On Wednesday 5th January 2011 Ashton Sixth Form College held its annual Prize Giving and Reunion Evening.

Doctor George Holmes, Vice Chancellor of The University of Bolton was the guest speaker for the evening and used the opportunity to speak to the audience about the value of Higher Education.

Certificates were distributed by Head of Governors Keith Trelfa with subject prizes being awarded to outstanding students from each subject area; including AS, A-Level and Diploma levels with some subject areas handing out up to 8 awards. There were also a number of Special Awards handed out at the ceremony:

The Chris Woodhead Prize for Business – Neil Patel

Sponsored by the College’s Business department in memory of Christopher Woodhead, an outstanding student who died suddenly in October 2009 shortly after starting a degree at The University of York.

The Drugs Awareness Prize – Chelsie Cannon

An iPod was donated by NCL in recognition of the large number of ASFC students who achieved the qualification and was presented to the student who demonstrated the most effort.

The Inclusive Learning Prize – Stephanie Lumley

Awarded for overcoming significant barriers to learning in order to gain outstanding achievement.

The Stephen Young Politics Prize – Hope Martin

Sponsored by the family of Stephen Young, an inspiring History and Politics teacher at the College who died prematurely aged 38 in 2009. This prize is awarded to the student who demonstrates the keenest enthusiasm for Politics.

The Clayton History Prize – Ciara Graham

This prize is sponsored by Mr David Clayton who was the head of History at ASFC from 1973 to 1999 and who then became the Student Support Manager until his retirement in 2004.

The Fraser Prize for Modern Languages – Holly Madden

This prize is sponsored by the wife of Mr Alex Fraser who was the head of German at Ashton Grammar School, and later Ashton Sixth Form College, from 1960 until his death in 1991.

The Leo Blockley Prize for Mathematics – Adam Denny

This prize is sponsored by the parents of a former student at Ashton Sixth Form College who died tragically, aged 21, in a canoeing accident whilst rowing with the Oxford University Lightweight Rowing Club in 200. Leo was an outstanding Maths Scholar.

The Principal’s Awards sponsored by Ashton Sixth Form College Principal Dr Janet Nevin aim to recognise outstanding contribution in the following areas;

Academic Progress – Jian Peng Su

Vocational Progress – Stephanie Lumley

Contribution to college life – Murad Mubin

Ashton Sixth Form College will also be offering scholarships to exceptional students in their first year of college.  Students were chosen after enrolment and receive a cheque as a reward for their achievements.

Academic – Stephanie White, Georgia Hulmes

Performing Arts – Anthony Leung, Stephanie Tansella, Ellie Woodhouse

Sport – Georgia Taylor-Brown, Ryan Westwood

After certificates and awards had been collected there was an opportunity for leavers who have started their University courses or are now in employment to get together and catch-up on all that’s been happening since September. The event was a real success and a great way of recognising the hard work and commitment needed to succeed in Further Education.