Strode College in Street had no option but to cancel its Annual Student Awards Event this year, as we find ourselves in unprecedented times, where normal ways of working and socialising have been completely disrupted.

There will be much that we all can learn from these months, for example adapting and improving the ways in which we work, as well as evaluating what is really important in our lives, but college staff still wanted to find a way to recognise and celebrate the achievements of the students.

A spokesperson for the college said: "We are so proud of our students and so we have sent them a commemorative programme and the supporting videos that we had put together for the event.

"In addition all of our finalists, winners and highly commended students will receive a signed certificate from the college.

"For those students who have won an award, they will have the opportunity to come in to college to collect the award in person.

"So, a huge congratulations to all of our students who have been finalists, winners and highly commended in the Student Awards.

"You are all winners and should be proud of your achievements - we certainly are very proud of you at Strode.

"On behalf of the staff and governors of Strode College we wish you all the very best for the future.

"We know you will all go on to achieve amazing things. We would like all students to stay in touch with us.

"We love to hear about what you go on to do after life at Strode and anyone interested in being a guest speaker at a future awards evening, please let us know."

Below are the winners of the Strode College Student Awards (2018-2019), with comments from the college.

Hair, Barbering and Beauty Student of the Year

Kieran Holdsworth:

Kieran was extremely motivated and focused throughout and had excellent attendance. Kieran obtained work experience in Jacobs in Wells and spent time shadowing at the barber shop every minute in his spare time. This paid off when he was given a part-time job covering for a barber who went travelling and then eventually securing a full-time job. He was determined to complete his Level 3 while working.

John Lewis Award for Science Student of the Year

James Hubbuck:

From the start of his time at Strode, James showed himself to be an extremely hard-working and diligent student. He had an inquisitive approach to studying sciences, always wanting to explore beyond topics and find out more. Unsurprisingly, his exemplary work ethic and mature attitude enabled him to achieve the outstanding result of an A* for both Biology and Environmental Science. Congratulations James.

Business Student of the Year

Liam Andrews:

Liam was a model learner in every respect. He developed a rock solid understanding of every topic area and became an expert in showing that understanding in clear and concise written responses. His contributions to class discussion and willingness to help fellow learners undoubtedly had a positive effect on their final grade too. Liam displayed a genuine enthusiasm for Business and rarely has an A* been more deserved.

Engineering and Technology Student of the Year

Oliver Allman:

Oliver came to study engineering from one of our local schools with an excellent GCSE profile in the September of 2017. His progress on the course was excellent and he achieved an overall grade of D*D*D* at the end of the two year course. His work was always done to a very high standard and this, coupled with his excellent grade has allowed and encouraged him to further his studies by undertaking an HND in Engineering here at Strode College.

English Student of the Year

Beth Hubble:

Beth was an exceptional student of English Literature. Her natural affinity for the subject was particularly apparent in her independent comparison coursework piece, which displayed a level of research and understanding far above that of many undergraduate students. Impressive widely read, Beth could be relied upon to identify nuanced references within our set texts and offer perceptive and insightful comments in class.

Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Student of the Year

Sam Thurgood:

Sam was a diligent, conscientious and hardworking student taking an intrinsic, motivated approach to any task set. He was enthusiastic, yet meticulous in his approach to research and always provided detailed examples both within class and assignments from his past experience, including employment. Sam achieved D*D*D* and received the national BTEC Silver Award for Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Student of the Year 2019. He has progressed to Plymouth University to study BSc Hons in Cruise Management.

Health and Care Student of the Year

Ben Davis:

Right from the start Ben demonstrated mature leadership skills; immersing himself into college life, he quickly became involved as a student representative and governor. As a Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care student he displayed core care values in all his interactions with peers, staff and on work placement with service users. Ben had to overcome unexpected health issues and was instrumental in developing a sensory garden using the greenhouse and raised flower beds. Ben's unwavering determination and effort enabled him to achieve triple D* grades and is now studying social sciences at Bath Spa University.

Humanities Student of the Year

Grace Dallimore:

Grace was one of our top A Level students in 2019, achieving AAA* in Geology, Geography and Environmental Science respectively. She worked incredibly hard across her subjects and showed a keen interest, attending all the available field trips including Iceland in 2018. Her Geography coursework involved over 20,000 words on the identity of Wells for which she almost achieved full marks. In Geology she developed high quality practical skills in the lab and in the field; she is currently studying the subject at Cardiff University.

IT and Media Student of the Year

Alex Ewins:

Alex made the very most of the opportunities available at Strode. He successfully completed the Level 2 Media course in 2017, then achieved a DDD grade at Level 3 in 2019 and progressed on to a media course at university. He was a positive and motivating influence on the other students in the group and would always be happy to help them with their coursework. Alex always volunteered himself for extra curricula activities and played a key role in the media production teams filming shows, events and music performances.

Brian Jefferson Award for Maths

Charlie Graham:

Charlie was our top performing Mathematician last year. He participated in the team and individual Maths Challenge and achieved the highest score in the College two years running. He then went on to achieve a distinction in the British Maths Olympiad. With a natural aptitude for maths, Charlie was also very humble. He was always keen to learn and happy to help others.

Richard Frapwell Award for Modern Foreign Languages

Will Pate:

Will's command of French astounded all of us from the beginning, although he has no French relatives and had never lived there. After two years of fine-tuning his linguistic skills and immersing himself in the culture of his favourite country, he went off to study in Paris, where presumably, they may not notice that he is not actually French.

Music and Performing Arts Student of the Year

Theo Wakling:

I first met Theo when I think he must have been around fourteen years old and I was judging the Glastonbury battle of the bands. He stood out then as an idealistic and passionate young man who was developing a considerable talent. He didn't win that night but I remember him listening intently to his feedback. He was always the first to volunteer for any events, always reliable, always there to help. His performances and song-writing went from strength to strength as he learnt more and developed his talents. Theo began to compose interesting instrumental pieces that were performed for the Rural Media Trust concert. Jeremy Irons listened intently to Theo's song in his sound check at Wells Cathedral concert for Somerset. Jeremy asked me questions about him and then went to talk to the sound crew to ask them to turn Theo up. I will never forget Theo's face when Jeremy Irons quoted Theo's lyrics in his speech at the end of the concert. Theo achieved an A* in Music A Level, which is a very difficult A Level to achieve, especially without formal musical training. Theo has gone on to study music at Leeds.

Social Sciences Student of the Year

Julia Noga:

Julia was an outstanding student gaining the first A* in Politics for several years. She has gone on to study Law at Cambridge. Julia also gained an A* in EPQ, an A* in Law and an A in English Language.

Sport and Public Services Student of the Year

Cherrie Culliford:

From the start of the course to the end Cherrie was always focused, dedicated and a role model for the group. With her positive attitude and motivational nature she became the hub on which the group was centred. Achieving D*D*D* through her hard work she has now moved on to the Foundation Degree in Public Services. A role model for any student.

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

Will Sudding:

Will was a terrific Art Foundation student with particularly strong painting skills. He met all of the College assignment expectations and made the most of every opportunity. He visited Thailand early in the spring term and this experience provided the inspiration for his Final Major Project. As well as recording the culture, people and architecture of the Far East, Will returned to the UK with a broken arm. Many students might have slowed down with an arm in plaster, but Will ploughed on with his challenging final project and the work he produced for the end of year show was fantastic. This ambitious wall based sculptural work included painted portrait work, lighting and fans that animated illuminated panels. This large and innovative piece also included hidden UV signage to be uncovered by the audience using ultraviolet torches. Strong progress throughout the course and an outstanding level 4 final show ensured that Will completed the programme with a distinction grade before progressing on to study BA Civil Engineering at Leeds.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award

Megan Agnew:

Megan was a key player as part of a very well organised expedition group. Megan was always motivational in her approach with the group and took the lead when it came to navigation, demonstrating real navigation skills. She was in good spirits throughout the expedition and helped to cheer everyone up with singing and good humour. Over the two years she completed each of the five disciplines in excellent time covering girl guiding with the 1st Cheddar Brownies, horse riding and volunteering with children at the Avalon Camps. An inspiration and role model deserving of the Gold award.

Faye Bentley:

Faye was also a key player as part of the same well organised expedition group. Faye was always positive in her approach with the group and when the going got difficult she could always be relied upon to show determination and see the positive side of any situation. Over the two years she completed each of the five disciplines in excellent time covering charity work, fitness, working with the National Citizen Service and creative arts. A role model deserving of the Gold award.

Special Achievement Award

Joe Nelson:

Joe receiving this award from Strode College is a great achievement for the hard work and dedication he has put into his handball over the last year. As well as studying a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport, his efforts and desire to achieve high marks are a testament to him. Joe has the ability to go even further with his handball and I wish him the best of luck for the future and am very proud of the award he has received, and it shows that all the hard work he has put in is paying off for him.

Florence Human:

Florence truly deserves this special award as, alongside studying hard for her A Levels, she represented the South West region at the British Dressage Youth Inter Regional Championships, and then again for England in the Home International Championships. For example one weekend after attending Reading Festival, she dashed up to Boston, Lincs, to take part in the British Dressage Summer National Freestyle Championships (dressage to music) - she came third in the Elementary Gold class but then won the higher level, Medium Silver class. Florence loves her music and worked with a local music editor who specialises in Dressage to music to create the accompaniment. She chose extracts from her favourite musical, Hamilton. Florence is now a National Champion. Well done Florence.

Adult Student of the Year:

Will James – Highly Commended

Overall A Level Studies Student of the Year:

James Hubbuck – Highly Commended

Apprentice of the Year:

Dixie Greenslade – Highly commended

Higher Education Student of the Year:

Jack Jarvis – Highly Commended

Rachael House Award for Skills for Life:

Khalil Masre – Highly Commended

Overall Vocational Studies Student of the Year:

Thomas Clifford – Highly Commended

Principal's Award – Emerging Leader:

Coral Ceneri – Winner

Finalists

Finalist for Hair, Barbering and Beauty Student of the Year

Ethan Bull

Finalist for John Lewis Award for Science Student of the Year

Harriet Mahoney

Finalist for Engineering and Technology Student of the Year

Harrison Ashby

Finalist for English Student of the Year

Maddi Ward Ferguson

Finalist for Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Student of the Year

Lisa Barclay

Finalist for Health and Care Student of the Year

George Dennis

Finalist for Humanities Student of the Year

Kattiea Ward Devereux

Finalist for Brian Jefferson Award for Maths

Sam Briar

Finalist for Richard Frapwell Award for Modern Foreign Languages

James Ward

Finalist for Music and Performing Arts Student of the Year

Beth Millward

Finalist for Social Sciences Student of the Year

Georgina Isaacs

Finalist for Sport and Public Services Student of the Year

Ella Kearvell

Finalist for Visual Arts (2D/3D) Student of the Year