Rochdale Sixth Form College celebrates class of 2019

Molly Howarth with Principal Richard Ronksley

Rochdale Sixth Form College recently hosted their eighth annual celebration evening.

The evening was a great opportunity for students and staff to get together to celebrate their collective success over the past two years; former students were invited to an evening at Rochdale Town Hall for the presentation of some special awards and to receive their official exam certificates.

The presentation of awards opened with a welcome speech, college Principal Richard Ronksley commended the class of 2019 for achieving an impressive set of results with a pass rate of 99 per cent, placing the college in the top 20% in the country.

As the awards commenced, four students were recognised by the college for their outstanding achievements: Sarah Down, Tobi Akinlolu, Pete Winyard, Molly Howarth.

The outstanding contribution to the local community award went to Sarah Down in recognition for her hard work in the classroom and across the borough; Sarah was heavily involved with Rochdale in Bloom and Petrus.

Student Performance & Development Leader, Sarah Stroud said: “Sarah’s involvement with the local community is something she should be very proud of; she was the official photographer for Rochdale in Bloom and created marketing materials. Sarah was also involved with the Petrus organisation. As well as her commitment to the borough, her attitude and attendance at college was fantastic and she left us with a brilliant set of A level results.”

Tobi Akinlolu was awarded with outstanding contribution to college life, in recognition of hard work both in and outside the classroom.

Teacher of Chemistry, Paul Garai, said: “As a model student Tobi went above and beyond in the role as Vice President of the Students’ Union bringing fresh ideas to the team, participating in many college events and taking a lead on the ‘Movember’ project. Tobi’s tenacity and commitment towards studying also paid off leaving RSFC with an outstanding set of results.”

The outstanding dedication award went to Pete Winyard for his determination and consistency across all subjects.

Teacher of Geography, Rob Partington, commented: “I cannot recall of a student with the level of consistently applied determination to their academics that Pete had. He held a clear ambition, in regards to university and beyond, and worked tirelessly to fulfil his potential - and if anyone did, Pete did! He would consistently go ‘above and beyond’ my expectations, striving to further his understanding of the course. Not only that, but he has a maturity beyond his years, along with a strong moral compass that ensured he was highly respected by all of his peers.”

Student of the Year 2019 was awarded to Molly Howarth. A number of staff at the college spoke very highly of Molly, commending her for her work ethic and general positivity. Molly was 16 and midway through her GCSE exams when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour; despite this Molly achieved an incredible set of GCSE and A level results. She has shown nothing but courage and determination throughout her studies. Molly is now using her personal experiences as she studies psychology at the University of York with hopes of becoming a clinical psychologist.

Principal Richard Ronksley said: “The evening was a wonderful celebration of students’ achievements and also marked the next stage of their lives; moving on to newer and greater things: university, apprenticeship or employment, meeting new friends, travelling to different places and having new experiences. Our students really are the future, and I know whatever challenges they face they will overcome them, and make the world a better place in a thousand different ways.”

Rochdale Sixth Form College would like to thank Rochdale Town Hall and all suppliers who supported this event.