The Realising Aspirations launch event took place on Tuesday and the event marked the beginning of the programme for 2018!

Ashton Sixth Form College is passionate about providing all students with as many opportunities as possible throughout their time at the college, to ensure they can make informed decisions about their futures. The flagship programme allows students to experience university life before they leave college.

Any student across college can join the Realising Aspirations programme. Students sign up to a particular strand that interests them the most and this years strands include: 

• Business Management & Accountancy
• Computer Science & Maths
• Criminology & Sociology
• Digital Creative Industries
• Engineering
• Healthcare
• Language & Linguistics
• Law
• Liberal Arts
• Life Sciences
• Photography & Marketing
• Physical Sciences
• Psychology
• Sport
• Working with young people

As part of the programme, students try out university-style lectures and seminars with leading professors in their chosen field. They also have the chance to go on a trip to visit a university across the country. While at the university students take part in a bespoke day that could include a campus tour, lectures and workshops. 

Realising Aspirations allows like-minded individuals with similar interests and passions to get to know each other. Often students attend sessions, go on trips and work with those who they may not typically come across in a normal college week.

Katie MacKissack, the Realising Aspirations Co-ordinator, spoke to the students about the college expectations for their involvement on the programme and how they can make the most out of every opportunity. She also introduced the rewards scheme that provides students with varying levels of standards based on how involved students get on the programme.

The event also welcomed Manchester Metropolitan University who spoke about the opportunities available at university, they explored the diverse range of courses available to students, as well as more practical advice on Student Finance, managing money and accommodation. 

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Find out more about the RA programme here.