Forty Strode College A Level Textiles students enjoyed a fantastic weaving workshop recently when professional textiles artist Penny Wheeler visited the college.

Penny Wheeler is a specialist in hand woven textiles. She works from her studio in Bath using a countermarch hand loom and she also teaches at Bath Spa University, where she gained a Degree and Masters Degree.

She gave a presentation to the students about her work, showing her design ideas and examples of her hand woven cloth, before demonstrating the process of weaving using various techniques on a rigid heddle loom - a portable loom often used in countries like Peru. The students particularly enjoyed having a go at weaving under the guidance of an expert.

Penny Wheeler’s particular interest and inspiration is the landscape. She recently made a two meter long blanket inspired by the changing landscape of the Somerset Levels during the floods, incorporating the colours and patters into her woven cloth. This blanket, which was made while working with the `ZTwist` project, supported by Somerset Arts Works, has recently been touring Somerset galleries.

Sue Green, Strode College Textiles teacher said: “We had a fantastic day working with Penny. We all learned so much and we will continue to weave further examples of cloth as part of our A level coursework portfolio's. The workshop provided our students with a fascinating and inspiring insight into the working practices of a professional textiles artist - she was very generous and technically accomplished. We would like to thank to Penny for sharing her knowledge and expertise with us and tSAW and 'inspirED' for supporting the event.”

Brought to you by Strode College Performing Arts

Featuring the pop music of the 1970s, Boogie Nights is a humorous musical about Roddy O'Neil and his dream to become a rock star...

Thursday 12, Friday 13 and Saturday 14 February 2015

Tickets £10.00
Full concessions £8.00
Strode staff & students £6.00

Book at the Strode Theatre box office website, or call: 01458 442846

Written by Jon Conway.
Script associates Shane Ritchie & Terry Morrison.
Musical arrangements by Olly Ashmore.
This Amateur Production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd.

This is a campus production raising funds for the College’s educational activities.

Six Strode College A Level students are delighted to have achieved their goal of being offered places to study at Oxford and Cambridge universities next year.

Offers from Oxford University have gone to:

• Georgia Corrigan to study Modern Foreign Languages, French and Russian (she lives in Glastonbury and formerly attended St Dunston’s School);
• Myfanwy Craigie to study Modern Foreign Languages, German and Spanish (she lives in Bruton and formerly attended Sexeys School);
• Amber Pavey to study Earth Sciences (she lives in Ilchester and formerly attended Stanchester School); and
• Altair Brandon-Salmon to study History of Art (he lives in Ston Easton and was formerly Home Educated).

Offers from Cambridge University have gone to:

• Edward Beaty to study Maths (he lives in Walton and formerly attended Crispin School); and
• William Orchard to study Natural Sciences (he lives in Glastonbury and formerly attended Crispin School).

James Staniforth, Principal of Strode College said:

“We have high expectations of our students and the outstanding teaching and support they receive at Strode is totally focused on helping each student to achieve their potential and a successful future.

“I am delighted that our A Level students consistently achieve high academic standards. They achieve success across a broad range of subjects and I am delighted that this is reflected in successful Oxbridge applications for mathematicians, physical scientists, biological scientists, geologists, and French, German and Spanish linguists, following previous success in History, Archaeology, Engineering and Computing. I am also excited that Altair is the first Strode student to win a place at Oxford to study History of Art”.

“We support all students with their university applications and those aiming to join a competitive university get additional support to ensure they are fully prepared to compete at the highest level. These students are a credit to themselves and their families and former schools, as well as the fantastic teachers and support staff at Strode College.

“Our approach to nurturing high aspirations and achievements through outstanding teaching and support was praised by Ofsted in October 2014, when they judged Strode as `Outstanding` - this success is part of being outstanding for our students every day.”

Strode College is the only `Outstanding` sixth form in Mendip and South Somerset and the only school or college sixth form in Somerset to achieve this highest possible rating since tougher inspection criteria were introduced in 2010.

Students at Strode College progress more than those at other schools and colleges in Somerset and Strode is in the top five % of schools and colleges nationally for improving students grades based on those predicted following their GCSE results (League Tables and ALPS 2014).

Amber Pavey, who will be studying Earth Sciences at Oxford said:

“Being at Oxford University for an interview was an incredible experience and I learnt a lot. The support from college made the whole experience much easier.”

Altair Brandon-Salmon, who will be studying History or Art at Oxford University, said:

“The support from Strode College through the whole application process has been fantastic, assisting me every step of the way from application to preparation for interview.”

HE Experience Day - Tuesday 24 February, 12.00 - 3.00pm

Book your place for this event to find out about our first-class, university-level courses. Meet our lecturers, get a flavour of the courses you're interested in and take a look at our brand new Higher Education facilities. Contact: Wendy Cavill on: 01458 844404 or wcavill@strode-college.ac.uk

For a copy of Strode College’s prospectus for Higher Education courses call 01458 844400 or visit the college website to find out more.

Stay local for a quality, affordable university-level education

If you live in Somerset and are considering university education, you need look no further than Strode College in Street. Recently judged ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, the college also has the highest possible rating for its Higher Education courses and it provides excellent and affordable university-level courses, which are now being taught in brand new facilities dedicated to Higher Education (HE).

Strode College’s new building offers first-class teaching spaces specific to university programmes, as well as seminar rooms, quiet study areas and a common room, where Higher Education students can meet to work or relax. 

University-level courses taught at Strode College have been designed to link with growth areas in the regional economy. Students benefit not only from new purpose built facilities, fantastic specialist teaching and support and lower study fees, they also gain from great partnerships with industry and commerce as well as other organisations active in the community. As a result, many Higher Education students from Strode College go on to work in businesses across the region.

James Staniforth, Principal of Strode College said: “Our investment in new facilities for university-level education reflects the need for high quality and affordable higher education to be provided locally. Not everyone wants to go away from home to study and the additional costs of study fees, accommodation and other living expenses can put higher level study out of reach for many people. Our higher education provision has been awarded the highest possible rating by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). I’m delighted that we are now able to offer such fantastic facilities alongside outstanding, specialist teaching and support.”

You can apply directly to Strode College to study a university-level course and do not need to apply through UCAS (which has already closed for applications). The college is currently accepting applications for the following courses starting in September 2015:

• History, Heritage and Archaeology - Degree and Foundation Degree
• Managing in the Public Sector Services - Foundation Degree
• Computing and Systems Development - HND and HNC
• Engineering - HND and HNC.

Degree and Foundation Degree courses are run in partnership with Plymouth University. 

Strode College’s 60 full-time and part-time Higher Education students are all delighted with the study environment they now have available. Natasha Paine, who lives in Martock and formerly attended Huish Episcopi School, gained a Foundation Degree in History, Heritage & Archaeology at Strode College last summer and she is now studying a final year to achieve a full BA (Hons) Degree. She said: “The new block has given Strode’s Higher Education students a sense of unity, allowing us to come together, meet new students and support each other with our work. The college has made a fantastic step forward with the progression of Higher Education - the new block and the range of courses are a benefit to the college, its students and our future.”

For something a little bit groovy this Valentine’s Day you could take your beloved to watch a musical at Strode Theatre. 'Boogie Nights', the 70s-based musical show, is the latest production by Strode College Performing Arts students and you can ‘get down on it’ at Strode Theatre on Thursday 12 to Saturday 14 February, 7.30pm.

The immensely successful West End show tells of the trials and tribulations of young love in Britain’s 1970s and of Roddy Gabriel’s dreams of rock stardom. Musical numbers include plenty of 70s favourites such as ‘Boogie Wonderland’, ‘Disco Inferno’ and ‘Play That Funky Music’ together with some nods towards popular film and television shows of the time such as Grease, Jaws and Happy Days.

Charmaine Bray, Performing Arts teacher and director of the show, said: “This fast paced, fun show will take you right back to the 70s, and with thirty-two musical numbers you’re bound to hear at least one of your favourite disco tunes! Our students have had an enormous amount of fun putting the show together, and we’re sure some of the audience will enjoy revisiting their youth!”

The production is part of Strode College’s Enrichment programme which means that students from all courses across college can take part. Although mostly Performing Arts students, three of the eight principal characters are from other courses, including A level and Beauty Therapy, with students from other courses also helping out backstage.

Tickets for the show, which cost £10, £8 full concessions and £6 for Strode students and staff, can be booked via the Strode Theatre Box Office: 01458 442846 or www.strodetheatre.org.uk

Special offer
Italian restaurant, Tamburinos, Street are offering 25% off food, on the evening of the performance you attend (for those with a ticket for the Thursday or Friday performances only). Contact Tamburinos further information.

Our Beauty Therapy students enjoyed a fantastic day at the Aqua Sana Spa, Center Parcs at Longleat this week as part of their Level 3 Beauty Therapy Diploma. After a tour of the spa and its facilities, the staff delivered a careers talk which covered many aspects of working at a spa, including: working conditions, benefits of the job, rates of pay, treatments and training. Students also had the opportunity to experience the relaxing spa environment first hand.

Susan O’Meara, Level 3 Beauty Therapy Manager, said: “Some of the students have never visited a spa before today. We’ve all been very impressed - some students are now seriously considering working in a spa in the future.”

The Strode College male trampoline team bounced into gold medal position at the Southern Zonal Schools Regional Finals this month. Their well-earned win takes them through to the national finals in Birmingham on 14 March, where they will compete against teams from across the UK.

Jenny Stevens, Strode College trampoline coach, said: “The boys were simply amazing! They bounced with great confidence to beat off other teams from schools and colleges across the south of England. We will be training hard in the coming weeks as we look forward to the nationals in March.”

The boys also gained strong positions in the individual competition with Tom Coburn from Shepton Mallet achieving 4^th place, Jake Krige from Crewkerne finishing 6th and Will Hayne from Bridgwater finishing in 9^th position.

Trampolining is just one of over 30 sports offered to Strode College students as part of the college’s programme of enrichment activities.

Photo: Strode College male trampoline team show off the gold medals they won at the Southern Schools Regional Competition. Left to right: Jake Krige from Crewkerne, Will Hayne from Bridgwater and Tom Coburn from Shepton Mallet.

Professionals from across the hair and beauty sector visited Strode College for its ‘Industry Day’ on Monday 2 February, to share their tips and expertise with over 200 hair, beauty, nails and barbering students. Talks and demonstrations were held at Strode’s specialist salons throughout the day and students had the opportunity to see different techniques and meet and ask the industry experts questions. Many of the professionals originally trained at Strode.

Sandra Hellier, Hairdressing and Barbering Course Manager at Strode College, organised the day. She said: “The aim is for the students to keep up-to-date with the current industry trends; products and techniques; and to gain business and careers advice from the industry representatives today. One of our students has already been offered a work experience placement by Martyn Jessop from ‘XY Barbers’ in Glastonbury.”

Katie Morse from ‘Pure’ in Street delivered three hair workshops, demonstrating different trends, styles and methods to students. Katie opened her salon late last year, following 12 years working in Karen Christensen’s salons in Wells and Castle Cary. Previously a student at St Dunstan’s school, she then took an Apprenticeship with Strode College at John Banks’ hair salon in Street and has also worked on the styling team at the L’Oreal Colour Trophy.

Todd Kellett is currently taking a Level 2 Barbering Apprenticeship with Strode at ‘Sheer Class’ in Langport: “It’s been a brilliant day and we’ve all learnt so much. It’s been so informative and I’ve picked up a lot of tips. It’s really good to see how other barbers do things and I really enjoyed watching the wet shaves, as I had never seen that before - it’s definitely something that I want to try in the future.”

Experts from the industry who gave talks and demonstrations included:

Idris Can from ‘The Gentleman’s Room’ in Bridgwater - Wet shaves

Jess Mullett from ‘Tranquility’ in Street - Hair techniques

Martyn Jessop from ‘XY Barbers’ in Glastonbury - Barbering techniques

James Taylor from ‘The Gentleman’s Room’ in Bridgwater - Barbering techniques

Katie Morse from ‘Pure’ salon in Street - Hair techniques and trends

Kadey English from ‘Aqua Sana’ Centre Parcs spa - Spa demonstrations

Sarah Hitch from ‘The Sanctuary’ beauty salon in Sherborne - ‘Skinbreeze’ demonstrations

Michelle Mahony ‘Shared Beauty Secrets’ - Lava facial demo

Sarah Davey - Theatrical Make-up demonstration

Jenna Bostock from ‘OPI’ - talk and demonstration

Emma Hawkes from ‘Bio Seaweed Gel’ - talk and demonstration

Craig Hope from ‘Balmain Hair’ - hair demonstration

Jennifer Edwards, ‘Jane Iredale/Environ’ - seminar

Emily Chiffers from ‘Karen Christensen’ in Wells - hair demonstration

Charlene Lock, Level 4 Management in Advanced Hair and Beauty student at Strode, formerly of Chilton Trinity school - Dread extensions demonstration

Lynne Thorn from ‘L’Oreal’ - Career talk

Lisa Marsh from ‘In Harmony’ in Street - Career talk

Judith Baker, Business Development Consultant at Strode College

 Above left: Idris Can from ‘The Gentleman’s Room’ in Bridgwater. Above right: Martyn Jessop from ‘XY Barbers’ in Glastonbury

Above left: Kadey English from ‘Aqua Sana’ Centre Parcs spa. Above right: Katie Morse from ‘Pure’ salon in Street

An exciting day of activity for boys and girls aged 8 - 11*. Activities include: 'Basha' tent building, foam dart target shooting, hostage rescue, field kitchen, camouflage and concealment, casualty evacuation.

Club runs from 09:30 to 17:00 at Strode College Sports Centre. Please wear old, warm clothing.

Session costs £15. Call 01458 844408 to sign up.

*Due to the nature of these activities we cannot accept anyone below this age.

Almost 400 students from nine primary schools across the county had an explosive time when they visited Strode College on Wednesday February 4, to see the team from the University of Bristol’s ‘ChemLabS’ put on an exciting Chemistry demonstration sponsored by EDF Energy.

Most of the schools that attended on the day have link schools in Yueyang, China, and Strode, as the hub of the Somerset-Yueyang partnership, works closely with them, delivering regular Mandarin tuition and supporting collaborative activities with their Chinese partner schools.

Dr Alison Rivett of ‘ChemLabS’ said of the day: "The audience of enthusiastic primary school children at Strode were great today, they really enjoyed the experience – especially when there were loud bangs and flames! We were pleased to have the opportunity to deliver our 'Gases In The Air' Chemistry demonstration in an excellent theatre venue.”

Science is the main focus of the joint curriculum projects being undertaken between Somerset schools and their Chinese partners in 2015 and the presentation had the aim of contributing to this collaborative work, as well as developing an enhanced appreciation of science amongst local primary school pupils.

Tom Thayer, Inspire Education Programme Advisor at EDF Energy’s Hinkley Point C project, said: “The chemistry demo was a really great project to sponsor. We would especially like to thank Adrian Ash, HE & International Manager at Strode College, for facilitating the day and we look forward to working with Strode on many more projects to come!”

Strode College is also involved with EDF Energy’s Inspire Education Programme, which has run over 400 activities with 100 schools in Somerset – helping more students think about benefits of studying science, technology, engineering and maths subjects (STEM) at GCSE.

If you’re currently working over eight hours a week and either a hair or beauty salon owner, a volunteer or employed as a hair stylist or beautician, you may be interested in an exciting new opportunity to study a selection of awards towards the City and Guilds Level 4 Diploma in Management Practice and Advanced Techniques in the Hair and Beauty Sector at no cost to yourself.

Funding has been made available to Strode College by the European Social Fund through Somerset Skills and Learning and, because it is a grant, is not repayable by the learner. 

The qualification is designed to help grow business and increase profits. Following completion of all four units you will then be offered the opportunity to study the remaining awards to make up the diploma qualification. Progression from this course leads to the ILM Level 5 in Management qualification.

The four funded units available are:

• Quality Management of Client Care in the hair and beauty sector
• Sales Management in the hair and beauty sector
• Public Relations in the hair and beauty sector
• Marketing in the hair and beauty sector

The 12 week course will run every Monday at Strode College’s Bridgwater Training Centre from 9 March until 22 June, 2015 from 9.00am - 1.00pm for theoretical input. Students then have the option to continue studying from 2.00pm - 6.00pm if they wish.

For further information or advice please contact Sandra Hellier, Strode College Course Manager on 01278 457629/01458 844593 or email: shellier@strode-college.ac.uk

Photo: Emily Chiffers, pictured here at Strode College’s recent ‘Industry Day’, is currently studying the Level 4 Diploma in Management Practice and Advanced Techniques in the Hair and Beauty Sector.

Strode College’s latest musical offering ‘Boogie Nights’ certainly lived up to its name. From the opening song ‘Celebration’ to the finale ‘mega-mix’, which incorporated ‘Can You Feel the Force’, ‘Instant Replay’, Ain’t No Stopping Us Now’, ‘Disco Inferno’ and ‘We Are Family’, the audience at Strode Theatre lapped up the 70s vibe, singing and clapping along to the toe-tapping classics which were delivered in abundance.

The Strode College Theatre Company gives students from across the college the opportunity to perform as part of their enrichment activities. Both male and female principal roles were played by A Level students, featuring strong performances by Matt Zagni as rockstar wannabe Roddy, who demonstrated his many talents whilst on stage - including football - and Francesca Fallows as girlfriend Debs, whose sublime delivery of ‘Yesterday Once More’ was one of the highlights of the show.

Medallion man and DJ Dean was played by Performing Arts student Dru Derbidge, who delivered a strong performance at all times with his convincing swagger and charm.

Noah Heathcote (Performing Arts) played the slightly sinister role of Spencer admirably and the wardrobe department should be congratulated on his outfits – especially his black patent platforms, which were so very in keeping with the fashions of the day.

The comedy element was carried off to perfection by Matt Blake (Performing Arts), whose portrayal of Terry was spot on - especially the drunk scene and his solo rendition of ‘Sugar Baby Love’.

Patrick Olliffe (Performing Arts) played the controversial role of Roddy’s father Eamon estimably; his solo of ‘You Were Always On My Mind’ was brilliant and the scene that featured him heart-broken over the death of Elvis very touching.

Beauty Therapy student Katie Davies played the supporting role of Debs’ best friend and Terry’s girlfriend Trish perfectly, and clearly loved taking to the stage.

Megan Edmunds (Performing Arts) played the singer in the band and Spencer’s girlfriend with attitude and charisma; her character was the catalyst for the majority of the drama. Her delivery of ‘Enough is Enough’, a duet with Debs, was very strong.

In addition to the thirty-two 70s songs, there were also some great spoken references to the era, including nods to teen-favourite retailer ‘Chelsea Girl’, ‘Clean Up TV’ social activist Mary Whitehouse and the then-Radio One DJ Simon Bates’ ‘Our Tune’. There was also a nice local reference, with a mention of ‘Orchard FM’, too.

The dancing was provided by students Jess Johnson, Emily Langthorpe, Leah White, Emily Davis and Charlotte Gardiner.

Other members of the ensemble were students Bethan Blackburn, Emily Hucker, Andy Jones, Ben King, Harry Roberts, Ellie Walpole, Chloe Yates, Martha Hale, Catherine Pratt, Danielle Blake and Hayley Chidzey.

Course Manager for Performing Arts, Charmaine Bray, directed the show. Head of Performing Arts, Matt Holmes, was Musical Director and keyboard player, and the band featured students Jake Wild on guitar, Alex Willsher on bass and Alex Hurr on drums. Dance teacher Rebecca Harvey was choreographer.

Photo (top): Debs (Francesca Fallows) and Lorraine (Megan Edmunds) fight for Roddy’s (Matt Zagni) affection

Above left: Katie Davies leads the dancers. Above right: Patrick Olliffe as Eamon (as Elvis Presley).

Above left: Andy Jones, Matt Zagni, Noah Heathcote, Dru Derbidge and Matt Blake perform YMCA.
Above right: Francesca Fallows and Megan Edmunds.

Forty-five Strode College Art and Design students visited Prague this month to seek inspiration for their work from the culture of this vibrant and historical city.

Head of Art and Design and trip leader Petrina Rochester explained: “The educational visits we offer to students make a clear and positive impact on their work, in terms of vision and ambition. Following these exciting trips, the quality of work generated by students shows that they’ve become more receptive to new ideas. I’m sure we’ll see Prague references in the students’ work in the End of Year show this June.”

The students enjoyed a full and varied itinerary and highlights for the students included a Charlie Hebdo retrospective which prompted an in-depth discussion on imagery and artists’ responsibility and the Warhol exhibition where they had the opportunity to screen print a design on a bag.

Other visits included a trip on the funicular railway to view the city from the top of Petrin Hill, a coach trip to visit the Bone Ossuary (a chapel decorated 40,000 skeletons) and Royal Mint, the Sorcerer’s Apprentice at the National Theatre, Prague Castle and St Vitus's Cathedral, the Toy Museum and the Mucha, Dali and Warhol Museum.

Lucy Brown, from Glastonbury and previously at St Dunstan’s School, is studying Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design. She said: “I’ll be using architectural references from Prague for my final major project in my set design models. It was also fantastic to visit the National Theatre and attend a ballet performance as I’ve applied to study Stage and Performance Design at degree level next year.”

Previous Art and Design trips have included visits to Florence, Barcelona, New York and Washington, and Paris. Next year’s trip is already being planned. Petrina added: “We are currently considering Berlin but will give students a choice between New York and two European cities.

Photo: Strode College Art and Design students standing on Charles Bridge in Prague

From March to June 2015, Strode College's Business Development Unit will be running a programme of training courses for team leaders and supervisors employed in retail, hospitality, care, manufacturing, construction, facilities management and many other sectors.

Develop your skills as a leader and have the tools and the techniques to help you lead work teams with confidence. Understand current thinking on Health & Safety and Equality & Diversity to help you run your business efficiently and safely.

In most instances training will be free of charge if you are aged 19 and over and employed for a minimum of 8 hours per week. Call us on 01458 844457 or email us on busdev@strode-college.ac.uk to find out if you are eligible for free training under this programme.

Session Dates and Times

When Strode College Public Service students returned from a successful ski trip in the Italian mountains recently, one student received special praise from his teacher for taking charge of a medical emergency involving a student from another school.

Dan Humphrey from Frome, a former pupil of Ansford Academy, is studying for an Extended Diploma in Public Services at Strode College. Students on the course learn about incident management, leadership and teamwork. This is exactly what Dan demonstrated when he witnessed a freak accident in which a snowboarder suffered a potentially serious back injury.

Using his training, Dan confidently took charge of the situation. He offered immediate medical assistance and stabilised the patient; organised the casualty’s young friends making sure the ski slope was secured to prevent further danger; and he sought help from Mountain Rescue.

Dan relinquished control of the area when the groups snowboard instructor and the mountain police arrived, but he remained talking with the patient until the medical team took him to the rescue helicopter.

The Interski snowboard instructor who was in charge of the party at the time, said: “I was amazed to watch Dan in action; he was so professional in his approach, calm and in control throughout, he was a real asset during the emergency and a credit to the college”

Maurice Holdstock, Public Services Course Manager at Strode College said: “This is the response that I would expect from our students. Dan put what he has learned into practice with good effect and I am so proud of him. Our courses are designed to prepare students for a role in the public services or to take on a supervisory or management position in any area of work. This incident demonstrates how effective the course is in developing our students’ personal skills and their ability to take charge of situations. ”

More information about Strode College’s Public Services Diplomas and Foundation Degree.

Strode College Music Technology students are presenting a fantastic night of live music at the Red Brick Building, Glastonbury on Thursday 12 March from 8pm-11pm. ‘Rock for Red Nose Day’ will see local bands performing live to raise money for Comic Relief.

Acts on the night are Mr Keep Calm & the Cancelled Cheques, Missart, Karma Llama, Billy Shinbone and Jonti. The entry fee will be a donation to the charity.

Strode College students Sofie Hunter from Shepton Mallet and Theo Ainley from Marston Magna are organising the fundraiser as part of their college coursework. Sofie said: “This gig is just one of many events organised by Strode Live to promote local talent and give Strode College students the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the live events industry. It's going to be awesome!”

Since its opening, The Red Brick Building has built up a solid reputation as the place to see the very best in local music talent, with regular gigs being held on Thursday nights, organised by Glastonbury FM.

There are currently 33 job vacancies for apprentices in Somerset. As it is National Apprenticeship Week (9-13 March), Strode College has joined forces with Brookside Academy in Street to raise awareness of apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on young people, businesses and the regional economy.

Strode College works with a growing number of employers in Somerset, helping to create job opportunities for young people and train them to a high standard. The college currently trains apprentices in over 40 Apprenticeship schemes including: business; accountancy; construction; hospitality; hairdressing and beauty; health, social care and child care; sport and leisure. 

Brookside Academy currently employs ten apprentices who they train with the support of Strode College: three are on the national Children and Young People Apprenticeship scheme, five are on the Supporting Teaching and Learning scheme and two are employed on the Business and Administration scheme. The school has previously worked with Strode College to train three apprentices, one of whom is now working in a full-time IT role at the school.

Sandra Bartlett, Business Development Manager at Brookside Academy said: “As one of the larger employers in Street, by supporting the apprenticeship scheme, we offer local young people a real chance to learn valuable skills to support them in their progression through the employment market. From our perspective, working with the apprentices allows us to benefit from the new ideas and ways of thinking that they bring into Brookside. It is really rewarding for us to see these young people grow in confidence and develop their skills whilst they are with us.”

James Staniforth, Principal of Strode College said: “Apprenticeships are an important route into work for young people. They provide opportunities to gain real work experience and develop job-related skills and knowledge, with a guaranteed salary and a work- related qualification at the end of the scheme. Local companies need people who are keen to learn, prepared to work hard and contribute to the company. At Strode we bring employers and apprentices together and help businesses to deliver apprenticeships that are of real value to them and their apprentices.”

James Heappey, Conservative Party candidate for Wells, visited Brookside Academy last week to see first-hand why apprenticeships are a great route into jobs with prospects. After discussing apprenticeships with staff from Strode College and Brookside Academy and meeting the apprentices James Heappey said: “Strode College and Brookside Academy are leading the way in delivering outstanding apprenticeships for local young people. The apprentices I met were all fantastic ambassadors for their college, for their workplace, and for Apprenticeships more generally. I wish them well with their courses and I am sure successful careers lie ahead.”

Strode College and the Association of Colleges are calling for the next Government to continue to support Apprenticeships and in addition, to develop a pre-apprenticeship scheme for some business sectors. This would prepare 16 and 17 year olds to take up a full apprenticeship by equipping them with the specific skills required by employers. 

If you want to find out more about apprenticeships and about vacancies in the area, call Strode College Apprenticeship team on: 01458 844631 or visit: www.strode-college.ac.uk/apprenticeships or apprenticeships.gov.uk

Photo (top): These apprentices, dressed for World Book Day, work to Support Teaching and Learning at Brookside Academy in Street, with additional training and support from Strode College. Pictured, left to right: Kelly Cave (Strode College Apprentice Assessor); Amber Cook (Age 19 from Glastonbury); Jess Pear (age 18 from Bridgwater); Leah Carpenter (age 17 from Street); Brian Walton (Head Teacher of Brookside Academy); Georgina Chapman (age 19 from Glastonbury), Sandra Bartlett (School Business Manager) and Tamara Rodgers (age 18 from Street).

Photo (bottom): James Heappey talks to Apprentice Abigail Hopkins of Street, at Brookside School's Nursery.

If you have some free time at the weekends and you want to spend part of your day doing something interesting, fun, creative and relaxing, then have a look at the Saturday Spring Workshops that will be running at Strode College in Street on Saturday 21 and 28 March.

The courses, which are aimed at adults, will be taught in Strode’s specialist classrooms and studios and a light lunch will be provided. To find out more visit: www.strode-college.ac.uk or call 01458 844400 for a brochure.

Book on-line or call Strode Theatre box office on 01458 442846 or book in person at the theatre (10.00am to 2.00pm Monday to Saturday).

Senior staff from over 60 colleges visited Strode College recently to learn how we became an Ofsted 'Outstanding' college.

They travelled across the country from as far as Huddersfield, Cheshire, Truro and Cambridge to hear how Ofsted’s inspection expectations are evolving and how many of the proposed changes to the inspection framework are currently influencing inspection outcomes.

In October 2014, Ofsted rated Strode College as 'Outstanding'. We are currently the only school sixth form or college in Somerset to be awarded this highest possible rating since tougher inspection criteria were introduced in 2010 and we are the only college to have been graded as 'Outstanding' for Overall Effectiveness in 2014-15. 

Our 'Outstanding' rating reflects Ofsted’s increased focus on student progress and study outcomes, English and Maths, as well as the need to outstanding teaching, learning and assessment.

It was great to be able to share our experience with other colleges and to get such positive feedback from those who attended the conference.

Strode College A Level Film Studies students enjoyed an inspiring and exciting trip to the annual Berlin International Film Festival, known as the ‘Berlinale’, this February.

Film Studies teacher, Ben Boydell, explained: “This is the fifth time we’ve visited the Berlin Film Festival, and it was one of our most successful trips. The Berlinale is one of the longest running international film festivals, having run every year since 1950. The visit gave students a chance to get a clearer sense of the scope of the global film industry and we were fortunate enough to see two of the films that were in the running for the ‘Golden Bear’, which is the top award at the festival.”

The students watched eight films at the festival and one of the highlights was a late-night screening of the film ‘The Yes Men are Revolting’. After the screening the film-makers answered questions from the audience.

Students enjoyed the culture and history of this vibrant city, and also visited the German Parliament building (the Reichstag), the Holocaust Memorial, the Museum of Film and Television and the ‘East Side Gallery’ (a remaining section of the Berlin Wall which is decorated with murals).

Catherine Sweetman from Keinton Mandeville and previously of Ansford Academy is studying Film Studies A Level and said: “This trip was an unforgettable experience; we watched a variety of films from many different countries and with many different contextual backgrounds. It has made me want to visit more film festivals in the future.”

Photo: Strode College Film Studies students at the ‘East Side Gallery’, a section of the Berlin wall that was turned over to an international selection of graffiti artists.

Find out more about studying Film Studies A Level at Strode