NEW and returning students at Strode College learnt how to get involved with enrichment activities at this year's freshers' fair.
The fair takes place at the start of term to help students find enrichment activities, ranging from sports clubs to volunteering.
This year's fair took place on Friday, September 9 and featured over 60 stands.
New students at the college in Street are studying a range of courses including A levels, T levels, and professional and technical courses.
They took time to explore the stands displayed by clubs and services, outside agencies offering information and advice, and interest groups.
Students and staff were able to have their hair and nails done at the College's Hair and Beauty Salon stand and have pictures taken with their friends at a free photo booth.
John Revill, Strode College principal, said: “Our freshers’ fair is a great opportunity for students to explore opportunities and activities which they can pursue alongside their main course of study.
“There are many clubs, societies and interest groups to join and a key focus on giving students the guidance and awareness to ensure they have a balanced and healthy approach to life and study.
“Students are encouraged to access the right information to make informed decisions to support their career aspirations and ensure they have the key skills necessary to prepare them for higher education and employment.”
Students could choose from five competitive sports and seven other sporting enrichment activities (badminton, table tennis, trampolining, self-defence, indoor bowls, boccia, and basketball).
They could also sign up to the Performing Arts Department's production of Grease, sustainability projects, and represent other organisations such as Amnesty International, The Christian Union, Feed Avalon, and In The Mix Project.
There were also stands for higher education at the University of Exeter and higher apprenticeship offered through Strode College to help students plan their next steps.
One student, James Zhou from Curry Rivel, who attended Huish Episcopi Academy before Strode College, is studying four A levels.
He took part in activities aimed at helping students enjoy themselves safely while studying at Strode College, including a Somerset Road Safety stand featuring VR headsets letting them test their reflexes if affected by alcohol.
He said: “When I put the goggles on it blacked out and then these blurry images appeared, I felt dizzy, is not a fun thing to be drunk!”
A Public Services Level 3 student from Yeovil, Bessie Mitchell, added: “I want to volunteer and learn from the experience and make a difference.
“I really find Strode College different from my school, not only is much bigger - teachers treat me as an adult and I like that.
“I am amazed at how quickly everything is happening we have trips and many other events already lined up.
“I am thinking about signing up for the self-defence class offered at Strode Sports.”
For more information about Strode College, visit www.strode-college.ac.uk.
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