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11/03/10 - Working in History, Heritage and Archaeology

Over the past few years there has been a growing interest among the general public in stories about the past and how they relate to the present. TV programmes like 'Time Team', ' Who do you think you are?' and TV drama 'Bone Kickers' have a big following. The past provides us with many fascinating stories. Some are strange, incredible, inspirational or enlightening. Most are interesting and give us an insight into how we got to where we are today.

Strode College history team has organised a conference 'Working in History, Heritage and Archaeology', which will be held at Strode Theatre on Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 March. It is aimed at those with an interest in working in history, heritage and archaeology; those considering studying a related discipline at university; and anyone with an interest in the past. This is the first two-day conference of its kind to be held in central Somerset. The archaeologists, historians and heritage officials who will be speaking at the event are leaders in their field (see details below).

The event has been organised by Strode's Senior Lecturer and Head of History Andy Pickering, an acknowledged specialist in his chosen areas of history including witch-hunting. He is also an established writer of history textbooks, many of which are now being used by his own students. They cover a wide range of subjects including witch-hunting in early modern Europe and the civil rights movement in Twentieth Century America. He has a new book out next month about witch-hunting in England which will be for a more general readership.

Speakers at the conference include the following.

Historian Ellie Woodacre, an expert in medieval queenship.
Richard Brunning, who is one of the county's leading heritage officers and who works on the Somerset Levels.
Bob Croft, Somerset's county archaeologist.
Wells Museum-based Barry Lane who is chairman of the Council for British Archaeology.
Representatives from museums and other organisations further afield, including from the educational wing of the Mary Rose Trust, the timber flagship of Henry VIII.

Attending the two-day event will cost £10 per person. To book please download the event leaflet and complete the attached form.

10/03/10 - Strode Art Students in Wonderland

Film director and artist Tim Burton's new film 'Alice in Wonderland' uses striking visual imagery and design to create a unique artistic interpretation of some well-known literary characters. Forty Strode Art and Design students recently saw first hand how this darkly comic artist interprets the world, when they visited an exhibition of his sketches, drawings and models at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York.

Tim Burton's exhibition was one of many inspirational sights and sounds which the students experienced in New York and Washington on their recent educational trip. With sketch books and cameras in hand, they visited national monuments and museums, stood in front of great contemporary works of art and cultural icons, and were able to compare and contrast these two different American cities.

Among the highlights of the trip were the Smithsonian Institute Museums in Washington where students saw and sketched a wide range of sights including the Apollo Spaceship which landed on the moon; Damien Hirst's 'Shark' in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and standing in front of the famous Picasso painting 'Les Damoiselles d'Avignon' at MOMA. The group also soaked up the authentic American experience visiting the Whitehouse, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Times Square, and a lively Knicks basketball game where they ate popcorn and waved giant foam hands.

Duncan Cameron, Strode College Sculpture Lecturer, believes real life experiences are essential to complement classroom study. He said: "Great life experiences can inspire and motivate us in our personal and working lives. On this trip our students soaked up a breadth of influences. They saw a huge range of contemporary art in world renowned galleries, and were able to engage with work they would not normally see and which cannot be conveyed through classroom study. They can now place in real life, things they have seen on TV and the web, in films and books. Also, travelling in a group led to a great deal of discussion, sharing of information and ideas, which can only be beneficial to their study."

Jade Richards of Street, who is studying for her National Diploma in Art and Design, was struck by the contrasting nature of the two cities. "They are not that far from each other, but the difference in atmosphere and style is really noticeable. As we came into New York at night time, we left the clean spaces of Washington behind and entered a landscape where buildings shot up all around. It was amazing. We saw so many great places and wonderful sights. I found the Holocaust Museum in Washington really moving and it gave me a lot to think about for my next project."

Tom Drew of Glastonbury is studying for a National Diploma in Art and Design. "One of the highlights of the trip for me was being able to stand in front of major contemporary artworks that I have read about. In particular, I loved a piece called 'Ghost' by Rachel Whiteread. Seeing the piece in real life really helped me with a presentation I prepared for College."

09/03/10 - Fun on the Run Raises Nearly �3,000 for the Gambia Project

Following the Bath half marathon on Sunday 7 March, we are no wiser about the age old question - who came first, the chicken or the egg? The Strode chicken and egg crossed the finish line together, in just under two hours, very hot but not fried!

Ian Williams, Strode Business Lecturer otherwise known as `The chicken` said: "The team had a great day and the weather was superb. We met up before the race, there was loads of support as we ran, and afterwards we all met up to share a roast dinner and our stories. The first of our runners past the post was Dylan Whittingham, ICT lecturer, who ran a personal best of 1hr 20 minutes. Everyone did brilliantly and there was a great sense of achievement in running the race and raising nearly £3,000 for the College Gambia project."

Arise Sir Duncan (or perhaps sit down and rest a while)

Also running in costume for the Strode team was Sculpture Lecturer Duncan Cameron. Duncan, dressed in knight's armour soaked up the atmosphere as he ran. He said: "The crowds were fantastic. There were so many people and so much support for the runners. We were cheered around the course, children were giving us high fives - or high swords in my case - and there was music and noise everywhere. The last 200 metres were particularly great and quite emotional."

Duncan will be running as a knight in the London Marathon to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation.

09/03/10 - The Berlin Experience

Strode students studying A level German and Music have recently returned from a trip to Berlin where they had a taste of the city's culture and history, visiting various sights including the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, the remains of the Berlin Wall and the museum at Checkpoint Charlie.

The German students went out in groups, negotiating the U-Bahn system and finding their own way to shops and places to eat, all of which was a good chance to practise their German. On the last day they had a free choice and went off to various museums, galleries and different areas of the city.

The music students also saw a performance by the Berlin Philharmonic orchestra at the Philharmonie Hall conducted by Sir Simon Rattle. The programme was a fascinating mixture of repertoire including a Beethoven piano concerto, Sibelius's Symphony No 1 as well as contemporary music by Ligeti. The next day Music students saw the opera Orpheus und Eurydke at the Konzerthaus.

Richard Frapwell, German lecturer said "It’s great for students to get a sense of the history and culture of Berlin. The visit brings everything to life and makes their study that much more real’’.

Marian Jones, German lecturer adds "We took students who had never been to Germany before and students who were flying for the first time, so we really felt that they were getting some new experiences. It was lovely to see students taking the knowledge they have gained in the classroom and putting it to practical use in a foreign city."

09/03/10 - The Power of Pampering at Strode Hair and Beauty Salon

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 to celebrate International Women's Day (Monday 8 March), Strode College Hair and Beauty Salon held a pamper day for 26 women who are recovering from mental illness. The event was organised in partnership with the Wells branch of Rethink, a national mental health charity which helps people recover their lives after mental illness. The group enjoyed a range of treatments including haircuts, 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 one lady enjoyed the experience so much she now returns for regular hair cuts."

Bridget Harvey, Mental Health Recovery Worker for Rethink Day Services, 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 Rethink, will be organising a similar pamper event for men with mental health problems in early summer. 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 the Hair & Beauty page of this website.

Photo: Strode Complimentary Therapy students Becky Tutton and Chloe Bell, with client Patricia Parfitt, Strode receptionist Laura Griffiths, and Bridget Harvey and Amanda Willmott from Rethink.

04/03/10 - Strode College Appoints New Principal

Strode College has appointed James Staniforth to be Principal and Chief Executive from 1 September 2010. He will take over from current Principal Ian Bennett who has led Strode for 13 years. James Staniforth is currently Vice Principal at Richard Huish College, Taunton, where he has worked since June 2006. Previously he was Director of Teaching and Learning at Longley Park College in Sheffield, and has also worked at Greenhead College in Huddersfield and York College.

Kate Lovell, Chair of Strode College Board of Governors said: "We are very pleased that James Staniforth will be joining us as Principal and Chief Executive from September. We were particularly impressed with his enthusiasm to take the College forward and further enhance its excellent reputation. James brings with him a wealth of experience in further education and we look forward to working with him over the coming years."

James Staniforth said: "I am delighted to be appointed as Strode's new Principal. Strode is rightly known for the excellent range of courses it offers and the quality it provides. I am excited by the challenge of working with an outstanding group of staff and students to ensure the College continues to provide such exciting opportunities for all parts of its community."

The current Principal Ian Bennett announced his retirement from Strode in October 2009, after 13 successful years leading the College. During this time the College has grown in size and reputation and last year attracted record numbers of students. The College was awarded Beacon status by the Government in 2004 and has maintained consistently high standards over a long period of time. The College campus has benefited from multi million pound investments in new education buildings, sports and arts facilities. As well as focusing on the needs of its local community, the College has established a national reputation for working with offenders across prisons in the south west.

04/03/10 - Search for Love Leads to Sweet Success for Strode Performers

Take love, hope, despair and laughter, mix with fantastic music and hard work, and you get a great evening of entertainment from Strode College Performing Arts students. Audiences at Strode Theatre were recently treated to such an evening with the College production of `Sweet Charity`.

Charmaine Bray, Performing Arts Lecturer and show Director was delighted with the performances. She said: "Staff and students worked extremely hard to present a polished and professional performance, with excellent work from principals, dancers and ensemble alike. The band was fantastic providing quality orchestration from what is a difficult score for younger players."

"Sweet Charity is to some extent a one woman show in that the title role is a mammoth task, especially for a young performer. Both Kahli Davis and Sophie Russitto, performing as Charity for alternate performances, rose to the challenge. They gave excellent performances that were exciting, funny and believable."

"They were well supported by Tom Rumbelow as the bumbling Oscar Lindquist (Charity's love interest) and Vicky Batley, Mair Mills and Hattie Eason as Charity's long suffering friends who pick up the pieces every time the love of her life doesn't turn out to be what she hoped for."

"Ben Vickery did a good job as the film star heart throb Vittorio Vida, displaying a beautifully rich tenor voice. And, Lee Rahn got every ounce of comedy out of the foot tapping show stopper Rhythm of Life."

Strode Performing Arts students next big performance will be a dance show in June.

02/03/10 - Strode Students Fund-Raising Fashion for Cancer Research

London fashion week may have ended, but you can still get a fashion fix at the Strode students' charity fashion show on Wednesday 17 March. The show is being organised by the Strode Students Association to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. Male and female staff and students will model clothes supplied by the Cancer Research shop in Glastonbury, showing that style doesn't have to cost the earth.

The event will take place at Glastonbury Town Hall on Wednesday 17 March; doors open at 7pm. The evening will begin with acoustic music from Strode students, followed by the fashion show. Refreshments and a clothes sale will follow, accompanied by more music.

Tickets, which cost £3 or £2.50 concessions, are available from the Cancer Research shop, Glastonbury and the Strode College shop. Tickets can also be purchased for £4 at the door on the night. All proceeds from the sale of tickets and clothes will be donated to Cancer Research UK.

Gaby Vauclair, one of the students organising the fashion show, is keen to drum up support. She said: "Cancer Research UK is one the College's student-nominated charities and we hope to raise as much money as possible in this event. Although the evening will be light-hearted and entertaining, a lot of work from the Student's Association has gone into the organisation. I really hope that we get the support we need to make this event successful."

Ester Gooderson from Cancer Research Glastonbury said: "It isn't often that young people come forward and take the lead on a project like this. We welcome any fundraising opportunity, but we were particularly delighted when the students approached us with the idea of a charity fashion show."

22/02/10 - Strode Marathon Fundraiser

Strode College is entering a team of 40 runners in the Bath Half Marathon on Sunday 7 March. Students will be joined by staff and guests, including a chicken and an egg, in one of the biggest running events in the South West.

The Strode team are running for the College Gambia project. They are hoping to raise well over £3,000 to complete the purchase of furnishings and computers for the youth centre they have funded in the Gambian village of Tujereng.

There will be a variety of costumes on display in the Strode team. The chicken is a member of the Strode teaching staff and the egg is a student. The question is - who will come first, the chicken or the egg?

Strode Business Studies Lecturer Ian Williams has enjoyed organising the team. He said: "Whilst training has been mixed over the winter months the effort has addressed important aspects of Strode life other than charitable work. There is a great sense of achievement in the teamwork, particularly amongst those of us who have battled, with varying degrees of success, to lose a few pounds since the festive season."

Student Support Manager, Bill Scott said: "Along with bringing more sport into Strode, the team have had lots of fun. This may well see the start of a running club here, the interest seems large enough".

17/02/10 - Strode Quizzes School Leavers About Making Informed Choices

Strode College in Street is committed to helping school leavers make informed decisions about their future study and career choices. With this in mind, the College visited year 11 pupils at King Arthurs School, Wincanton, to talk about the courses available at Strode and different aspects of College life.

Pupils were encouraged to read prospectuses carefully and to seek advice and guidance when deciding what to do after school. Strode ran a quiz at the event with answers based on information in their prospectus, and certificates and vouchers were presented to winners.

The winners pictured (left to right) with Assistant Headteacher Dave Dwyer are: Billy Illingworth, Cheyanne Lang-Andersen, Jessica Seal and Hannah Symes-Davidson, and Mathew Wiles (pictured separately).

Strode is currently accepting applications for both full-time A Level and vocational courses starting in September. Further information is available from 01458 844400 or on our website.

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