Now that current Year 11s are not having to sit exams this summer, due to the ongoing pandemic, Strode College in Street realised that as a school leaver at an important stage of their life, they may be finding it hard to remain motivated and positive when thinking about their future options.

Staff wanted to let them know that Strode College is here to support and encourage them with all of their future study and career plans, that their place is secure and they will be doing a course with Strode when it reopens.

It is important at this time for students to keep an interest in the subjects they will be studying and to read around their subject.

So in order to support them in their transition to Strode this September, the college has today (June 1) launched a new initiative called Step into Strode for all applicants.

Step into Strode is an initiative the college has developed to keep students motivated and interested in their future study plans, as well as giving them the opportunity to meet "virtually" some fellow students and some of the teachers that they would have met during the pre-induction day under normal circumstances.

The programme will enable students to start finding out more about the courses they have applied for.

By participating in online Zoom lessons over a four-week period and completing engaging tasks students will also develop some of the skills they will be using when they start with Strode.

There are some resources specific to the course students will be studying at Strode. These resources are unique to Strode College and have been written specifically for Year 11 applicants.

They will help them think ahead, integrate with the college community and help keep students motivated ready to begin in September.

If you have applied to Strode already, you will have been emailed an exclusive access link to Step into Strode programme.

To participate in the Step into Strode online Zoom sessions parents/carers will need to complete the online form detailed in the email.

For those who would still like to be involved in this transition programme, but who cannot participate in the Zoom sessions, the Step into Strode transition resources can still be accessed here: https://bit.ly/2TYMHTm.

Strode College CEO and principal Katy Quinn said: "We know that one of the key things that makes Strode the first choice for so many school leavers, is the outstanding personal support that our students experience.

"The current situation meant we needed to find a new and different way to run the annual pre-induction day.

"We had transitioned many of our internal meetings to Zoom and staff were finding they enjoyed hugely the interaction with their colleagues, albeit it was on a screen.

"So, with this is mind we considered how we could mirror this sense of community for our new students, enabling them to meet their teachers and some of their future fellow friends.

"While digital communications will never be able to replace the power of face to face, we're confident this is the best solution in the current climate.

"We are all missing the interaction with our students and looking forward to when we can welcome people back on to the campus, when it is safe to do so."

Strode has a selection of courses available including A-levels, T-levels, vocational courses and apprenticeships, with places still available if you want to apply.

If you have any questions or queries, contact the admissions team on [email protected] or call 01458 844401.

You can still join the Step into Strode programme once the collage has received your completed application form.