Freshers' Fair is the go-to event at the beginning of term to find out everything students need to know about Strode College's enrichment activities, from singing up to sports, and volunteering, to joining associations and meeting other like-minded people. This year it kicked off with over 60 stands to help new and old students get involved.

It was great to see new faces starting at Strode College to study A Levels, T Levels, and Professional & Technical courses. As part of their induction, they enjoyed the College Freshers' Fair on Friday 9 September.

There was much excitement in the air as the students looked around the many stands displayed by college clubs and services, outside agencies offering information and advice, and interest groups inviting students to engage. Students and staff had a chance to have their hair and nails done at the College's Hair and Beauty Salon stand, and the chance to freeze the moment and have their photograph taken with friends at the free photo booth.

John Revill, Principal of Strode College 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."

Strode students were able to choose from five competitive sports plus seven other sporting enrichment activities (Badminton, Table Tennis, Trampolining, Self Defence, Indoor Bowls, Boccia, and Basketball). As well as sign up to audition for the new 'Grease' production organised by the Performing Arts Department, Strode sustainability projects, and many new organisations such as Amnesty International; The Christian Union, Feed Avalon, and In the Mix Project Charities. There were also stands to display Higher Education offers, The University of Exeter, and higher apprenticeships offered through Strode College to plan their next steps.

Students say it best. A few students shared their thoughts on the exhibition and gave positive feedback.

James Zhou from Curry Rivel attended Huish Episcopi Academy prior to joining Strode College. Currently, he is studying four A Levels: English Literature, Chemistry, English and Maths said he is enjoying Strode College. He likes how supportive teachers are and how they have many activities to engage students and give them a good experience during their time here. James enjoyed the Freshers' Fair, especially the Somerset Road Safety stand. He had a go at wearing the VR Headsets and testing his reflexes if affected by the influence of alcohol. "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!"

Daniel Bevan from Langport and former school Huish Episcopi Academy is studying A Levels and would like to become a Digital Marketer; he attended the fair with two other classmates. "I am having a great time at the fair. I stopped at the photo booth and then the glamorous nail parlour and I had my nails done. This is my second year visiting, it's filled with new information and things to do."

Bessie Mitchell from Yeovil and former Ansford Academy Student joined Strode College this year and is studying Public Services Level 3. Bessie greatly enjoyed her first visit to the Freshers' Fair, as she found out about all offers available. She stopped at The Volunteer Network stand, as she knows that it is something she will have to get involved in as part of the course. "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."

It was delightful to see so many students collecting leaflets and information and signing up to all activities at the Freshers' Fair. The event extended to returning students, all headed down to explore new organisations and to add their names to new productions and clubs.

There were 14 new organisations that joined Strode College this year's fair: Amnesty International, Strode's Christian Union, Feed Avalon, In the Mix Project, It's all about ME (Maths & English at Strode), Red Brick Building, Pluss Positive People, Spark Somerset Volunteering, Step Up, The Volunteering Network, University of Exeter, Wells Labour Party, The Alcohol Trust, and Sustainable Wells. A great event that keeps giving and growing.