HSDC is celebrating the growing success and impact of Havant Magpie, the student-led magazine that continues to inspire creativity, confidence and collaboration across the College’s campuses. The most recent Winter Edition marked a significant milestone in particular, with students from Alton College contributing for the first time – underscoring HSDC’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and united student community.
Created by students, for students, Magpie was relaunched last year as a termly magazine filled with original writing, commentary and creative expression. The magazine offers learners an inclusive and formal platform to share their thoughts, passions and experiences whilst also developing the technical and interpersonal skills essential for the future.
For Creative Director Robbie Fowler and Editor Tam Opadiran, the expansion of Magpie across the College’s campuses has been one of its greatest achievements. Robbie is currently undertaking A Levels in Maths, Further Maths, Economics and Law, whilst Tam studies A Level Biology, Maths, Chemistry and Philosophy.
“Seeing the magazine become college-wide has been a real highlight,” they shared. “Students from other campuses are more than welcome to contribute. It makes Magpie feel more real, and genuinely community-led.”
The magazine embodies HSDC’s mission to raise ambitions and unlock the potential of its learners. Students who may find it difficult to express themselves elsewhere are discovering new confidence through writing and storytelling. Tam explained:
“It’s a great way to let the College know who you are, and it really helps you to hone your writing skills, especially if you’re doing a lot of essay subjects.”
Robbie added:
“One of the best things about Magpie is that it’s given me the confidence to reach out to people and try new things that I wouldn’t have done before.”
Through opportunities like Magpie, learners build skills that support progression into university, apprenticeships and employment. By working to professional schedules, drafting content, collaborating across teams and editing to tight deadlines, HSDC’s students are afforded access to industry-standard processes and expectations alongside their courses. The magazine functions as a live brief, mirroring real-world publishing environments and helping students to cultivate transferable skills such as time management, creative production and editorial precision. Tam said:
“Magpie has really honed my time management skills, especially alongside my four A Levels. Starting early, organising tasks and balancing priorities have been essential both in my role at Magpie and within my studies.”
This practical, applied learning aligns closely with regional skills needs and mirrors employer expectations, ensuring that HSDC’s students leave College with the academic skills and technical excellence to prepare them for the modern workplace.
By engaging with creative projects that strengthen English, communication and critical thinking, students benefit academically, professionally and personally. The magazine supports the development of strong written communication, an essential foundation for future study and career progression, whilst also contributing to HSDC’s broader culture of high achievement and success.
Participation in Havant Magpie offers valuable experience for students aspiring to careers in journalism, publishing, marketing, PR, creative industries, or any role requiring effective communication. The project supports HSDC’s commitment to connecting learning with future destinations, providing employer‑valued experiences and nurturing workplace‑ready confidence.
The continued development of Magpie reflects HSDC’s strong, sustainable foundation and its commitment to long-term growth and student enrichment. Stability across the College enables initiatives like Magpie to thrive, supporting learners, staff and the wider community with a platform that celebrates creativity and student leadership.
With momentum continuing to build and more students from across HSDC’s campuses eager to contribute, Magpie is set for an exciting and dynamic future. The College will continue to champion projects that empower student voices, nurture talent and ensure that every learner can aim higher than they thought possible.