Newsletter - 2011 issue 1 - Strode College

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Valuing individuals and maximising potential Valuing individuals We ensure that all students maximise their potential by valuing them as individuals and supporting them through our pastoral system which provides one-to-one support for all students. Studying post-16 requires individual support for every student taking into consideration their individual circumstances. Our personal tutors work one-to-one to provide advice and guidance on progression after college, as well as academic mentoring and monitoring. They also work closely with students and parents and can draw on a range of specialist support from our Student Services team. This approach has proved successful for students who come to us with exceptional GSCE results or minimum entry requirements. Outstanding students Our top 50 A Level students in 2011 came to Strode with, on average, better than 10 GCSEs at grade A. Collectively they achieved 91% A*-B grades, with 18% A* and 69% A* and A, which compares very favourably with A Level students at independent schools across the region. These students are now studying at their chosen universities including Russell Group universities such as Oxford, Birmingham, Cardiff, King’s College London, Nottingham, Queen’s College Belfast, Sheffield, Southampton, University College London and Warwick; medical schools; other high performing universities like Durham, Exeter, Queen Mary’s London, Sussex and York, as well as taking gap years or progressing to the Art Foundation course at Strode. Creating opportunities not barriers We know that true potential does not always reveal itself early in the education system. Some people respond more positively to learning as they get older or if they change where and how they study. We accept students onto A Levels with a minimum of five grade C GCSEs and we do not insist on English and Maths or grade B in all subjects to be studied. Neither do our students have to gain a minimum grade for AS subjects before continuing the second year of A Levels. If we set the same entry requirements as other schools and colleges, 109 of our 2011 A Level students would have been excluded from study. At Strode they achieved 10 A*, 32 As, 72 Bs, 122 Cs, 84 Ds and 33 Es across 34 subjects. Getting the most out of life We recognise the value of social and personal development alongside hard work and learning, so we encourage our students to take part in other activities. They can choose from over 20 different sports activities, choir and music groups, cooking, creative writing, theatre groups, languages, debating, photography, film club, Bridge club and charity fundraising.
Student profiles Rebecca House Studied: A Level Geology A*, Geography A* and Maths A*, 2010 Previous School: Crispin School Where now? University of Cambridge studying Geography BA (Hons) “I chose to study at Strode because I was attracted to the modern facilities and welcoming atmosphere. The Geography course incorporates a wide range of human and physical topics, allowing me to develop my interest in the subject. The teaching is thorough and independent learning is encouraged which really suits me. There were several opportunities for field trips – I visited Iceland which was beneficial for both my Geography and Geology courses. Strode supported me throughout the university application process including helping me to prepare for interviews.” Nicholas Hill Studied: A Level Geology A*, Maths (Mechanics) A* and Physics A, 2011 Previous school: King Arthur’s Community School Where now? University of the West of England, Bristol, studying BSc Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management (part-time) whilst working as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor for Rhead Group “I’m ecstatic with my A Level results - this is more than I ever expected. I’ve already started a quantity surveyor job and my employer is supporting me through a five year part-time degree. I’ve got a salary, a car, and I’m going to be getting a degree – I’m sorted! Strode has been brilliant; the atmosphere, the teachers and the friends. I couldn’t have wished for a better college to spend two years at.” Helen Gosling Studied: A Level Maths (Statistics) A*, Biology A, Geography A, 2011 Previous school: St Dunstan’s Community School Where now? University of Nottingham studying Agriculture (Biosciences) BSc (Hons) “I chose to study at Strode because it has a good reputation, it was my local college and lots of my friends were going there too. The atmosphere was great and the teachers were really helpful. They understood how to help you and I found the extra teaching workshops really useful. My Biology teacher was excellent, she pushed me and gave me confidence about what I could do. I was really pleased with my A Level results and I’m having a great time at university. I’m getting involved in everything – I’ve got an allotment, I’m doing hockey and riding and I’m enjoying the lectures and the social life.” Jack Warman Studied: National Diploma in Media Production, Triple Distinction, 2011 Previous school: Ansford Academy Where now? University of Wales studying Advertising Design BA (Hons) “I chose Media Production because I wanted to study a subject that allowed me to work in a team and be creative. During my time at Strode I’ve been given a lot of useful experiences and with the help of the tutors I left college with a lot of happy memories and good quality work.” Hollie Roper Studied: A Level French A, German A and English Language A, 2010 Previous school: Whitstone School Where now? Oxford University studying German (BA (Hons) “Strode College has excellent facilities for learning languages, particularly the language lab, the computers and the opportunities to work with native speaking language assistants. The language teaching at Strode is fantastic. I’ve never been taught by staff of such a high standard and the teaching methods were great. One of my language teachers was also a careers advisor at Strode and, like me, he studied languages at Oxford. He was especially helpful and made sure my Oxford application included the right type of work to show off my strengths.“
Page 1: Make the right choice with Strode C
Page 5 and 6: Student profiles Helen Callaby Stud
Page 7 and 8: Student profiles Chelsey Seymour St

Newsletter - 2011 issue 1 - Strode College

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