Strode News

03/02/12 - Strode is the Highest Scoring State School or College in the Mendips, South Somerset and Sedgemoor

The government's league tables for advanced level 16-18 education were published last week, showing that Strode College in Street is the highest performing state school or college in the Mendips, South Somerset and Sedgemoor; the third highest performing state institution in Somerset; and the second best performing college in the South West of England.

This performance is based on the average points score per exam entry, which gives a fairer comparison between schools and colleges than the points score per candidate, as it takes account of the broad range of students and the courses they study.  

James Staniforth, Principal of Strode College said: "We are delighted with these outstanding results which reflect the performance of our outstanding students and staff.   The combination of our best ever A Level results with our best ever National Diploma results in 2011 has contributed to this excellent performance. 

"Although the performance tables do not give the complete picture of a school or colleges performance, they do provide students and their parents with useful information when thinking about where to study after GCSEs.   It is also worth remembering that Strode College is in the top 7% of 1,200 schools and colleges in the state sector for improving students' performance in A Levels and National Diplomas after their GCSEs, according to the national Advanced Level Performance Systems 2011.

"We have a lot of good students, but we also add value to all our students because of our exceptional staff and our approach to learning and support.

"This is an outstanding achievement for Strode.  I am extremely proud of what we have achieved and we are determined to build on this success."

Photo: Principal James Staniforth and students outside Strode College in Street, the highest performing state school or college in the Mendips, South Somerset and Sedgemoor.

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03/02/12 - Life is a Cabaret for Strode College Performers

One of the greatest musicals of all time is coming to Strode Theatre for four nights, from Tuesday 28 February to Friday 2 March, when students from Strode College present 'Cabaret'.  

With its stunning songs, fascinating characters and compelling story line, 'Cabaret' evokes the decadent and disturbing life of early 1930's Germany during Hitler's rise to power.      

The show opens with the arrival in Berlin of young American writer Cliff Bradshaw.  Cliff is soon befriended by the polite and intelligent German Ernst, who takes him to stay at Fraulein Schneider's lodging house.  Later they go to the 'Kit Kat Klub', a seedy cabaret joint where almost anything goes, and Cliff meets the flamboyant singer Sally Bowles.     

Set against Cliff and Sally's relationship, and the relationship between Fraulein Schneider and her Jewish fiancée Herr Shultz, the Nazis start to flex their muscles and their menace is felt by all at both the unassuming lodging house, as well as the outrageous Kit Kat Klub.  

Virtually all songs in the show are staged in the Kit Kat Klub, with each song commenting on the plot and on Germany's progressions from Hedonism to Hitlerism.  

Charmaine Bray, Lecturer in Performing Arts at Strode College and director of the show promises a great night's entertainment.  She said: "Cabaret is a powerful and demanding show which is fantastic to perform and watch.  Our students are relishing the opportunity to play such strong characters and to perform such quality song and dance routines, including 'Willkommen', 'Cabaret' and 'Don't tell Mamma'.

"Our musical production is always a College highlight with students and staff working really hard to deliver a quality production.  There will be so much talent on show - singing, acting, dance and music - and a lot of skills and effort behind the scenes.  We're really looking forward to showing what we can do and I'm hoping for a great audience turnout to support our young performers."

Photo: 'Cabaret' is coming to Strode Theatre with its fantastic song and dance routines and its fascinating characters.

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31/01/12 - Strode Students Aim High with Six Offers from Cambridge University

Students at Strode College in Street have had great success with applications to Cambridge University this year, with six students receiving offers.

Offers from Cambridge University have gone to:

• George Field, formerly from St Dunstan's School, to study Computer Sciences at Jesus College;
• Luke Godfrey, who is a resident at Farleigh College and studies A Levels at Strode, to study Engineering at Pembroke College;
• Jade Evans, formerly from Crispin School, to study Engineering at Girton College;
• Laura Bentley, formerly from Ansford Academy, to study Natural Sciences at St Catharine's College;
• Amy Livingstone, who is a student at Farleigh College and studies A Levels at Strode, to study Engineering at Newnham College; and
• Fiona Marie Smith, formerly from St Dunstan's School, who has a confirmed place to study Theology and Religious Studies at Homerton College;

 

Philippa Piper, Head of A Level Studies at Strode said: "Our A Level students achieve high academic standards with results significantly above national benchmarks - 99.4% pass rate with 54% A*-B grades.  We support our students applying to a range of universities and the most important thing is to make sure that every student gets into the university that best suits them.

"Our aim is for those with the ability to get into Oxford or Cambridge to have the best chance of selection.  Students get specialist advice and support from tutors and UCAS advisers, and their success shows that Strode College can successfully prepare students for the most highly rated universities in the UK.  These students are a credit to themselves, their families and former schools, as well as the excellent teaching and support we provide at Strode. "

Laura Bentley said: "As inevitably nerve-racking as the application process was, it was still an enormous relief to have the support of my tutors, especially coming up to the interviews.  Receiving my offer was one of the best days of my academic life so far, and I am ecstatic about the prospect of joining the University next year - although I think it did take a couple of days to sink in!"

Amy Livingstone said: "The application process was slightly daunting but everyone was very supportive.  My personal tutor at Strode was very helpful with guidance about UCAS as a whole, and Sian Decamp, who provides support and guidance for Strode students applying to Oxbridge universities, gave me some very good advice about writing my personal statement. I am incredibly pleased to have been offered a place and slightly surprised!"

Photo: After a range of application forms, tests and interviews, six A Level students from Strode College have been offered places to study at Cambridge University. (Left to right) George Field, Luke Godfrey, Jade Evans, Laura Bentley and Amy Livingstone.  Fiona Smith is not pictured as has already completed her A Levels and is away from Somerset at the moment.

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31/01/12 - Strode College Public Service Students Take Charge of Mountain Rescue

During their annual ski trip to the Italian resort of Courmayeur last week, Strode College's  Public Service students showed great leadership and team work when they took charge of a real medical emergency involving an Australian skier.

During a free ski session the group witnessed an accident in which an Australian skier suffered multiple and serious injuries. Taking charge of the situation the students immediately organised themselves, identified the hazard to other skiers, and sought immediate help from Mountain Rescue.

Using his St John Ambulance Training, Joel Whittaker, who is studying for a Foundation Degree in Public Services at Strode, offered immediate medical assistance and stabilised the patient. Meanwhile, Billy Illingworth, an Extended Diploma Public Services student, skied down to raise the alarm and informed the appropriate authorities. On the arrival of the mountain police the students relinquished their control of the area, but Joel remained with the patient until the helicopter arrived.  

Ava Holdstock, the Group Leader in charge of the party at the time, said: "I was amazed to watch the students in action; they were so professional in their approach, calm and in control throughout". 

Maurice Holdstock, Public Services Course Manager at Strode said: "This is the response that I would expect from our students as they learn about incident management, leadership and teamwork on the course.  They put this into practice with good effect, and I am so proud of them."

"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 their personal skills and their ability to take charge of situations."

For more information, please see Strode College's Public Services Diplomas and Foundation Degree pages.

Photo: Strode College Public Services students on their ski trip in the Italian mountains, where some of them calmly took charge of a mountain rescue involving an injured Australian skier.

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24/01/12 - Strode College Live and Unplugged Concert for Gambia

'Strode College Live' is presenting a night of unique acoustic music in Street Parish Church, on Thursday 2 February at 7.30pm, to raise funds for the College Gambia Project.

A range of acts from Somerset's exciting local music scene will be performing, including acoustic bands such as 'Reinstate Sarah', solo acts like Theya Fowler and pieces from College ensembles.  

The venue was chosen for its exquisite acoustics and the performers will play as unplugged and acoustic as possible. 

Tickets for this one off charity concert cost £3 and can be purchased on the door, from the Strode College Shop or Student Association.

The Strode College Gambia Project, which began in 2005, raises funds for youth and nursery facilities in the rural village of Tujereng in the Gambia. 

To find out more about the musicians who will be performing on the night and to listen to some of their songs, visit: www.reverbnation.com/label/strodecollegemusic

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20/01/12 - Find out how the Internet can make Life Easier, Cheaper and more Enjoyable

Strode College is inviting people to its free 'New Year, New Online You' sessions in February, where beginners will be able to find out how computers and the internet can make life easier, cheaper and more enjoyable.  

Four sessions will take place at Strode College Computer Centre and people can attend up to three sessions for free:

• Friday 10 February 2pm-4pm, Using the Internet
• Monday 13 February 10am-12pm, Uploading photos
• Monday 13 February 2pm-4pm, Using e-mail
• Tuesday 14 February 10am-12pm, Using Google to search for information

 

Nadine Norman, Manager of Strode College's Computer Centre said:  "Using a computer and the internet can make life easier in so many ways, and learning how to use it is free and easy if you come along to some of our sessions in February.

"It can be time consuming and stressful trying to fit everything we need to do into our daily lives, but using the internet can help. For example, you can renew your car tax on the internet in just a couple of minutes avoiding the queues; you can quickly compare quotes from different insurance companies and save money without making loads of phone calls; and you can search for jobs from home, when you have the time to look.

"The internet is also a major source of information which can be a great help in many aspects of our life including health, finances, entertainment and learning.  And, the internet has made staying in touch with friends and family a lot easier through e-mail, social networks and using digital photographs."

"If you have never used a computer before, or you're just not sure about them, this is a great time to find out more and have a go.  You'll get all the help you need from us. "

If you are interested in joining one of the free sessions at Strode call 01458 844480 to find out more and book a place.

 

Ann Kent - From curious to confident computer user

Ann Kent is an active member of the Glastonbury Towns Women's Guild where she is the voluntary Press Officer.  When she was given a computer about two years ago she felt quite intimidated, 'a bit like a dinosaur'.  She didn't know what questions to ask or who to ask.  But, she embraced the challenge and decided to find out what her new computer could do.    

Since then Ann has attended several free sessions at Strode College to find out how a computer can be of value in her life.  She went to Strode's free 'Silver Surfers' sessions and 'Get More Out of Life Online' sessions; she attended courses on using a digital camera, digital images and ebay; and she has also completed the 'Computers for the Curious' course, where she learnt how to work smarter with her computer, changing text, saving and printing. 

Once she got started her confidence grew and so did her desire to learn more.  She went on to successfully achieve an Entry Level 3 qualification in IT, 'Computers for Beginners', and she is now progressing her learning and developing further IT skills with a Level 1 course.   

Ann no longer feels like a dinosaur.  She can confidently use her Google email account, and the Internet is the first place she looks for information.  She can take a digital photo, upload it to her computer and send her photographs attached to her email.  And, she has ebay and PayPal accounts and has been selling unwanted items, including a boat! 

Ann said: "I have seen a great many changes in my lifetime and I could never have imaged being able to use the internet or email or that I could take digital photos.  But now I can do all of these things and even use spread sheets!"

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19/01/12 - Acclaimed Authors to Work with Budding Writers at Strode College

If you're a budding writer and you want to develop your talents, Strode College's new Saturday creative writing workshops will give you the chance to work with two successful and acclaimed local authors, Marian McCann and Liz Williams.

The six one day workshops, which will focus on different aspects of creative writing, will take place at Strode on the following dates:
• Writing the short story - Saturday 4 February
• Starting your novel - 3 March
• Building convincing characters - 10 March
• How to construct gripping plots - 24 March
• Dialogue - 12 May
• Setting - 16 June

Maria McCann is the author of As Meat Loves Salt, which was an Economist Book of the Year (Flamingo, 2001/Fourth Estate, 2011), and The Wilding, which was long-listed for the Orange Prize (Faber, 2010). She has contributed to various anthologies and worked as a Fiction Mentor for the Arvon Foundation. Maria is a reader for the Annette Green Literary Consultancy.

Liz Williams is a science fiction and fantasy writer living in Glastonbury. She has published 14 novels including The Ghost Sister (Bantram Spectra) and Empire of Bones (Tor Macmillan), which were nominated for the Philip K Dick Memorial Award, and Banner of Souls (Tor Macmillan), nominated for the Arthur C Clarke Award. Liz regularly appears in magazines including Realms of Fantasy and Asimov's, and she teaches creative writing and the history of Science Fiction at Strode College.

To book a place or to find out more about the workshops, which each cost £36, call 01458 844400 or visit click here to enrol with SUE.

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16/01/12 - Strode History Lecturer Reveals Bloody but Forgotten story of a French Invasion of England

A new book by Strode College history lecturer Sean McGlynn was published yesterday.  'Blood Cries Afar' is the first book to reveal details of the bloody but forgotten French invasion of England in 1216, one of the most dramatic but overlooked stories in history, which was almost a second Norman Conquest.

In the book Sean McGlynn offers the first detailed military analysis of this epic struggle for England, describing the sieges, battles and atrocities of the invasion and its colourful leaders, including King John.   

A review in 'The Spectator' magazine said: "McGlynn tells a dashing story with gusto... an entertaining military history of a very exciting reign."

Sean McGlynn teaches Medieval and Early Modern History at Strode College for the University of Plymouth's Foundation Degree in History, Heritage and Archaeology. He is also the author of the acclaimed book 'By Sword and Fire: Cruelty and Atrocity in Medieval Warfare', which was published in four languages. He has been commissioned to write two more books on medieval history which are due out in late 2012 and early 2013. 

Sean McGlynn is part of a highly knowledgeable, experienced and enthusiastic history team at Strode College, which also includes Andy Pickering who has published popular and academic history books covering subjects such as witch-hunting in England and Europe, race and American society, and the reign of Elizabeth I.   

In 2011 Strode A Level History students achieved 100% pass rate with 60% A* to B grades and 83% A* to C grades. All of Strode's 2011 Foundation Degree students were successful, with three achieving distinctions. 

'Blood Cries Afar' is available for £20 from all good bookshops, Amazon, The History Press or from Marston Book Services, Tel: 01235 465577.

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13/01/12 - Strode Maths Students Achieve Success in National Competition

Thirteen high achieving A Level Maths students from Strode College were awarded certificates last week for their success in the UK Maths Trust Senior Maths Challenge.

The challenge is taken by students in colleges and schools across the country each year. They have to solve maths problems which are presented in a completely different way from A level and GCSE maths questions. 

Gold certificates were awarded to Angela Richardson and Torin Dickinson, placing them in the top 7% of candidates nationally; Silver certificates went to Amelia Livingstone, Abigail Pitcher, John O'Rourke, Julia Fletcher and Zoe Foister, placing them in the top 20% of candidates; and Bronze went to Thomas Perry, Lily Blaikie, Joshua Holmes, Andrew Stuart, George Field and Daniel Lockey, placing them in the top 40% of candidates.

Outstanding performances by Angela Richardson and Torin Dickinson, meant that as well as achieving the Best in College award, Angela also qualified for the first round of the British Maths Olympiad, which is available to only the top 1000 students in the country, and Torin qualified for the new Senior Kangaroo competition. These competitions took place in December and results will be announced soon.   

Four students, Angela Richardson, Andrew Stuart, Thomas Perry and John O'Rourke also represented the college in the regional maths team challenge. This required them to work together on mathematical problems and develop strategies to maximise the team's potential in three very different rounds. Despite strong opposition the Strode team achieved fourth place out of the thirteen teams who took part.

Strode Maths Subject Leader, Helen Kelsey said: "The maths challenge provides stimulating and interesting problems that require students to use their mathematical knowledge in many different ways and does not restrict them to a specific syllabus. For the first half of term we add optional maths challenge questions to the end of the maths homework and many students enjoy them and spend time discussing the solutions with each other. It encourages them to think laterally and logically and really challenges even the very best mathematicians."

Strode A Level Maths students achieved a 100 per cent pass rate in 2011 with the majority achieving high A* to B grades: 73% in Further Maths and 63% in Maths.

Photo: Strode's high achieving maths students were presented with their certificates by James Staniforth, Principal of the College (left back row), and Helen Kelsey, Head of Maths at Strode (left front row).

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11/01/12 - Paris Proves Inspirational for Strode Art and Design Students

A visit to Paris in December proved inspirational for Strode College art and design students who returned to college this week with plenty of new ideas for their 2012 college projects.  

They took in many famous buildings, museums and cultural sites during their five day visit, including the Musee d'Orsay which houses the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces in the world, The Louvre which is the most visited art museum in the world, The House of European Photography, as well as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower at night time, and a boat trip on the Seine. 

Chris Loughran, Strode's Course Manager for the Extended Diploma in Art and Design, said: "This valuable and rewarding visit provided our students with an opportunity to experience original artworks and a wonderfully creative city first hand. Such visits invigorate our students' coursework and we expect to see reference to Paris in their End of Year show this summer."

The 37 students who visited Paris are currently studying Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design Year 2, Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, and A Level Photography.

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