Student With Voices 3 at Riverside Studios

West London College students took centre stage at Riverside Studios, Hammersmith on Tuesday 21 October for Students with Voices 3, a vibrant celebration of poetry, spoken word, and creative expression. The event brought together over 120 students from Foundation Learning, GCSE English, and Health and Social Care in a morning filled with energy, confidence, and connection.

Hosted in the River Room at Riverside Studios, the celebration showcased the powerful voices of students across our three colleges. Students performed original poems and artwork, reflecting their creativity and growth through the Students with Voices programme. Winners received a £200 voucher, with all participants receiving a certificate of participation.

The event concluded with the announcement of the top 25 poets, whose work will appear in Students with Voices: Volume 1, to be published on 9 December. The anthology is sponsored by Hammersmith and Fulham Youth Voice and project managed by Guillermo Sanchez-Lluch, Programme Lead for Foundation Learning.

The morning was hosted by Liam Sinnott, Programme Lead at Ealing Green College, with readings from Bernard Mayengehama, Foundation Learning Lecturer. Guest poets and judges Saran Green and Alex Murdock (The MadPo3t) inspired the audience with professional performances and reflections on the power of creativity.

Alex said: “Self-expression is next to self-knowledge, which breathes your best self. Writing allows us to get to know our strengths and understand our weaknesses; that is the power of creative expression.”

Saran added: “Being part of Students with Voices was an absolute privilege. The students were courageous, authentic, and full of light. Given the right platform, young people don’t just speak – they shine.”

The event was opened by Carole Kitching, Chair of Governors at West London College, who presented certificates and praised the students’ talent. She said: “Students with Voices 3 was a wonderful event. I was so impressed by the creativity and confidence of the students’ performances. They should all be very proud of themselves.”

Marina Clark, Head of Foundation and Business, said: “It was such a joy to see our learners express themselves so beautifully through their words. Their confidence, imagination, and support for one another made the morning truly special.”

Maxine Collins, Head of Additional Learning Support, added: “It was an inspiring celebration of creativity where young people with SEN shone brilliantly in a joyful, fully inclusive space.”

Now in its third year, Students with Voices has attracted more than 300 entries and over 250 attendees through its workshops and competitions. The initiative continues to celebrate the ethos of the college and its Foundation Learning department – empowering every learner to find their voice, express themselves, and share their stories.