Strode College in Street is celebrating outstanding achievements by last year's students through its annual awards held in April 2023.

Students who completed their courses last year were nominated by their teachers for awards in one of 24 categories, based on outstanding performance on their course and exceptional personal qualities.

Most of those who received awards had completed A Levels and vocational qualifications last year, but there were also awards for Higher Education Student of the Year, Adult Student of the Year, Apprentice of the Year, the Rachael House Award for Skills for Life, and Success Against the Odds.

John Revill Principal and CEO said, "All our students succeed in their own right, gaining the skills and knowledge for their next steps, but some go above and beyond what is required. These awards are for those students that, regardless of their starting point, excel and achieve to the best of their ability. We do not want to miss the opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge their amazing achievements. Massive congratulations to all our award winners, finalists, and commended students. They're all winners in our eyes and should be incredibly proud of their achievements."

In recognition of their outstanding contribution, all winners received an engraved glass plaque, with finalists, winners and highly commended students receiving a signed certificate from the College.

This years' award winners include:

Hair, Barbering and Beauty Student of the Year – Chelsea Stanley

Studied: Beauty Therapy Techniques Level 3 Home town: Castle Cary Previous school: Ansford Academy

Chelsea was an excellent student at both Level 2 and Level 3, who overcame significant health challenges and never let this affect her work or stand in the way of what she wanted to achieve. Chelsea has such a positive and cheerful outlook on life, which helped to carry her through and despite some low periods in health, she maintained high levels of attendance and succeeded with distinctions at Level 3.

Chelsea's helpful and caring nature made her a fantastic role model to others and she went out of her way to help others within the class. Following her week's work experience placement, Chelsea went on to secure a job and is now working full-time at a local spa undertaking a variety of tasks.

John Lewis Award for Science – Abbey Hughes

Studied: A Level - A Levels - Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and Extended Project Qualification Home town: Street Previous school: Crispin School

Abbey is recommended this award due to her tremendous resilience, and ability to remain calm and positive in her attitude. Abbey did not initially thrive at her Science A Levels - she found Biology to be somewhat challenging and Chemistry to be a real struggle! Indeed, her year two January mocks were not promising. Despite personal challenges she arrived at college very early each morning, stayed late each afternoon and generally showed an incredible determination to succeed. She was rewarded with an A at Biology and a B at Chemistry (and a B at Psychology) and achieved her dream of a place on a Veterinary Medicine course at the RVC in London. Rarely has a successful outcome been so richly deserved.

Business Student of the Year – Maddie Helyar

Studied: Business Level 3 Extended Diploma Home town: Yeovil Previous school: Stanchester Academy

Maddie showed promise from day one, working tirelessly throughout her two years. Maddie achieved distinctions in 12 of her 13 units, attaining D*D*D* overall. A positive and enthusiastic perspective on learning enabled Maddie to support her peers as well as bring a mature understanding of business concepts. Her passion for business extended to her successful application to Cardiff Metropolitan University where she is studying International Tourism.

Engineering and Technology Student of the Year – Owen Roberts

Studied: Engineering Level 3 Extended Diploma Home town: Shepton Mallet Previous school: Whitstone School

Owen was an excellent and engaged student who completed his Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering with a D*D*D* - the highest achievable grade. From the start he showed a great work ethic and a meticulous approach to his studies. All the Engineering tutors have noted his positive attitude, politeness and how his ability grew throughout the two years on the course. Owen's mature outlook and focus was outstanding within his class, and he was always willing to support fellow peers when required.

A worthy nominee of this award. Well done, Owen!

English Student of the Year – Ellen Johnson

Studied: A Levels: English Literature, English Language, Sociology and Extended Project Qualification Home town: Shepton Mallet Previous school: Whitstone School

Ellen was a student of both English Language and English Literature at A Level. Throughout her time at college she was a joy to teach and an asset to her classes because of her bright and enthusiastic disposition and her light-hearted sense of humour. Always reliable with deadlines, with outstanding attendance and fantastic communication with her lecturers, students as resilient and quietly hard working as Ellen might feel overlooked, so we are delighted to take this opportunity to appreciate her both as a student and an individual.

Health and Care Student of the Year – Iola Hannam

Studied: Health & Social Care Level 3 Extended Diploma

Iola had faced significant struggles before coming to Strode and found it incredibly difficult to engage and learn. She arrived at College thinking that many other services had given up on her and her ability to pull through the challenges she was facing. Through support from staff and her peers she built resilience, becoming a support to her peers when they found things challenging. I'd like to quote from one of Iola's emails: "You picked a girl who was lost and scared, allowing her to study and get her life back, now I've left flourishing and in tears over a home that was a college and a family that was a team of crazy teachers".

Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Student of the Year – Katie Cordery

Studied: Hospitality, Travel & Tourism Level 3 Diploma Home town: Wells

Previous school: Crispin School

Katie was a hardworking and diligent student meeting all deadlines and course work and achieving D*D* in both her Level 3 diplomas in Hospitality and in Travel and Tourism. Katie's willingness and people skills have enabled her to provide the highest levels of service, reflected currently through various customer service roles and settings including at Bristol Airport and within retail. Following her successful completion of the course, Katie has a deferred place at university and is currently taking a year in the industry to further gain valuable experience.

Humanities Student of the Year – Hazel Peters

Studied: A Levels - Law, Philosophy & English Literature

Home town: Shepton Mallet Previous school: Whitstone School

Hazel wins the prize for being the best Humanities student both for her outstanding achievement in winning a place to read Law at Worcester College, Oxford and also for showing considerable fortitude in doing so. It is seldom that even the best of students get three A*s at A Level but Hazel did, and she achieved this despite having to battle a number of disruptions to her learning, showing true commitment and determination which I know will stand her in good stead for her future studies. Well done Hazel.

IT Student of the Year – Matthew Williams

Studied: Digital Production, Design & Development T Level Home town: Wells

Previous school: Blue School

Matt was enthusiastic about the new T Levels from day one and spent every waking hour making sure that he understood the content that could support his learning on the course. However, he was also selfless in making sure that everyone else was well supported and helped out at all open evenings in promoting the course to new and potential students. He achieved a Distinction overall and will no doubt achieve a great deal in this field.

Media Student of the Year – Harry Clemas

Studied: Creative Media Production Level 3 Extended Diploma

Home town: Taunton Previous school: Huish Episcopi Academy

Harry Clemas was an excellent student who gained the highest grade of Distinction on the Level 3 Creative Media Production course (Equivalent to A*A*A*). He would often support other students and was an amazing positive influence on them. As with other students in his year group, Harry was affected by the lockdowns, but he bounced back and started to produce some excellent work. The three short films he produced for the final extended project were impressive and showed his methodical attention to detail and featured in the Media Showcase at Strode Theatre in June. Harry has now started his studies at University and has been invited back to talk to our current media students.

Brian Jefferson Award for Maths – Liam Davenport -Miller

Studied: A Levels Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Extended Project Qualification Home town: Frome Previous school: Ansford Academy

Liam was arguably our hardest working student last year. He came to us with high GCSE grades, but didn't technically meet our entry criteria to study Further Maths. After being accepted onto the course and initially finding it challenging, he listened intently, took on all advice given and achieved A*s in every subject. He was a perfectionist and an excellent student.

Richard Frapwell Award for Modern Foreign Languages – Sylvie Paton

Studied: A Levels - French, English Language, English Literature Home town: Glastonbury

Undeterred by having had her two A Level years disrupted by Covid lockdowns and absence, Sylvie wanted to complete the French course so returned for a third year. In class Sylvie was always keen to know more and would ask searching questions, always keen to explore above and beyond in her study of the subject. She'd follow French personalities on social media, and when walking into college she'd listen to French podcasts. Her enthusiasm, along with this admirable appetite for knowledge deserves this nomination, and we wish her continuing success in all she does.

Music and Performing Arts Student of the Year – James Bamford

Studied: Performing Arts Level 3 Extended Diploma Home town: Yeovil

Previous school: Westfield Academy

During his time at Strode, James' energy and enthusiasm for the Arts inspired those around him. He played the lead role in the College production Footloose, and wowed our audiences with his talent and obvious passion for performing. After completing the Performing Arts Extended Diploma at Strode last year with a Triple Distinction, James was awarded a place at London Studio Centre to study Dance and Musical Theatre. James is the Founder and Artistic Director of the non-profit organisation Project Dance, and has recently finished filming the upcoming new movie 'Barbie', which will be released in cinemas in July 2023.

Social Sciences Student of the Year – Abigail Mortimer-Ball

Studied: A Levels - Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and Extended Project Qualification Home town: Stroke-Sub-Hamden

Previous school: Stanchester Academy

Abigail brought intelligence and understanding to the study of Psychology but had to find compromise with her personal style. However, she had the maturity to accept this and worked to produce appropriately academic essays that fitted her own style of writing and thought processes in Psychology. By the end of the course, she was able to understand, evaluate and apply her knowledge in a meaningful way. It was impressive to see her adapt the demands of the exam to her own particular style and achieve the highest grade possible of A*.

Sport and Public Services Student of the Year AND Principal's Award - Emerging Leader – Evie Duncan

Studied: Sport Level 3 Extended Diploma Home town: Meare

Previous school: St Dunstan's School

Evie completed her Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport with a D*D*D* grade, an outstanding grade achieved at the end of a turbulent two-year course. She started her studies as a shy, quiet and dyslexic student, but the quality of her work did all the talking! Evie really flourished on the course not only developing exemplary academic skills but also in her personal growth. She has fully embraced her coaching and has supplemented this with additional external courses – this has seen her level of confidence grow exponentially and resulted in a place at Bath University studying Sports Management and Coaching.

Visual Arts (2D/3D) Student of the Year – Gaby Hodgman

Studied: Art and Design Foundation Diploma Home town: Edington

Previous school: Crispin School

Gaby came to the art foundation as a talented fine art student changing direction to study Graphics at university level. Having no formal portfolio or evidence of the subject, she worked extensively to produce new work on top of her academic full-time studies, coming to college regularly when the rest of the cohort were away in order to work with staff to upskill as quickly as possible. Gaby took the lead in successfully designing the college End of Year Art show poster. For her end-of-year assignment Gaby produced a professional grade set of zines and unique photography exploring the environmental impact of the fashion

industry, copies of which were purchased by multiple staff at college. Gaby completed the year by securing a prestigious place at Kingston University in London on the Graphic design programme. She is proof that if you want something enough; with hard work comes reward. She thoroughly deserves this nomination for going above and beyond to secure her success.

Adult Student of the Year – Sarah Stott

Studied: Functional Skills in English & Maths

Home town: Wells

Sarah arrived at Strode College in September 2021 to study Functional Skills Maths & English qualifications. Sarah completed every topic above and beyond her topic. She did extra work at home overcoming anxieties and passing her Level 1 in Maths on the first try. Later in the year passing Level 1 & 2 in English Skills Qualification. She always arrived at her sessions with a smile on her face showing a professional attitude to her learning.

Overall A Level Student of the Year – Hazel Peters

Studied: A Levels - Law, Philosophy & English Literature

Home town: Shepton Mallet

Previous school: Whitstone School

It was apparent from day one Hazel was an exceptional individual. She made it clear she wanted to get to Oxford to read Law. Achieving academic excellence is about endeavour, endurance, hard work, and determination. No matter the challenges, Hazel managed to produce the work required impressively. Her application to Oxford was supported with glowing references by her teachers. She convinced the panel she was the person they wanted to teach. Her application is being used today by her teachers to show other Strode students how to apply.

Apprentice of the Year – Tabi Martin

Studied: Production Chef Apprenticeship

Home town: Glastonbury

Tabi was nominated due to her exemplary dedication and commitment to her Chef's Apprenticeship. She quickly progressed to a busier venue as she showed great potential, here she received rave reviews and started running her own unit and assisting the Head Chef. She always went the extra mile covering colleagues shifts and working extra hours. The same determination was shown in college where she showed great skills. Tabi gets supported by her employer and is currently entering National Chef Competitions.

Emma Grainger Higher Education Award for Endeavour – Natalie Hodgson

Studied: English with Creative Writing Foundation Degree

Home town: Wedmore

Natalie was diagnosed with a condition which severely impeded her ability to tolerate the flickering of computer screens. It all happened while sessions took place on Zoom during lockdown. She spent much time in hospital visits and doctor's appointments, but her determination and good organisation enabled her to catch up with course work completing her Foundation Degree in English with Creative Writing. She landed a great job after with the Somerset Chamber of Commerce.

Higher Education Student of the Year – Emily Keen

Studied: English with Creative Writing Foundation Degree

Home town: Shepton Mallet

Emily joined the English with Creative Foundation Degree while going through difficult family circumstances. A highly organised person, great planner, and sharp thinker she managed the class workload and took every opportunity to excel. She was class rep, wrote an article for 'What's on Somerset' magazine on the course and its advantages, gave guidance on Digital Marketing to students from the year below and co-wrote the highest selling Panto production 'Cinderella' for Strode Theatre in 2022. She attended her graduation pregnant with twins looking radiant. Congratulations!

Rachael House Award for Skills for Life – John Custodio

Home town: Glastonbury

Previous school: Whitstone School

John had another successful year at Strode College. He overcame many barriers to become the independent learner he is today. He has mastered many new skills and become a role model to other supporting students with additional needs helping them achieve their own goals.

Overall Vocational Studies Student of the Year – Matthew Williams

Studied: Digital Production, Design & Development T Level

Home town: Wells

Previous school: Blue School

Matthew was approachable and hungry to learn, he pushed himself to learn other skills outside the computer area. As a result, got a great qualification. He is a team leader and player, brought students together naturally guiding and assisting them. He showed a great deal of maturity for his age. He always volunteered on Open Evenings as a student ambassador and sold the course to potential students, explaining in detail why they should come on board. He was like an additional member of staff. Well done!

Success Against the Odds – Harrison Lovett

Studied: Hospitality Apprenticeship

Home town: Yeovil

Having joined Strode College in the Foundation Programme several years ago, Harrison has been on an amazing journey. He has many special educational needs and has overcome significant medical challenges. Perseverance, commitment, and outstanding qualities have strengthened him managing to achieve distinction on his Level 2 apprenticeship in Hospitality, even lockdown could not stop the hero that is Harrison Lovett.