To round off Colleges Week 2026, HSDC is proud to shine a spotlight on the exceptional learning community that has been fostered across its Havant, South Downs and Alton campuses. This is a community built on strong student-teacher relationships, and teaching led by professionals with real-world industry expertise.
As highlighted in HSDC’s recent Teacher Awards, students consistently commend staff not only for their support and encouragement, but also for bringing current, industry-relevant insight directly into the classroom.
At the heart of HSDC’s success is a teaching culture shaped by educators who have genuine experience in industry – they are practitioners who actively maintain and develop their technical and professional knowledge. By mirroring real-world practice, standards and expectations, our students are given a competitive edge that helps them understand how their studies translate into higher education and future careers.
The impact of this approach is clearly reflected in the overwhelming 82% of curriculum staff who recently received student nominations as part of the 2025 Teacher Awards, demonstrating the trust, respect and inspiration these industry-experienced educators cultivate.
Maya Choudhury studies A Levels at Havant Campus, and is running to be a Member of Youth Parliament. Speaking about how her teachers have helped her both in class and with her extracurricular ambitions, Maya said:
“The genuine support from teachers makes a real difference too. You can tell just from meeting them that they want you to do as well as you can, and that’s reflected in their teaching.”
At Alton College, student Atticus Kerr credits this expert teaching as an instrument that helps him to flourish, saying:
“All of my teachers at Alton are so supportive, and really push you to try your best. Even if you’re falling behind, they’ll help you with extra support in class that can really make a difference.”
This culture of support is echoed across the College, where teachers’ industry backgrounds enrich lesson content and their ongoing professional development ensures that students learn using up-to-date approaches, technologies and sector expectations.
Paul Parsons is an Art Lecturer at South Downs Campus and spoke passionately about the key role that HSDC’s teachers play when shaping their students’ futures:
“At HSDC, the strength of the college community comes from the close working relationships between teachers and students. In the Art department, we aim to turn the classroom into a working studio environment where students learn to approach their work professionally and with real passion. By supporting students individually and encouraging creative risk-taking, we help them develop not only strong technical skills but also the confidence and independence they need to succeed beyond college.”
Julian Bunce is a lecturer at Alton College, and was highly praised by his students for his kindness, understanding, good humour and consistent support. One student said:
“Julian teaches in a very effective way, easily clearing any doubts that I have. He also encourages me to do my very best in each task, creating a comfortable and supportive learning environment where I’m not afraid to ask questions.”
Busi Makanza teaches Psychology and Health & Social Care at Havant Campus, and spoke about the importance of these relationships between students and teachers for their learning:
“Through our purposeful and planned teaching methods, we create a learning environment that fosters individualised excellence in every student at HSDC!”
HSDC’s strong outcomes, including consistently exceeding the national average in pass rates, are further evidence of how teaching grounded in real expertise drives student success at the College. The College’s mission to transform lives through education is embodied by staff who constantly refine their craft and stay in touch with current professional practice whilst building genuine, supportive relationships with their learners.
HSDC proudly celebrates the expert educators who lead by experience, inspire through real-world knowledge and empower students to shape their futures with confidence.