Academic Enrichment Blog |

Blog post about Alexandru R (Boarding/Academic Enrichment)

On the 21st of November, I had the pleasure of attending an HMC Projects meetup hosted by the Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation, accompanied by Mr. Briscoe-Smith. HMC Projects is the scholarship programme that brought me to the UK, providing opportunities for Eastern European students to study at independent schools. HMC stands for the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference, which supports this initiative. Each year, one of the participating schools hosts a meetup, creating a space for networking and sharing experiences as HMC scholars.

This year, I had the opportunity to meet students from various countries, including Montenegro (who formed the majority this time), Ukraine, Bulgaria, Serbia, Armenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The event began with an informal tea and biscuits session, where we got to know one another better. This was followed by a series of insightful talks.

The first speaker, Dr Wolstenholme, the organiser of HMC Projects, provided valuable advice on university prospects. He shared extensive research and data from past scholars, which I found very helpful. Next, we heard from a representative of Durham University, who spoke about student life and the wealth of opportunities available, particularly the wide variety of student-led clubs and societies. Finally, Mr. Macnair, a careers advisor and politics teacher, delivered a thought-provoking talk on future careers, exploring how AI, geopolitics, and demographic trends could shape our paths.

After the talks, we enjoyed a delicious lunch before embarking on a tour of Durham University, guided by student ambassadors. The tour was a highlight for me, as it offered a glimpse into university life, including visits to colleges and the many libraries on campus. I had a particularly great time as Mr Briscoe-Smith is a graduate of the same university, so he was able to give me the inside scoop on a lot of traditions and life in Durham University. By the end of the day, I found myself wishing I had included Durham University in my UCAS applications!

Overall, the event was a fantastic experience. I am deeply grateful to Mr. Briscoe-Smith, Mrs Slater, and the school for organising it. It was both inspiring and enriching, and I will cherish the connections and knowledge I gained.