Topical world issues were the main item of the agenda when Ashton Sixth Form College students visited Priestley College for their model UN conference.

The debate focused on the Russia and Ukraine conflict, Palestine and religious freedoms.

XL coordinator Karen Kennedy said: "It was a great opportunity for our students to meet with their peers from Priestley and debate some really topical issues."
Students who took part included members of the Raising Aspirations Programme, which is designed to prepare students for places at Oxford, Cambridge and the Russell Group universities.

Ashton students Robin Barayuga, Michael Dermody, Emily Coward and Lois Stirrup won the award for innovative resolutions, whilst the most persuasive speaker award went to Ajay Patel.

Student groups represented individual countries with the biggest award for best country going to the Ashton Sixth Form Jamaica team - Charlotte Laycock, Lois Stirrup, Emily Coward and Ajay Patel.

Karen added: “Needless to say the students were wonderful, making some great arguments and winning a number of awards, well done to everyone who was there."