Diane Hawkins, His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester
Oldham Sixth Form College was proud to host Diane Hawkins, His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester on 17th May 2023, accompanied by the Vice Chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University, Professor Malcolm Press CBE and OSFC Chair of Governors and Pinnacle Learning Trust Trustee, Professor Christine Horrocks. They were treated to a tour of the college facilities and had the opportunity to talk to staff and students, in depth, about their day to day learning, provision and lives.
During the tour of the campus, the guests talked to students about their studies, gaining an insight into the variety of pathways and qualifications on offer at OSFC. This was further supported by an in depth conversation with select members of staff who support the futures, extracurricular activities and employability of students, through supported placements and specialised programmes. Staff are dedicated in providing guidance needed for students, at all levels, organising visiting speakers, specialist subject support, experiences and interview preparation.
Students were asked about their experiences of college. Megan Williamson-Purkhardt and Josh Tindall enthused about their participation in The Duke Of Edinburgh Gold Award, Ikram Alatter clarified how the Student Union represents all students, while Oliver McWalters, explained how he felt a real sense of freedom to choose his courses and extracurricular activities with lots of opportunities to get involved in college life. Maisie Hutchinson described the extensive PE activities she enjoyed as a Sports Ambassador and Kamran Hoque recounted his university application process for medicine and the support that is given.
Students also recounted residential trips - Muzzamil Khan went to London with Performing Arts, and Josh Bruton attended an offer holders residential at LMH College, Oxford. When Ikram asked Vice Chancellor Malcolm Press about his PhD he gave the students some excellent advice, ‘find your passion - mine was sphagnum moss but it eventually led me to where I am now.’
Suzannah Reeves, Associate Principal of Oldham Sixth Form College, said:
We have really enjoyed showing Diane Hawkins and Malcolm Press around the College today. Having the opportunity to celebrate the rich variety of student experiences our students gain at OSFC.
Jayne Clarke, Executive Principal and CEO of Pinnacle Learning Trust, said:
I was delighted to host the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester and the Vice Chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University at OSFC today and share our many successes with them.
His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant commented:
It was a pleasure to meet your amazing students and hear about their plans for the future . Thank you for inviting me. They were a credit to the college.
