HSDC Havant - Havant

Apple C.

Word of warning.

Thinking of choosing an Art/Graphic design A level? Then please read this before considering. The teachers in the art department and graphic design department are useless. Why? Because they are unsupportive, aggressive, rude and disrespectful. I took an art based A level and it consumed me for two years alongside two other A levels! I had barely any free time as I had to constantly produce work in my sketch book. However it was apparently never good enough or “made no sense”. Time and time again I asked straightforwardly, what do I need to create to gain a good grade? Instead I was met with snarky, condescending responses from teachers that couldn’t be bothered to just give me a straight answer. The whole time doing this A level I felt stressed, unsupported and frustrated. I tried so hard to work with these teachers but they just couldn’t get along with me.
The worst part is, everything is marked internally. So even if you did try your best and produced work that is good, you still won’t get the mark you fairly deserve because of biased marking.
MANY people left during my art A level course because they could no longer put up with the nasty attitude from the teachers in the art department. I wanted to stick it out as I really wanted an art qualification for my future. However it was not worth it as I was given a very low grade from internal marking.
If many people leave one course, surely it begs the question, “why are they leaving?” I can tell you, the teachers. If this course had different teachers then I wouldn’t be writing this review or been given such a low grade.
I wish I had never taken an art based A level since there was no real guidance or help provided.
I really urge students to stay away from Havant college’s art department because it will be a head ache for 2 years!

Maestro T.

My main comment; no support was offered. In the supposed "academic extension". I was reffered there by a teacher of mine as I was struggling to keep up with the sheer contrast of pressure and workload (which is unrealistic). I went to my first session, ready to learn how to improve my work style, when the teacher in said academic extension, he merely typed in an essay question I had due into an - I kid ye not - AI text generation program, and copy pasted the answer into an e-mail sent to me. He then made me go work on drafting an essay plan based on this output. Zero actual help. The only way I was able to actually improve and attempt the results I need for university was to suffer through it, which I did.

Additionally, the college consistently showed a preference for money over education. In the music department, we were due to have a concert, however the college administration told us this wouldn't happen as there was an easily moveable slimming world group being held in our studio theater, the only possible venue in which to hold a concert.

I also had many a bad experience with cleaning staff, particularly when (as a music student) our teacher permitted music students to remain in the music department after hours to practice. However, having been told by said member of cleaning staff "my job is not to baby sit you lot", I was kicked out an unable to practice technique. After our music a level exam, the same thing happened with the same member of staff. We were waiting for another music student after the exam so we could discuss it, and we'd agreed to meet (naturally) in the music department. However, when the cleaning staff arrived, the person crossed their arms and rudely instructed us to leave, using just the same line as before. We complied, and waited outside the music room so that our friend knew where to find us, which the cleaning staff seemed to have an issue with, shouting at us to move on, not at all listening to us. They then told us that we did not belong on campus as it was after hours (it was 4:30, only 15 minutes after lessons ended at the same time when I believe clubs occur). She told us we were not legally allowed on campus (which the receptionist said was rubbish). After both of these interactions I really did not feel at all welcome at the college despite the fact I was a full time student.

There was also a quite ridiculous "50/50" work reporting system in which students were expected to upload their work online which was confusing, time consuming, and lead to the teachers being unfairly penalised if their students did not upload their work. This I think is indicative of the very apparent disconnect between the administration and the student body, with the latter being often uncomfortably belittled and patronised.

There was positivity amongst the negativity though, as all 3 of my teachers were amazing and supportive, but that's the only positive thing I can say about the college.

If you are neurodivergient, if you care about success and support, or if you want a smooth and comfortable college experience, I would impore you not to apply here. Admittedly, I knew this college had a bad reputation. The only reason I applied here was because it was the only college in my area to offer music a-level.

Thanks for reading, and I hope this helps.

- a soon to be former student.

Sandworm

"Am I overreacting or am I allowed to be upset by that?"

I left this college early. I didn't want to. Upon enrollment, I had aspirations of getting top grades and going to a good University. Things fell apart when I wasn't adjusting well to the workload. At the start of my second year, I felt a lot of friction between me and one of my teachers. I felt like I spent more time proving to him I was actually competent, than learning anything from him. Any time I would ask for help, I was met with "You should know this!" and "Well, It's not secondary school anymore." I understand that there is a greater disconnect between teacher and student in A-Level education - but I just felt condescended to. He refuses to explain tasks in any further detail than two or three sentences, and gets upset when you're confused or do it slightly wrong. He would shout and belittle people in class often. I felt embarrassed to talk to him about my original ideas during creative tasks. After mentioning this teacher to others, I've only heard worse stories than mine. This guy is truly awful.

Whenever I opened up about my disability I was met with two ultimatums: Quit or power through. I guess I chose the fool's way out. Think of me as argumentative, sensitive, stupid. I don't care. I'll be back, I still want to get those good grades. You sure as hell won't see me in his class, however.

Proxima A.

By far was the biggest mistake attending this college. No support, teachers can't even teach properly and then they constantly pressure you. Environment is also horrible. Thought it had a good reputation but I guess that's only for useless subjects.

Darren S.

I came to the college with 10 gcse’s and a head teachers award awarded only to the head prefect, head boy, head girl and me but I left the college with no qualifications. I was popular at school but I left the college unpopular. When the college realised I was struggling they suggested I did an apprenticeship instead so I applied to become and electrician or plumper. They put me into a engineering apprenticeship which I didn’t want to do. I completed the apprenticeship with a high qualification but I do didn’t like engineering and left after my apprenticeship. When you leave school the early years after are the most important so choose your college and courses wisely. Worst decision of my life was going to this college.

k B.

Not impressed at the moment but open to changing my mind! My child does attend Havant campus, a teacher was very unprofessional. In a class in the week of 26 Sept 2022 the teacher in question spent his time yelling, screaming and swearing at the students, making some cry and not explaining to them clearly and what is expected when he sets homework. This is clearly not acceptable and his behaviour is extremely unprofessional. I was tempted to go to the college but my child is scared of reprisals so I am unable to report this. My child is now considering a whole new career due to this person, loves the subject, is passionate about the subject has worked really hard to get the grades to get into the class. I hope Havant will emphasis to every teacher that this type of unprofessional bullying behaviour is wholly unacceptable, it is never acceptable to act like this.

Frank J.

We were called into the college today for a job, looked like an open day was in progress with lots of groups being introduced and shown around the college, regularly do work here but this was the first time since the college has reopened as far as I know since covid. They seem to have a very good system working and making the best of dealing with all of the restrictions and rules that come with the new 'normal ' what impressed me from the little time I was there was the enthusiasm, up beat spirit and passion coming from the staff, teachers and existing students towards the potential new intake of this years 1st years (not sure I've got the terminology correct) everyone wearing masks which is not ideal when trying to bring a personal touch and reassuring feeling to groups of school leavers in a completely new environment and possibly out of their comfort zone. Reminded me when my daughter and I were visiting potential universities for her to attend and here again I found the same admirable approach by all concerned.
Well done and good luck with the new term

nicole J.

if they offer you counselling just know it’s only for 6-8 weeks and then after that they don’t help you. they offer you booklets on how to get support from elsewhere which we all know takes ages. plus it was the college’s problem that caused the need for counselling by keeping a student who threatens you and tries to control what you do and say. i asked to see someone about it and they said the next time they could see me was in a week. they need more resources to deal with students and their problems.