Life after Strode

Between 2004 - 2006 around 750 level 3 (A Level and Vocational) Strode students progressed to honours degree places at universities around Britain. A further significant group progressed to pre-degree studies in the field of art and design. Many Strode students take gap years prior to attending university and travel, work or undertake voluntary work. Below are statements from former students, describing how their time at Strode College prepared them for life at university.

Maxine House
Graduated with BA Hons Oxon in Jurisprudence (Law) from Oxford University and Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from Oxford Institute of Legal Practice. Gained A Level French, English Language, History, Psychology and AS Level Maths at Strode College.

“Studying at Strode College helped me to prepare for university life by acting as a half-way-house between school and university.  It gave me the opportunity to develop skills such as balancing my workload with extra curricular activities, which became invaluable during my time at Oxford.

The Careers Team provided a wide range of literature and their door was always open for any questions I may have had.  The department also arranged a trip to an open day at Oxford University, which was particularly useful to me.

After completing my studies I decided to take some time out to travel around South America.  Since returning to England I have moved to London, where I will be starting work with a city law firm in March 2007.  I must then complete a two-year training contract with my employer in order to become fully qualified as a solicitor.”

Stephen Wellington
Studying Maths and Computer Sciences at Oxford University. Gained A Level Computing, Electronics, Maths, Physics and AS Level Further Maths at Strode College.

“Studying at Strode College was helpful for getting used to working independently and being more responsible for getting work done.  While I have had to put a lot of work into achieving my grades, the College and the tutors were very supportive when I needed help with the work

The Strode College Careers Team organised university open days and gave general guidance with applying to Oxford.

While I am yet to decide whether I want to work for myself or for a software company, success at college and hopefully at university will open many opportunities for me.”

Lucy Masters
Studying Natural Sciences at Cambridge University. Gained A Level Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths and AS Level Further Maths, French and Science for Public Understanding at Strode College.

“I really enjoyed my two years at Strode. Taking Further Mathematics was more of a challenge for me because our teacher stretched us beyond the syllabus and taught us at a faster pace than in normal Maths. This was very useful in preparing me for the much faster pace of university work. Studying A Levels here has also greatly improved my organisation and time management skills.

The Strode College Careers Team arranged for a group of us to join a scheme which allowed us to visit Trinity Hall, Cambridge and stay overnight there. This visit convinced me that I definitely wanted to apply. I also had an interview to help prepare me for my Cambridge interviews.

I’ve received lots of support from my teachers who have helped me to reach my potential and I have found Maths Workshops in lunchtimes to be especially useful.”

Nicola Bradley
Medicine student at Brighton and Sussex Medical School. Gained A Level Human Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and AS Level Archaeology at Strode College.

“There is a high standard of teaching at Strode College.  The Science Department, particularly Biology, was excellent and this certainly prepared me for Medicine. I have found there to be a lot of Psychology integrated into the Medicine course and the Psychology Department was very good at Strode in preparing me for this.

I am hoping to become a doctor, possibly a GP.”

Joanna Pennack
Studying Medicine at Oxford University. Gained A Level Human Biology, Chemistry, Mixed Maths, Psychology and AS Level Philosophy at Strode College.

“Strode College helped to bridge the gap between school and university - in that it helped me change my attitude towards study and become more independent.  On the whole Strode is a good college with friendly and enthusiastic teaching.

My tutor helped me to improve my personal statement, and also made me aware of various extra forms etc. that needed to be completed for an Oxbridge application (eg. for the BMAT). The Careers team motivated me to start looking at different universities, and to decide what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go.
I hope to be a doctor! Though which sort I am not sure.”

James Barrowman
Medicine student at Peninsula Medical School. Gained A Level Biology and Chemistry at Strode College.

“Strode College offered a much more relaxed learning environment.  Every student is given a personal tutor to make sure they heading in the right direction but it had more of a feeling of ‘it’s up to you’.  Strode College helped me prepare more for the mentality of university life when it comes to the right approach to learning.

The Careers Team initially advised me on how to best decide which universities to apply to.  They had information on my chosen course, such as how the course is structured, what the entry requirements were.  This was a great help as deciding where to apply is one of the hardest and most important choices to make as you have to be sure that the course, and also the place, is the right one for you.  Strode College helped me in both these aspects.  My chosen course required an interview before selection.  The Careers Team and teaching tutors were more than happy to provide practice interviews so that you feel better prepared.

The sporting academies at Strode College also provided excellent extra-curricular activities and the facilities were very impressive.

My hopes for the future are to firstly attain my degree. Then comes two years as a F1 and then F2 doctor.  After this I will decide which career in medicine I wish to pursue.”

Jennifer Spencer
Graduated with BA Hons in Psychology, Philosophy and Physiology from Oxford University. Gained AS and A Levels in Maths and Statistics, Biology, English Language and Music at Strode College.

“I knew very few people when I started at Strode College, so it’s thanks to the friendly, accepting nature of the college that I felt confident to go to university and integrate there.  The level of independence we were given also bridged the gap between school and uni, teaching us to start taking responsibility for our own learning.

I feel very lucky because every one of my tutors was excellent and supported me throughout my time at Strode.  I am particularly grateful to my music tutor and the A level Music course, which inspired me to pursue all my later musical endeavours.

The careers team ran a day trip to Oxford as an opportunity to look around a college and the wider city.  Once I’d decided to apply, the careers team provided information and optional mock interviews to support my application and give me an idea of what I was letting myself in for!

I am currently working in Yeovil Hospital to gain work experience for a medicine degree.  I’m also back at college part time studying A Level Chemistry.  Most of my free time is spent rehearsing as a vocalist with two rock bands.  Subject to being accepted, I hope to commence graduate medicine this September.  Music is also very important to me and I will continue to pursue the bands I am in and hope to record a solo album in the near future.”

Stuart Ladd
Graduated with BA Hons in Maths & Computer Science from Oxford University. Gained A Level Maths, Further Maths, Physics and German at Strode College.

“Strode College was a great environment to study in with friendly staff. With the support of my tutors and getting the necessary grades I felt prepared for university life.

My tutor helped me with my personal statement and arranging a mock interview for university.  The Careers Team also ran a coach trip to Oxford for their Open Day.
I am now working for an IT/Marketing Consultancy in East London whilst training for a CAT Accounting qualification.  Later in the year I plan to go travelling for 6 months, then go back to work for the same company.”

Helen Deakin
Medicine student at University College London. Gained A Level French, Chemistry and AS Level Science for Public Understanding at Strode College.

“As I had already sat my A Levels at a  different school my aim at Strode was to improve on my results to gain three A grades.  The Careers Team helped me re-apply to UCAS and re-write my personal statement as well as achieve my goals.

Strode is very much like a university which prepares you extremely well. There are many activities, sports and a diverse range of subjects to choose from at Strode.  It’s up to you what you take part in, so everyone has their own unique timetable suited to their needs.

I hope to become a paediatric consultant.”