This week, Julie Hesmondhalgh visited Ashton Sixth Form College to speak to our students about her extensive experience in the Creative Industries, in partnership with Arts Emergency. Julie, a Northerner from a working class background, became one of the most loved and respected characters of one of the biggest British soaps and continues to work in TV, theatre and film. She shared her story with our Drama, Dance, Music and Media students.

We had the pleasure of welcoming Julie to our Performing Arts Theatre where she spoke to our students about her journey, opportunities in the Arts and the extensive range of careers available in the Creative Arts Industries. With her invaluable experience, our students were able to ask questions and gain advice to direct them in their paths within the Arts. Students from Longdendale High School were also in attendance encouraging year 10 students to trust their interests in the arts and believe in their abilities.

Ashton Sixth Form College is the only institution in the north to have links with Arts Emergency, a London-based organisation that reassures students in the belief that everyone is entitled to a career in the Arts - "An Arts degree is NOT a luxury!" Our partnership with Arts Emergency currently allows our students to be mentored by 12 creative professionals currently active and working in the industry. Not only do our students have a contact in the real world, they get access to creative opportunities, work experience and infinite advice, as well as the reassurance that a career in the Creative is rewarding, respected and achievable. 

Julie continues to act in a number of roles; Cucumber, Happy Valley and most recently the upcoming series of Broadchurch. TV is not her only success, starring in many theatre productions at The Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester. She also co-founded TakeBackTheatre, a project which allows young people to reclaim their voice in theatre, highlighting the political in the theatrical and the role the Arts have in all our lives. We also invited a number of students from Longdendale High School encouraging year 10 students to trust their interests in the arts and believe in their abilities. 

This talk was part our college-wide Realising Aspirations programme which supports students in making informed choices about their future. Over 500 of our first year students are currently enrolled in Realising Aspirations programmes this academic year, giving them access to Arts Emergency and talks such as this.

The event was LIVE on Facebook for those who couldn't make it to our Performing Arts theatre. Catch up over at facebook.com/ashtonsixthformcollege

For more information about Realising Aspirations or Arts Emergency programmes at Ashton Sixth Form College: swa@asfc.ac.uk