It felt like one of those serendipitous moments when we crossed paths with Will Bixby from Colne Radio. Will was deeply engaged in capturing content for the station’s Finding Your Voice programme, working with adults with learning difficulties in a Colchester provision. Watching him in action and seeing the genuine enthusiasm and connection he sparked, was truly inspiring.

It quickly became clear that collaborating with Will and the Colne Radio 106.6FM team would offer something incredibly valuable to the students at Market Field College. Will visited the college to speak with Mark Galloway about the course, how it builds essential communication skills, and how seamlessly it could complement the existing Creative i‑Media curriculum.

Finding Your Voice, funded by the Big Lottery Community Fund and run entirely by volunteers, provides free radio‑skills training to groups who often don’t have a platform to express themselves. Our students were introduced to podcasting and broadcasting, learning everything from preparing interview questions to choosing topics that reflected their own interests, as well as developing their presentation and recording techniques.

For seven weeks, we were fortunate to welcome Will, Justin, and Nina into our Year 14 Creative i‑Media class. The students set out to create their own show, on their terms, exploring subjects they cared about whilst learning how to record, edit, and shape a programme from start to finish.

The transformation we witnessed was remarkable. At first, many students were hesitant, reserved, and unsure about participating. But week by week, their confidence grew. By the end, the superstars of Mr Galloway’s class had become articulate, enthusiastic communicators, producing a podcast filled with lively interviews, thoughtful discussions, and their favourite music. Their inhibitions melted away, replaced by pride and a sense of achievement. Receiving their certificates at the end of the course was a moment of genuine celebration.

In association with Paddy & Scotts and Essex Libraries, Market Field College launched its newest enterprise; the Ambition Café.

We have recently partnered with Phoenix Homes Colchester (PHC) to construct an independent living initiative for our students. In February 2023, our first student group moved into their new home on a three-year tenancy; a fully equipped three-bedroom property in the Colchester area.

As part of the transition, students have received support around budgeting, accessing community resources, developing independent living skills, social and emotional adjustment. Once established, students will continue to receive advice and guidance through the care and support service, Peabody.

We very much hope that this first initiative will pave the way for further opportunities, enabling more of our young people to follow increasingly independent lives.