The evening began with Music performances from some of our most talented Music students, including Silent Night and Happy Christmas (War is Over) performed by Dean Rowles (singing), James Booth (bass) and Alice Thompson (cornet). The ceremony began with speeches from College Principal Dr Janet Nevin and Longdendale High School Headteacher, Mr Matthew Bowker. Subject Prizes and awards were presented by Rachel Smirke (Head of Business Studies) and Tom Buxton-Cope (Head of Psychology) to outstanding students from each subject area including AS, A-Level and Diploma levels. There were also a number of Special Awards handed out at the ceremony:

Inclusive Learning Prize – Abbie Wilkinson

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

Chris Woodhead Prize for Business – Nikita French

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.

Clayton History Prize – Samuel Thomas

Sponsored by Mr David Clayton who was the head of History from 1973 and later Student Support Manager at the college until his retirement in 2004.

Fraser Prize for Modern Languages – Grace McAleer-Ryder

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

Leo Blockley Prize for Mathematics – Ben Fox

This prize is sponsored by the parents of Leo Blockley, a former student and brilliant mathematician, who died tragically, aged 21, in a rowing accident whilst training with the Oxford University Lightweight Rowing Club in 2000.

Stephen Young Politics Prize – Alice Ash

Sponsored by the family of Stephen Young, an inspiring History and Politics teacher at the College who died prematurely aged 36 in 2009. This prize is awarded to the student who demonstrates the keenest enthusiasm for Politics.

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 – Jonathan Mellor

Vocational Progress – Vanessa Hughes

Contribution to College Life – Farhan Hussain

After the awards ceremony returning students attended an informal student reunion for an opportunity to catch up with teachers and former classmates. See our Facebook page for more images from the Reunion