstep - there’s wonderful talent in our area and the enthusiasm shown by the local community during production was overwhelming."

To listen to the music episode of Poppy’s Play Dates visit the BBC website.

Photo: Strode College teachers Dan Shaw (Music) and Mell Turford (Broadcast Media) in the Strode College recording studios where they helped produce the CBeebies radio programme.

If you enjoy listening to music and want to support young local talent while raising funds for a good cause, then keep a space in your diary for Saturday 22 March, 8pm - 12am, for what promises to be a fantastic showcase night for local DJ’s and producers at the Bocabar in Glastonbury.

The event will feature live DJ sets from local independent musicians, Roy Bar who will be performing at BathFest this year, Bue Den, Musslo and Second Skin; a hip-hop cypher featuring independent hip-hop artist YoungVegas (who is from Rome in Italy but lives locally while studying at Strode College); and the night will end with a special guest performance from DJ Simon Kaye who collaborated with The Guru Josh Project on the song 'Infinity 2008'.

YoungVegas (otherwise known as Madaliso Mwanza) and the four DJs who are playing are all studying Music Technology at Strode College. Madaliso has organised the night to tie in with his events management studies and to raise funds for the AH20 charity which is close to his heart.

He said: “'Eventide' is a charity event organised to support the AH20 charity which was founded by Antoine Hawkins, a friend of mine, to provide safer water filters in a remote area of Nicaragua. Antoine was involved in an accident in the summer of 2013 and sadly passed away. Before he died he managed to get several water filters to one of his favourite surf spots in remote Nicaragua to help the families he had met. He self-funded this mission and went around the villages fitting the filters. He thought it was a simple concept to deliver water filters, fit them and ensure they worked for families in countries where drinkable water was nothing more than a dream. I would like to help, in my small part, in making his vision a reality.”

Madalison’s commitment to this cause, to his music and his studies are just what’s needed to organise a successful event. So, if you like DJs sets and hip hop, or if you are interested in finding out what it’s all about while soaking up the atmosphere and supporting a good cause, go along to the Bocabar on Sat 22 March - entry will cost £5 on the door.

Photo: (Left to Right): Young Vegas, Bue Den and Ray Bar.

Strode College is running a day of workshops and events covering heritage, cookery, IT, watercolours, photography and much more.

Activities are aimed at adults and make full use of our fantastic specialist facilities.

Please download the Saturday Workshops brochure to browse our full list of sessions.

Presenter of BBCs Victorian, Edwardian and Wartime Farm to speak at Strode College Heritage Conference

If you enjoy watching history programmes on television, such as the BBCs Victorian, Edwardian and Wartime Farm series, then you might enjoy hearing about how they are made from one of the presenters on those programmes, Dr Alex Langlands.

He is joining six other writers, historians, archaeologists and academics to give a series of short talks at Strode College on Saturday 29 March, covering a range of contemporary heritage projects.

This special event, which has been organised as part of Strode’s Saturday Workshops programme for the day, costs only £10 and runs from 1.00pm to 5.00pm.

Dr Alex Langlands will be talking about `History on television: the making of the Victorian, Edwardian and Wartime Farm series (BBC2). Other talks will focus on:

• 'Putting the history into historical fiction', by author and academic Dr Catherin Hanley;
• 'Archaeology at Hinkley Point', by Jane Hill, Learning Officer for the Hinkley Point Archaeology Project;
• 'Community archaeology on the moor: The DIG Porlock Project', by Faye Balmond Coordinator of the project;
• 'How we learnt to create a popular village history and did it our way' - by Jean Lowe and Jennie O'Kane, part of a small history group who created their popular Village History Books;
• 'Boys will be boys: chivalry, machismo and violence and the male youth in the Middle Ages', by Seam McGlynn, author and lecturer for Strode College and Plymouth University; and
• 'Qualifications, research and publications in History, Heritage and Archaeology at Strode College', by Andrew Pickering author of 13 books and Programme Manager for Strode College and Plymouth University.

You can book a place for this event, or other workshops taking place on the day, via the Strode Theatre Box Office: 01458 442846 (Mon - Sat, 10am - 2pm) or via the website: www.strodetheatre.org.uk

Josh Teasdale and Caitlin Tilt made the right choice when they decided to study A Levels at Strode College and now they’re on their way to Oxford University to pursue their ambitions. 

At Strode they were able to study the specialist subjects they needed to gain a place at this prestigious university.

Josh, who is studying History, Art History and English Literature at Strode and has a particular interest in architecture, will be studying History at Oxford University. Caitlin will be studying Archaeology and Anthropology at Oxford; she was able to study Archaeology at Strode alongside her other A Level subjects English Literature and History.

Our advanced level students are 13% more likely to get a place at university than the national average. In 2013, most of our A Level students went on to university, with 35% gaining places at Russell Group universities. Other students progress to specialist courses at universities across the country and our own high quality university-level courses. Most students gain their first choice university and our Strode Aspire programme provides intellectually stretching opportunities and support with applying to the best universities.

Fans of good music and great acoustics should buy a ticket for the popular Strode Live 'Stripped and Semi-Acoustic' gig which returns to the Holy Trinity Church in Street on Thursday 3 April, 7pm. 

This popular annual event (previously called 'Strode Live and Unplugged') has been organised by Strode College Extended Diploma Music students as part of their events management studies. It will raise funds for local community radio station Glastonbury FM (107.1), which is a non-profit making organisation promoting local music in and around Glastonbury.

The concert, which will appeal to all ages, encompasses different styles and arrangements and includes a lot of original material. There will be special guest performances from Jorden Lindsay from Yeovil and Alex Brian from Ashcott, both successful graduates of the Strode College music course, who return to perform at the church after a recent tour in Europe.

Previous Strode Live gigs at the church have been hugely successful with the talented and eclectic young musicians playing to a packed out church and a greatly appreciative audience - it has become a much anticipated event on the college calendar.

The concert will be filmed by Strode's Broadcast Media students for broadcast on the 'StrodeLive' YouTube channel and it will be recorded and possibly included in the college’s iTunes release, later in the year.

Tickets for the concert, which starts at 7pm on Thursday 3 April, are available on the door and from the Strode College shop. Suggested donation prices are: Adult - £5, Child - £4, Senior Citizen - £4, Strode College Student/Staff - £3.

You can check out some of the music that will be performed by follow these links online:

Strode College Music: www.reverbnation.com/label/strodecollegemusic

Strode College Music: www.youtube.com/user/StrodeCollege

Alex Brian: soundcloud.com/alex-brian

Jorden Lindsay: www.reverbnation.com/jordenlindsay

Sport Relief can get people doing things they wouldn’t normally do, which is why students and staff did a giant conga around college last week. Approximately £300 was raised for Sport Relief thanks to the conga, a sponsored all day hockey match, cake sales and a raffle. Looking forward to next big fundraising event!

Six students from Strode College have raised a total of £3,500 to support some of the poorest people in rural Gambia and they recently visited the country to meet those they are helping.

The students raised the money as part of the college’s Gambia Project which supports some of the poorest people in the village of Tujereng. It is paying for 50 children to go to nursery school this year and a further 30 children will be funded for four years from September. It will also pay for a new teacher for four years starting in September; for older students to sit entrance exams for high school; and it will be used to buy new equipment for the village youth centre.

Strode College’s Gambia Project was set up nine years ago and in that time students have raised £43,000 and made a real difference to the lives of people in the village. The money has paid for a youth centre to be built, with an internet café and an outdoor hard court for sports, provided equipment for the village schools and supported and contributed to the rebuilding of a Women’s Business Skills Center in the village.

The students who raised this most contribution to the project are: Zoe Butler, Bonnie Buckley and Freyja Hawkins from Street; Anna Trott from Yeovil; and Molly Harvey and Ashleigh Edwards from Somerton.

During their visit to the Gambia they gained great insight to what life is like living in the village and they enjoyed a wide range of activities as they got to know the people they were supporting. 

They met families, the village Imam and the elders; they learnt the tribal language and tried their hand at tie dye, screen printing and batik; they spent time work shadowing; they visited a nature reserve, took part in a village netball tournament and attended a family naming ceremony; and they helped out at the nursery school playing games, teaching art and starting work on a garden.

Photo: (left to right) Strode students Freyja Hawkins and Anna Trott teaching the hokey cokey to Gambian nursery children and their head teacher Lamin Bojang.