Strode News

25/08/10 - Biology Students Return to Their Natural Habitat After Trip of a Lifetime in Belize

A group of Biology A level students from Strode College and Yeovil College recently returned to their natural Somerset habitat after two weeks in the Central American country of Belize.  They experienced the trip of a lifetime learning about native animals, plants and habitats, history and culture, and enjoying some amazing new experiences.

Parents attended a presentation in Strode Theatre this week to hear more about the trip and to see photographs of the student's journey through Belize.

Highlights of the trip included seeing an array of wildlife such as howler monkeys, toucans and turtles, up close in their natural habitats; climbing the vast Lamanai Mayan temples, one of Belize's most important ceremonial sites with awe-inspiring views across the rainforest; canoeing and swimming

through vast cave systems where Mayan sacrificial ceremonies once took place; learning about medicinal properties of plants, conservation and the lifestyle of the Mennonite people who follow Amish principles; horse trekking and night hiking in the rainforests; diving on a coral reef and flying through the forest canopy on a zip wire.

Fiona Deacon, Biology Lecturer at Strode College said: "Belize exceeded our expectations.  The variety and quality of experiences and the rich natural and cultural environments made this a trip of a lifetime and a wonderful learning experience for our students.  Our expert guides were so knowledgeable about

their country and made sure we got the most out of every activity and visit.  On the last day we enjoyed a sailing cruise a dusk accompanied by dolphins...the perfect end to a fantastic adventure."

The students completed project work throughout their trip and wrote journals about their experiences - extracts can be seen on the Strode College website along with their photos: www.strode-college.ac.uk.  Their comments show how much they enjoyed the trip.  

After trekking through the jungle, visiting a temple and then swimming in a lagoon, John Pain of Yeovil said: "The experience was astonishing, something I will always remember and cherish for the rest of my life.  The views from the tallest Mayan temples were among the best things I have ever seen."

Following boat journeys and cave explorations, Helen Callaby of Babcary said: "I had an amazing time; it's definitely an experience of a lifetime.  Each day got better and better.  Trekking through the forest was the most surreal thing - we kept seeing monkeys.  The cave was lush - I have a new interest."

Horse riding through the forests and lowlands thrilled Joe Gore of Babcary who said: "The trip just kept getting better.  I never thought that I would actually enjoy horse riding but it was amazing. "

19/08/10 - Strode Students Reach for the Stars

Strode College today celebrated a record number of high achieving students across A level and vocational courses enabling the majority of Strode students to secure their first choice higher education place.  Sixteen students achieved the new and highly sought after A* grade, with Bryn Dickinson of Glastonbury achieving four A* grades to secure his place at Cambridge University where he will study Natural Sciences.

Bryn said: "I thought I'd done OK, but wasn't sure and didn't sleep well last night.  Fortunately it turned out well and I feel amazing.  My teachers have been wonderful."

This year the A level pass rate was 99% compared with the national average of 97.6%, with 48% of entries graded A*, A or B, and 73% graded C or higher. 

31 out of the 39 A2 subjects offered at Strode achieved a 100% pass rate.

19 students achieved 3 or more grade A or A*s at A Level, including 9 students achieving at least 2 A*.

Fiona Brannan of  Martock, Annie Sampson of Langport, Gabrielle Vauclair of Glastonbury, Leonard Baker of Shepton Mallet, Paul Collins of West Bradley, Rebecca Girton of Alhampton, John Gusman of West Camel, Matthew Horton of Baltonsborough, Ethan Price of  Wells, George Proud of Glastonbury, Angus Scott of Castle Cary, Thomas Wilson of Glastonbury, Charlotte Bibby of Lamyatt, Daniel Coysh of Glastonbury, Stephen Fuller of Wincanton, Kerrie McNally of Langport, Allan Simpson of  Holcombe, Bryn Dickinson of Glastonbury, Rebecca House of Cossington.

The AS pass rate was 91% compared to the national average of 88%.

In the AS examinations, 4 students achieved 4 grade As.

Helen Callaby of Babcary, Edward Hill of Ashcott, Lucy Morter of Shepton Montague, Fiona Smith of Glastonbury, Verity Stone of Barton-St-David.

Also in the AS examinations, 22 students achieved 3 or more Grade A passes.

Carys Barry of Street, Felix Chapman of Baltonsborough, Benedict Culpin of Castle Cary, Chloe Day of Tintinhull, Gemma Doyle of Stoke Sub Hamdon, Megan Hill of Street, Nicholas Hill of Wincanton, Bethan Kendrick of Pilton, Jacob Lisle of Street, Laura Parry of Bruton, Olivia Sainsot-Reynolds of Bruton, Kirsten Sellick of Shapwick, Carla Tate of Somerton, William Walton-Freeman of Wells, Gina Warnes of Brent Knoll, Rebecca Watts of Street, Benjamin Woods of Martock.

Philippa Piper, Head of A Level Studies said: "We are delighted with these results.  The students should be proud of their achievements and we wish them every success in the future.  I should also like to thank the many excellent and dedicated teachers we have at Strode who have worked hard in the interests of our students'.

Excellent results were also achieved in vocational courses with 58 students achieving triple distinctions (the equivalent of 3 grade As at A level) in their National Diploma courses.

Levi Minett of Bridgwater and Will Harber of Langport for National Diploma Music Technology; Rosie Keating of Yeovil and Michael Kelly of Yeovil for National Diploma Music; Victoria Batley of Somerton, Hannah Ingham of Yeovil, Kahli Davis of South Petherton, Samya Harris of Montacute, Katrina Sheldon of Shepton Mallet, Chloe Kitching of Cheddar and Sophie Russitto of Glastonbury for National Diploma Performing Arts; Toby Berkley of Somerton, Laurice Foronda of Somerton, Anna Pegg of Glastonbury, Charlotte Ham of Templecombe, Francesca Titley of Bruton, Ellen Baskerville of Wincanton, Tilly Blue Davies of Bruton, Sophie Jones of Cheddar and Amber Redman of Bridgwater for National Diploma Art & Design; Thomas Clark of Glastonbury, Ollie Pearce of Cheddar, Jack Webster of Glastonbury and Joseph Watson of Wells for National Diploma Sports; Chelsea Costello of Crewkerne, Sophie Edmunds of Langport, Aaron Hendry of Wells, Devon Higgs of Bruton, Jess Bale of Bridgwater, Phoebe Burton of Langport, Blythe Gordon of Glastonbury, Sarah Raheem of Street and Alex Way of Martock for National Diploma Public Services; Natalie Brown of Shepton Mallet, Holly Callow of Shepton Mallet, Natalie Carter of Wells, Gemma Potter of Castle Cary, Sophie Ransome of Wells and Caitlin Thomas of Yeovil for National Diploma Business; Alex Balchin of Radstock, Josh Marchant of Wells, David Parkes of Shepton Mallet, Steven Williams of Radstock, Elliot Drury of Street, Charlie Griffin of Wincanton, Dion Martin of Bruton and Adam Pantak of Isle Of Lewis, Scotland for National Diploma IT; James Tyson of Radstock for National Diploma Engineering; Alice Baker of Glastonbury, Gemma Baker of Glastonbury, Lottie Berryman of Shepton Mallet, Emma Hookins of Langport, Hollie King of Street, Fawn Male of Martock, Kimberley Judd of Yeovil, Rebecca Spencer of Somerton, Louise Taylor of Shepton Mallet and Beth Vickery of Yeovil for National Diploma Health and Social Care.

23 students achieved an overall distinction or distinction* in their First Diploma courses.

Hunter Bradford of Taunton, Rachael Spender of Langport, Lewis Elson of Street and Ellen Ramsay of Wells for First Diploma Performing Arts; Rahmah Raines of Glastonbury and Zarah Mann of Glastonbury for First Diploma Art & Design; Daniella Castagna of Street and Jade Perry of Glastonbury for First Diploma Sport; Richard Gunning of Shepton Mallet and Lydia Stoodley of Langport for First Diploma Public Services; Adam Lumber of Shepton Mallet, Jon Richardson of Somerton and Jonathon Walford of Castle Cary for First Diploma IT; Shannon Anderson of Glastonbury, Tori Davies Chiffers of Glastonbury, Amy Green of Shepton Mallet, Jazz Lamport of Martock, Tasha Moulder of Shepton Mallet, Christina Wall of Wells, Emma Hunt of Shepton Mallet, Wyona Killeen of Street, Mecha Noble of Glastonbury and Rue Padfield of Glastonbury for First Diploma Health and Social Care.

12 students achieved an overall distinction in their Art Foundation Diploma.

Maud Craigie of Pitcombe, Daisy Flanagan of Somerton, Ivan Gilchrist of Radstock, Ben Hiscox of Leigh On Mendip, Dean Jennings of Martock, Emily Legg of Bridgwater, Amelia Lester-Hinchliffe of Castle Cary, Elizabeth Lewis of Radstock, Harriet Lyall of Yeovil, Hamish Steele of Glastonbury, Hallam Tucker of Yeovil and William Wade of Shepton Mallet.

1 student achieved an A grade in her CACHE Childcare & Education course.

Katy Parsons of Wells for Cache Diploma in Childcare & Education

Amanda Charlton, Head of Business and Professional Studies, said: "We are extremely pleased with this year's National Diploma and CACHE Diploma results.  The students deserve their success as it is a true reflection of their consistent hard work and commitment to their studies over the last two years.  They have demonstrated high levels of academic knowledge and practical skills and are now ready to enter the workplace or continue their studies at a higher level.  The number of triple distinctions continues to grow and is indicative of the dedication of students studying at Strode.  We wish all our students every success for the future.

Ian Bennett, Principal said: "Congratulations to all the students who have achieved these excellent results.  They are a credit to themselves, their families and their teachers.  We should also recognise the part played in their success by staff in the primary and secondary schools who have prepared them so well for their post-16 studies."

03/08/10 - Eleven Years Investing in People

Strode College has been recognised as an 'Investor in People' (IIP) for the eleventh year running, demonstrating an ongoing dedication to its staff and a commitment to continuously improving its business.  The College has held IIP continuously since 1996.

IIP is the leading benchmark for people management and business improvement.  Following an assessment in July, Strode College was found to fully meet the IIP standards with the report highlighting a number of strengths.

It said: "A particular strength of the College's approach is the extent to which staff in all areas are vigorously encouraged to take advantage of development opportunities that often include studying on courses offered within the College."

It also states: "The senior leaders of the College are held in high regard by staff... There is a real sense of responsibility and empowerment amongst many staff and this in turn feeds into high levels of job satisfaction in many areas."

Strode College aims to provide high standards of education within an inclusive and supportive environment.  The IIP report recognises this, finding: "The ethos of the College is very inclusive and there is a real sense of community amongst staff.  This also extends to the local community and a wide variety of both formal and informal activities offered to older people, employers, the unemployed, employers, school pupils etc."

Tessa Miller, Strode College Head of Personnel said: "As an educational organisation, it is natural we believe in learning in the widest context.  It is important to us that our staff are able to access a range of development opportunities both academic and leisure.  We find computer courses are very popular as staff are able to use our drop in centre to upgrade their skills at times convenient to them and our Staff Development days allow all staff to access a wide range of activities.  The fact that we have had the Investors in People accreditation at Strode College for over 10 years is a mark of the significant ongoing investment we continue to make in our staff."

26/07/10 - Fond Farewell from Strode College Principal

After the summer holidays, Ian Bennett, Principal of Strode College in Street, will not be returning to College with the students.  He is retiring from his duties at the end of August after successfully leading the College for over 13 years.  Instead of spending time dealing with College matters and meetings he will be filling his diary with other interests and activities, family and friends.

At an event held in his honour recently Mr Bennett said a fond farewell to staff, students and Governors.  He said: "I have special memories of my time at Strode and will look back with pride at the College's achievements over the last 13 years.  I should like to thank the Governors, staff and the community for their support and commitment.  I would also like to thank the students at Strode and pay tribute to their energy and enthusiasm which has been such an inspiration to me.  My best wishes for the future go to everyone at Strode."

Kate Lovell, Strode College Chair of Governors, said: "Since Ian joined the College in 1997 we have significantly increased our number of students and the range of opportunities and courses we offer, and we have raised our standard of academic achievement to well above the national average.  We became a Beacon College in 2004 recognising the quality of teaching and learning at Strode, and Ian has successfully lead a multi million pound investment programme for new education buildings, sports and arts facilities.  Strode is now a world class provider of education.  As well as focusing on the needs of the local community, the College has also established a national reputation for working with offenders across prisons in the south west."  

"The Board has seen how hard Ian has worked over the years to achieve this.  We want to thank him for his drive, dedication and exceptional leadership.  We wish him an enjoyable and relaxing retirement."

Photo: Strode College Governors wish Principal Ian Bennett a happy retirement.

19/07/10 - Skills to Change Your Life

Strode College recently celebrated the success of 75 adult learners who have been developing their reading, writing and maths skills with an awards evening held at Wells Town Hall.  Certificates were presented for achievement in the national tests for Literacy, Numeracy, Reading and Writing Skills, and for hard work, commitment and special projects. 

A special award was presented in memory of Rachael House, Strode College's former Deputy Head of Skills for Life, who died in a road accident in France last summer.  The award was presented to student Steven Orton of Wells in recognition of his support for and positive influence on others, his involvement in class and the excellent progress made in his work. 

Shirley Theedom, Strode College's Deputy Principal presented the awards.  She said: "Learning the essential skills of reading, writing, maths and using a computer can make a real difference to people's lives, helping them to get on at home, in work and in life.  Studies show that one in four adults need to improve their English and maths skills and the success of our students shows that it can be done.  I would like to congratulate our students and to thank our staff and volunteers who have helped them achieve success. "

Emma Rawlings, Deputy Head of the Strode College Skills for Life team said: "The awards evening recognises the hard work and commitment that our Skills for Life students have put into progressing, both academically and personally.  They have achieved in many ways and it was lovely for all involved to be part of their success and to share this with their families and friends." 

Skills for Life courses are free and the classes are designed to be small, personal and enjoyable.  Strode runs 48 classes each week.  They are taught at the College in Street and in ten outreach centres across mid-Somerset.  Anyone interested in improving their reading, writing, numeracy or computer skills should contact the College Skills for Life team on 01458 844550.

Photo: Skills for Life student Steven Orton receiving the special Racheal House Award from Strode College Deputy Principal Shirley Theedom.

19/07/10 - From Gravedigger to Archaeologist: How Education can Change Lives

Dr Stuart Prior lives in Nether Stowey, Somerset, and is a Lecturer in Archaeological Practice at the University of Bristol.  When he left school at 16, with few qualifications and no idea what to do with his life, he didn't imagine that one day he would return to education.  And, even at the age of 27, when he began a part-time history AS Level at Strode College, he didn't think he would go to university, let alone end up teaching at one.  But that is what happened, and his story shows how returning to education as an adult can open up opportunities and change lives. 

Stuart's school education was disrupted by his dad's job in retail management.  "By the time I was 16 my family had moved home 16 times and this had a negative effect on my education and my confidence.  There was no national curriculum at that time, other than in maths and literacy, so every time I moved school many of the topics being studied also changed.  This made it hard for me to get a detailed knowledge in certain subjects like history and I didn't do well in my exams. "

Stuart just wanted to get out of education and into work.  University was not even a consideration.  "I had no particular skills and not many qualifications and this shut a lot of doors to me. I ended up doing a number of menial jobs and eventually became a gravedigger in South Somerset for five years until an accident permanently damaged my knee.  I used the compensation money to travel and see the world."

"Whilst travelling I fell in love with history and discovered archaeology.  As my experience and knowledge of the world grew, so did my motivation to do something with my life.  The revelation that this would be archaeology came in the deserts of Pakistan when I came across an excavation project, joined in and loved it."  

After nearly 10 years travelling, Stuart returned to Somerset where he had lived when he was 16.  He was unemployed but doing voluntary excavation work in Gloucestershire, and he was thinking about how he might get into archaeology or Higher Education.

"A flyer came through my door from Strode College promoting courses for adults.  I found out about relevant courses and then enrolled at Strode for an evening class in AS Level Archaeology.  The Lecturer Andy Pickering - who is now Head of History at Strode - was a fantastic teacher, a great motivator and mentor.  He suggested that I might consider studying archaeology at a higher level so, after a little research, I enrolled for the Access to Higher Education course at Strode.  I was fortunate enough to receive some government funding towards the course fees as I had not previously studied for a course at this level."   

"At first, doing the Access course was a bit daunting, especially as it was my first time back in a classroom since school.  However, the tutors were fantastic and they quickly put us at ease, making allowances for the fact that mature students often have to juggle home and family life alongside their studies.  The course covered a great mix of subjects including English, maths, general sciences and geography.  The academic work was a challenge for me, and I had a steep hill to climb in terms of my research and writing skills.  The tutors were supportive, understanding and helpful, and their tuition, guidance and knowledge have proved invaluable to me over the years."

"Although the Access course was one of the hardest things I've ever done, it was also one of the most rewarding and valuable experiences of my life.  It prepared me well for studying at university level.  I went on to Bournemouth University to study for an HND in Practical Field Archaeology and then to Bristol where I gained a BA, an MA and eventually completed a PhD before becoming a lecturer.  I'm so glad that I found the motivation and confidence to return to education.  It has opened up doors to me and helped me build a life that I love."

Strode College offers a wide range of courses for adults, including Access to HE courses for people who would like to study at university but who left school without the usual qualifications, such as A Levels.  People who might not see themselves as the 'type' of person who would go to University, people whose lives have taken paths away from education, and those who might see few opportunities ahead of them.  Strode also offers Foundation Degrees accredited by the University of Plymouth, making it easier for people to stay at home whilst they study for a degree. And there are a wide range of A Level, vocational and leisure courses also available.

Education may not be the right path for everyone, but for many it might be an option worth exploring, and one which could take them in a new direction and towards personal, academic and career achievements.

For information and advice about Strode's Access to Higher Education course and all other courses for adults call: 01458 844400 or visit strode-college.ac.uk

08/07/10 - Art at Your Fingertips

The latest Strode College Nail Art Competition showed that art is not just for hanging on the wall or for looking at in galleries, but it can also be worn on your nails. 

Eight students from Strodes' part-time Level 3 Nail Services course presented some intricate and colourful designs for the judges to consider.  In addition to their nail work students were also assessed on how well they used make-up and costume to maximise the impact of the nails.   Students had a couple of months to research ideas and prepare for the competition, and four hours to prepare their models on the day. 

First prize went to Machaela Davies of Langport for her 'Secret Garden' nails which demonstrated excellent creativity and technical skill.  Second prize went to Kelly Randall from Wells who depicted the story of 'Alice in Wonderland' in nail art, and third prize went to Louise Banks from Cheddar for her glittering 'Moulin Rouge' nails.

Amanda Charlton, Assistant Principal and Head of Business and Professional Studies at Strode judged the competition with Petrina Rochester, Deputy Head of Art and Design and Angie Cinicola Deputy Head of Hair and Beauty.  She said: "The creativity and attention to detail and finish were superb.  The students delivered some quality designs and technical skill, demonstrating the high standards achieved on this course." 

Amy Haydon, Nail Services Course Manager, was delighted with her students work. She said: "A wide range of people come to Strode to study nail services.  They really enjoy the work they do here and are always keen to try out their skill on members of the public.  Anyone can make an appointment at the College Salon and they are guaranteed a professional service without paying professional prices."

Other competitors were: Katie Joyce from Somerton who created 'Safari' nails, Lorraine White of Glastonbury who created 'Indian Princess' nails, Jenna Dervishi of Yeovil with 'Big Top Circus' nails,  Zoe Hopson from Walton with 'Busy Bee' nails, and Melissa Gibson of Wells who created 'Rio Carnival' nails.

Photos
Above left: The winning Secret Garden nails.
Above right: The story of Alice in Wonderland as nail art.
Below: The glittering Moulin Rouge nails.

29/06/10 - Inspirational Dance from Strode Students

Strode Dance and Performing Arts students took their audience on an inspirational dance journey recently as they showcased their talents to a packed and appreciative audience at Strode Theatre.

The show, which featured students studying A Level Dance and National and First Diplomas in Performing Arts, demonstrated the variety of dance styles explored at Strode.  It also featured music composed and performed by some of Strode's music students.

There was a packed programme for the night with seventeen different dances taking the audience through a variety of styles, music, set design and moods.  Hard work and excellent training shone through as the show moved from the adrenaline fuelled contemporary piece exploring the rush of free falling, to the lively musical theatre group numbers including 'fame' and 'Rock 'n' Roll', street dances full of attitude and more subtle and emotive solos.

Highlights of the show included Rosa Manzi Reid from Shepton Mallet who is studying AS Dance.  She performed a well crafted and creative solo immersing herself in the music as she explored the passing of time using images seen from a train window.  Max Ives from Westbury Sub Mendip and Lewis Edge from Wincanton gave energetic and physical performances in the lively group dance based on the film 'The Matrix'.  Daisy Rendell from Glastonbury and Chloe Murray from Bruton gave a great rendition of a classic fifties rock and roll dance.

Becky Evans, Dance Lecturer at Strode said: "The show was a celebration of the students' hard work and achievement.  Our Dance and Performing Arts courses are innovative, diverse and challenging and this inspires our students to go on to further study.  Many of the students who performed in the show are hoping to follow in the footsteps of former students who have moved on to prestigious institutions such as the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Bath Spa University, Stella Mann College and Dartington College of Arts."

Sue Cooke who lives in Shepton Mallet brought her neighbour and their daughters to the show.  She said: "The choreography was excellent, the lighting, design and moving backdrops complemented the performances brilliantly, and the variety of moods and music was really great.  Our eleven year old girls were clearly inspired and talking afterwards about joining a dance class.  Who knows, we might see them in seven years time on the Strode Theatre stage! 

Photos: (Above left) Strode street dancers - back row left to right: Roxy Bennett, Chris Mason. Becky Pett, Amber Gray, Maia Pelham-Greene, Sophie Rissotto, Josh Duck, Katrine Walters, and front row left to right: Lucy Sanger, Vicky Batley, Kahli Davis, Katrina Sheldon.

(Above right) Rosa Manzi Reid from Shepton Mallet immersed in the music.

(Top) Dancers in freefall (from left to right): Georgie Underwood of Wells, Megan Leigh of Ilchester, Tiphanie Bintcliffe of Somerton and Carys Smith of Gurney Slade.

28/06/10 - Strode’s Beauty Students Bring Fiction to Life

Characters from children's fiction were brought to life recently by Strode College Level 2 and Level 3 Beauty Therapy students at the Jane Iredale Skincare make-up competition.  

Students from the fifty colleges taking part were required to create unique looks from the theme 'Children's Fiction' using any story, rhyme or character.  

Strode Beauty Therapy Lecturer Marcie Mickleburgh said: "This is the first time our students have entered the competition.  They thoroughly enjoyed the experience and it was a great opportunity to show off the skills and creative flair they have developed during their time at Strode.

 

Photos:
(Left) Cruella de Vil from 101 Dalmatians, created by Alice cox from Glastonbury.
(Right) Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland, created by Megan Clark from Yeovil.
(Top) Snow White, created by Gemma Hale from shapwick.

23/06/10 - Practical Makes Perfect with Vocational Courses at Strode

To celebrate national Vocational Qualification Day (23 June) Strode College is highlighting the value of vocational education which helps many millions of people across the country each year go on to further study and successful careers.

Strode Principal Ian Bennett said: "Skills are more important than ever.  There is pressure on learners to differentiate themselves in a crowded employment market, while employers look for talented, skilled workers to help them remain competitive.  Vocational qualifications provide real benefits to individuals and employers.  And, by providing high quality education and skills we can help improve the economic success of our county.  

"We offer a broad range of education and training courses at Strode, with practical and vocational learning offered alongside academic study.  There are many paths to success and many people who achieve vocational success go on to have excellent careers." 

 A vocational qualification is a recognised qualification at any level relating to a particular line of work or specific role.  Emphasis is on the assessment of practical skills and knowledge. 

Strode offers a wide range of vocational qualifications including Diplomas, BTECs, NVQs and Apprenticeships in a wide range of subjects: Art and Design, Business and ICT, Child, Health and Social Care, Engineering, Hair and Beauty, Hospitality and Catering, Music, Performing Arts and Media, Public Services and Sport.  A full list of vocational subjects offered for study at Strode is available on the College website.

 

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